GAO Jingying, a new Chinese government official seconded from Shaanxi Women’s Federation to the NEAR Secretariat, received a letter of appointment from Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin on November 8.

Ms. Gao obtained a B.A. in Sociology from Shandong University in China, and an M.A. in Northeast Asian Studies from the Ohio State University in the United States. Having worked at the Women Activity Center of the Shaanxi Women’s Federation, Ms. Gao has gained extensive experience in organizing international events.

As a Chinese seconded official at the Department of International Cooperation, Ms. Gao will be in charge of liaison and coordination with the Chinese NEAR member regions. In light of her rich experience in organizing international events and high proficiency in English and Japanese, Ms. Gao is expected to successfully carry out her duty as the seconded official at the NEAR Secretariat.

Meanwhile, Hou Rui, who served the NEAR Secretariat as the Chinese seconded official since May 2024, completed her term on November 6, 2024. Secretary-General Lim presented a letter of appreciation to Ms. Hou in recognition of her efforts for the development of the NEAR Secretariat.