Director of Shanghai Totrend Investment Group
Could you please introduce yourself?
Born in Shanghai, I began my studies abroad in Toronto, Canada at the age of 14. In 2008, I graduated from York Mills Collegiate with honors as an Ontario Scholar. I then went on to the University of Toronto where, in 2012, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors and with distinction.
That same year, beauty and talent came to the forefront when I took the Winner’s Crown as well as the Best Talent Award in Miss Chinese Toronto Pageant 2012.
Then In 2013, I represented Toronto in the Miss Chinese International Pageant hosted by Hong Kong Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) and won the “Star of Tomorrow” Award.
I would describe myself as being someone who is confidently beautiful with heart. In 2018, I was listed in Forbes China 30 under 30. I am also vice president of Calf Charity Institution of Heifer International China, a member of Shanghai hub of the Global Shapers Community under the Davos’ World Economic Forum, a member of Shanghai Young Entrepreneurs’ Association and a member of Putuo District Youth League Committee.
What did you learn from participating in pageant’s and how can you apply these learnings to your daily life?
TIME MANAGEMENT is one of the key learnings that I’ve learned from the pageant experience. Especially during the Miss Chinese International Pageant, the total length of time was only 3 weeks. We had to do the castings, photos and promo shoots, press conferences, all kinds of rehearsals, among other things. We not only felt the pressure physically but also bore with the pressure mentally. Time management was the key. I tried my best to rest as much as possible. This experience helped me a lot in my daily life. Every time when we had projects, I tried my best to rest well. For example I took naps or slept early so that I could make sure I could present and perform energetically.
“TRY MY BEST” is another key learning I’ve gained from the pageant experience. “Try my best” is an attitude. It drove me to perform well in every opportunity. I felt the same way about determination and faith. I could not control the result but I could control myself. I devoted and tried every opportunity with 100% effort and applied this attitude to my daily life. Most of the results turned out well as long as I tried my best. Some didn’t turn out well, but I still feel grateful since I know I tried my best. I was proud of my efforts and I learnt a great deal throughout the process. This attitude keeps me balanced and positive when I face ups and downs in life.
In 2018 you were listed in Forbes China 30 under 30. What achievement were you being recognised for?
I was honored to be listed on the 2018 Forbes China 30 Under 30 Arts and Style field. It was encouraging to see our younger generation begin to distinguish themselves in different fields in this dynamic economy. They have already made remarkable contributions. Let our young generation be bolder and open up their own careers and develop brighter futures in the world and business world.
Do you think it’s important to support female entrepreneurship? If so, why?
I fervently support “female entrepreneurship.” I think “female entrepreneurship” not only represents women as competent at work, but also it demonstrates the important concept of “woman’s ownership of herself”. Female entrepreneurship is very important to our social fabric. A growing number of women entrepreneurs are breaking the traditional mold of only men serving as leaders in the business world, and they’re exhibiting diverse and positive energy.
As the Director of Totrend Investment Group. What advice do you have for women in business?
Be confident about who you are. People are distinguished by their individual character rather than gender, race, or age. “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead and inspire others to join you” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Tell us about the work you do with NGO Heifer International
Heifer International is a non-profit charity based in Little Rock, Arkansas that works to combat poverty and hunger around the world. The concept of Heifer International is “Teaching people how to fish instead of giving them the fish directly”. Heifer International China project is a community-based, participatory project management approach to rural families.
Heifer International China project has won recognition in the project areas, the country and even the world for its success and integrity. I served as the vice president of Calf charity institution under Heifer international China, which participated in public speech and donation collection activities in international schools across China and various rural livestock development projects.
I led the Shanghai YK Pao international school students and went to visit our target rural families in Qingshen County, Sichuan Province. We taught rural families how to raise animals such as heifers, sheep, rabbits, etc. to help families become financially independent instead of giving them money directly. Through community building and increasing income, the farmers can receive better nutrition, improve their living environment and conditions, strengthen gender equality and enhance self-esteem.
What does success mean to you?
One important aspect of success is about having a variety of EXPERIENCES. The reward is about the journey not the destination.
BALANCE is also an important aspect of success to me. If you can balance your work and life well and balance your strengths and weaknesses well, you are more likely to be successful.
Lastly, ENLIGHTENING/INSPIRING others means success to me. If your actions or sayings can help others become better people and lead better lives, you are successful!
If you would like to get in contact with Jessica QY Song you can reach her at:
Email: