Organizational Chart
Access to IAK
Welcome to Our International Community
We Share & We Care
The Meaning of an Association
“Association” is composed of two ideas: to associate means harmony, and to convene means gathering.
Through the harmonizing of hearts, virtue is cultivated; through the meeting of intentions, the Way is made accessible.
When the worthy gather together, diverse aspirations are integrated—not merely assembling in one place, but resonating in shared understanding.
Harmony is fostered through propriety, and meeting is guided by the Way.
This, indeed, is the true meaning of a cultural association.
Board of Directors (Active)
Jian Geyang
Founder & President
Over thirty years of dedication to cultivating meaningful exchange between East and West.
Pan Jing
Director of
International Guqin Cultural Exchange
Promotes global cultural exchange and collaboration in the art of the Guqin.
Marian Siegert
Executive Director
Leads operations and partnerships to translate vision into high-quality programs and impact.
Huizhen Li
Director of
Marketing & Communication
Amplifies IAK’s voice through clear storytelling, media strategy, and cross-cultural messaging.
Lucy Ovalle
Community Director
Cultivates a welcoming, inclusive member experience across programs and events.
The Board of Directors (Active) is the core governance body of IAK Asia Culture Association Switzerland.
It is responsible for the association’s overall governance, strategic direction, financial oversight, and the safeguarding of IAK’s mission and values.
Active Board Members serve as Individual Partners in a voluntary capacity.
They participate regularly in decision-making, support key initiatives and programs, and act as official representatives of IAK in public and professional contexts.
Board Members receive no salary or compensation.
Their role reflects commitment, integrity, collaboration, and voluntary engagement in alignment with the non-profit and cultural mission of IAK.
👉 Read our governance principles.
Strategic Board Members
Keith Nicholson
Director
IAK United States
Contributes to IAK’s strategic development through international collaboration, partnerships, and long-term perspective within the U.S. context.
Jingyu Dietz
Director
IAK Germany
Strengthens IAK’s presence in Germany through dialogue, education, and community partnerships.
Paula Zeng
Director
IAK France
Supports connections with francophone partners and institutions to foster East–West cultural exchange.
The Strategic Board Members actively contribute to the strategic development and cross-border programs of IAK Culture Association Switzerland. They participate regularly in discussions, initiatives, and project collaboration, reflecting a high level of commitment and ongoing engagement.
While not part of the Swiss statutory Board of Directors, their role represents an extended form of active governance based on trust, proximity, and shared responsibility.
👉IAK Board Member Application Form
Young Scholars in Cultural Research & Promotion (2025)
IAK Culture Association Switzerland is proud to introduce its first cohort of young scholars. They bring academic talent and fresh perspectives to our cultural activities, supporting research, dialogue, and event initiatives that build bridges between East and West.
Richard S.
University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons
Event & Digital Support
Hanna F.
University of Liechtenstein
Research & Dialogue
The IAK Young Scholars initiative supports emerging scholars and young practitioners engaged in cultural studies, philosophy, arts, and holistic well-being.
It provides a platform for learning, dialogue, and cross-generational exchange, encouraging young voices to explore East–West perspectives and develop their own cultural paths.
IAK Cultural Advisory Council
Mr. Mario Domig
Advisor for Breathwork and Wellbeing
An internationally respected Swiss breathwork therapist, devoted to advancing global understanding of breath and well-being.
Mr. Tang Zhongliu
唐中六先生
Advisor for Guqin Music and Cultural Heritage
One of the foremost living masters of the Chinese Guqin, dedicated to the preservation and revival of China’s ancient musical heritage.
Prof. Xiong Chengyu
熊澄宇教授
Advisor for Communication and Cultural Dialogue
A leading scholar in communication, cultural development, and innovation, committed to advancing intercultural understanding and the global dialogue between East and West.
The Cultural Advisory Council of IAK brings together distinguished scholars, artists, and cultural leaders who guide the association’s philosophical and intercultural vision.
👉 Discover more about our Core Faculty & Board Members here.
International Advisory Council
Eva Wang
Council Member
China
Art & Design
Supports the development of IAK’s visual identity and spatial design with a focus on human experience, cultural context, and contemporary expression.
Yayi Kuestermann
Council Member
Germany
Tea Culture & Living Arts
Shares the art of tea and daily aesthetics as living pathways to harmony and wellbeing.
Cen Yang
Council Member
Switzerland
Cross-Cultural Arts
Supports cross-cultural artistic exchange by fostering dialogue between tradition and contemporary expression.
The International Advisory Council supports IAK by connecting the association with its broader international and cross-cultural environment.
The Council is composed of individuals based in Switzerland and other countries, who contribute international perspective, contextual understanding, and external insight into IAK’s development.
Members of the Council support international dialogue, global outreach, and cross-cultural exchange.
They may also act as points of contact within their respective countries or regions, facilitating communication and international collaboration.
The International Advisory Council does not engage in statutory governance, academic oversight, or formal decision-making.
Its role is outward-looking and relational, strengthening IAK’s global presence and international connectivity.
👉IAK Council Member Application Form
Community Members (Members & Volunteers)
Within the IAK community,
some participate as members, engaging in cultural activities, forums, and learning;
others contribute as volunteers, offering their time and care through practical work and public projects.
Regardless of form,
all are companions on the shared path of the IAK community.
Some explore philosophy, arts, and the contemporary practice of traditional wisdom;
some take part in cultural festivals and international exchange;
some share ideas on the stage,
while others offer quiet support behind the scenes.
Different ways of participation,
yet the same original intention —
to let culture truly come alive, and to allow connections to grow naturally.