Emmy-winning TV producer, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador Yue-Sai Kan shared her remarkable journey during a fireside chat at Duke Kunshan University, hosted by Executive Vice Chancellor John Quelch.
Addressing a packed room of students, faculty and staff, Kan reflected on her career in bridging the cultural divide between China and the United States.
Breaking barriers in media
Kan’s TV career began modestly, volunteering at a Chinese cable station in New York. “I gave my Sundays to learn how to interview people, produce shows, and even translate live on air,” she said.
Her work led to Looking East, the first nationally syndicated TV program in the U.S. dedicated to showcasing Asian culture. “At the time, Asia was largely overlooked,” she said. “But I was convinced that if we presented it correctly, people would want to know. And sure enough, they did.”
In 1984, Kan narrated China’s first live international broadcast, explaining Beijing parade floats symbolizing reforms such as the “Number One Document,” which allowed farmers to lease land. “If I hadn’t narrated it, no American watching would have understood,” she said.
A beauty revolution
In the 1990s, Kan transitioned from media to entrepreneurship by founding Yue Sai Cosmetics, China’s first major beauty brand. At the time, she said, cosmetics were virtually nonexistent in China.
“People said, ‘There’s no market for cosmetics in China,’ but I thought, if it doesn’t exist, either there’s no market or it’s a huge opportunity,” Kan said.
Her approach focused on empowerment. “It’s not about the lipstick,” she said. “It’s about the ability to change yourself and the way the world sees you. That’s true power.”
Yue Sai Cosmetics became a household name, with 800 stores, three factories and 24 subsidiaries, and was later purchased by L’Oréal.
Lessons from family and life choices
Reflecting on her life, Kan emphasized the importance of decisive action. “Life is a series of choices,” she said. “What I am today is the sum of every choice I’ve made.”
She attributed much of her drive to her family. Her grandfather emigrated from China to the U.S. at age 16, and her parents moved the family to Hong Kong with little more than what they could carry.
“My parents gave us everything they could, even when they had to sacrifice themselves,” she said. “We were poor, but we never felt poor.”
Promoting cultural exchange
As co-chair of the China Institute in America, Kan has worked to strengthen Sino-American relations through cultural initiatives. These include a culinary center in New York promoting Chinese cuisine and programs spotlighting Chinese fashion and art.
“The Chinese know far more about the U.S. than Americans know about China,” she said. “We must bridge this gap.”
Kan also highlighted the institute’s recent focus on food diplomacy. “We have 45,000 Chinese restaurants in the U.S., but only one Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant. We’ve never truly promoted Chinese food as part of our culture,” she said.
Kan’s latest initiative, the One World Foundation, reflects her commitment to fostering understanding and empathy worldwide. “All this hatred and fear comes from misunderstanding,” she said.
A recent social media project by the foundation drew 1.5 million views in two weeks, underscoring the power of digital platforms to connect global audiences.
Kan’s new autobiography, The Most Famous Woman in China: How She Did It, chronicles her career as a cultural ambassador and entrepreneur.
Kan encouraged DKU students to embrace hard work and passion. “Work hard—really hard,” she said. “If you want to be an entrepreneur, forget about weekends or holidays for years. But if you believe in what you’re doing, you’ll find a way.”
“When you have passion, you forget time. You’ll work all night without realizing it. Passion will help you overcome any obstacle.”
John Quelch thanked Kan for her inspiring words. “Yue-Sai’s experiences and insights resonate deeply with our mission to prepare students for the challenges of a globalized world,” he said.
