In February 1986, Yue-Sai Kan watched anxiously as her groundbreaking show One World premiered on China Central Television (CCTV). This program, aimed at introducing global cultures to Chinese audiences, became an instant hit, cementing her status as a household name.
Born in Guilin, China, in 1947, Kan and her family fled to Hong Kong during the Chinese Civil War. She later moved to the United States, earning a music degree at Brigham Young University before settling in New York. It was there that Kan began her television career, hosting Looking East in 1977, a show that highlighted Asian culture and aired for 12 years.
Kan’s career took a pivotal turn in 1984 when she narrated a live PBS broadcast of China’s 35th anniversary celebration. This historic event marked the first time many Chinese Americans saw images of their homeland, stirring profound emotions. Impressed by her talents, Chinese officials invited her to Beijing, where she proposed and hosted One World. Over three years, Kan traveled to 16 countries, showcasing global cultures to an audience eager to reconnect with the world.
In 1989, Kan stepped away from television but remained active in fostering cultural exchange. In 1992, she launched Yue-Sai Cosmetics, the first foreign-owned cosmetics brand in China. Her mission was to introduce color and modern beauty to a country emerging from decades of austerity.
Kan’s influence extends beyond television and business. She has authored numerous books, serves as co-chair of the China Institute in America, and continues to promote Chinese culture globally, including its cuisine, music, and traditional medicine.
Reflecting on the current state of U.S.-China relations, Kan expresses concern over the mutual misunderstandings fueled by biased narratives. She sees her role as a cultural ambassador as more vital than ever, striving to demystify both nations to each other.
“I may do cosmetics, television, social media, or books, but all of this serves one purpose: helping people understand each other better,” she says.
Through her work, Yue-Sai Kan remains a pioneering force in building cultural bridges, leaving an indelible mark on how China and the world view one another.
READ MORE: