CPS 2015 DISTINGUISHED ANNUAL CONGRESS: MY THOUGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES.

On the 1st of August 2015, The CPS (Cameroon Professional Society) Congress was held at Rice University in Houston, Texas. The theme for this year was “The Cameroon of Tomorrow - The Diaspora role as partners in development."

At least 33% of the audience were new attendees. It was my very first time as well to participate in such an event. I can conclude that my very first experience with CPS was thoroughly enjoyable.

Gabriel Kuiatse (CPS Board Chairman) set a very exuberant tone for that day which was equally followed by Fofeyin Bonito (CPS President). These gentlemen reminded us about the very vision, mission and core values that CPS encompasses for its role in Cameroon as well as for the African development. In additional to that, I was very enlightened by Alvine Sangang’s (PhD candidate) presentation as well as her recommendations on developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in our core education. Subsequently, her research proposals also pointed out the need for vocational training and entrepreneurship integration as the heart to Cameroonian Education. This helps in many ways as it proposes to tackle the issue of orientation at an early stage and also to track the graduate record.

Alongside these great, talents were Sidney Ngochi (Senior Engineer Proctor & Gamble, Ohio, USA) who very gratefully shared his experience and perspective in finding and developing young talents. Pr. JJ Asongu (President of Saint Monica University, Buea, Southwest Cameroon) added to the brilliance of the day by recommending his perspective to leverage on the expertise available in the diaspora, finding universities with good support networks and move along as a structured entity. Awai Agoons (Budget Manager Georgia College Macon) did a fantastic job as a moderator.

The second panel was led by Ama Bunry (Attorney in Houston) who moderated the excellent discussion carried out by Jacques Mbede (Director of Operations Ericsson, Plano, Texas, USA) and by Thomas Ndomb (VP of Carrier Relations Telco 214, Florida, USA). The merit of these two individuals was to break down a technical subject as telecommunication and present it in a simple, compelling yet practical way. I was able to understand the challenges faced on improving the Internet penetration in Cameroon. However, through these challenges I saw an immense amount of opportunities. Thank you both.

The lunch was light and scrumptious. It reminded me of those restaurants in “Akwa-Douala”.

The keynote was presented by Severin Wandji (Regional Director of Marketing Boeing Commercial Airlines. Seattle, Washington, USA). Severin presented an exceptional piece on leadership; the merit to his delivery was in the manner to which he educated us. He did not lecture the audience on what to do or where to go, but he chose instead to connect by sharing his own personal story.

My personal take-aways from his presentation is:

- What is the impact that I can make? How can I make a difference?

- What have I done for “others”?

- Why should I stop being CCO (Chief Complaints Officer)?

- If I don't like it, I should fix it!

I also enjoyed the simplicity of his slides. For example, the slides were not overcrowded by words or pictures. Each slide did not present more than ten words and sometimes was displaying a single or couple of images. His presentation was a good example to which young professional could benefit from.

The third panel was introduced by Fofeyin Bonito Yengo (CPS President) about Kolafrik presented by Asong Lekeaka (RAN Engineer AT&T, Atlanta, Georgia, USA), Cedric Tchabat (Software Consultant ADP Payroll, Atlanta, Georgia, USA), Duplexe Tchoffo (Software Quality Assurance Mgr., Gunther-Renker LLC, Santa Monica, California, USA). Kolafrik is a web platform which aims to connect the Africa Diaspora to the economic environment in Africa while encouraging exchange and networking. Although Kolafrik is still in its infancy stage, the concept and potential have been acknowledged. I will personally recommend to these gentlemen to spend time on developing and enhancing their Social Business Plan, which will inevitably ensure critical questions are answered and consequently, bullet-proof the project.

Pr. JJ Asongu presented us St. Monica University which he founded. He discussed the challenges, perspectives and way forward.

Anne Fombu (CPS Chief Operations Officer) introduced Pr. Martin Ayin (Professor of Health Education Grambling State University, Louisiana, USA) who discussed how to fight the next epidemic in Sub-Sahara Africa and Sr. Jehro Nkenglefac (General Manager Shisong Cardiac Center, North West, Cameroon) who showcased the ongoing activities at Shisong Hospital and was grateful about the action taken by CPS and particularly Mr. Joel Nana Kontchou (CEO of ENEO Cameroon).

Marie Flore Wekoue (Financial Consultant, New York City) moderated the discussion led by Pr. Elias Bongmba (Professor of Religion Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA). Pr. Elias touched several aspects ranging from the security challenge in Cameroon to the ethical principles of employment in Cameroon as well as the opportunities for Disapora investors. Moreover, Pr. Elias facilitated the access to the Rice University conference hall.

The last panel was led by Ama Love (Principal consultant AMA LOVE & Associates, Houston, TX, USA) and represented by Marigold Edwards (Cameroon Business Council, Atlanta, Georgia), Chidi Egbuna (Rockwell Automation, Houston, Texas), Uwa Airhiavbere (Business Unit Director – Angola GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control). These qualified professionals discussed their challenges and on how the audience could potentially leverage on them.

The Congress concluded on a friendly note, network and dinner at Sheraton Hotel.

Personally, it was a great experience which has to be renewed but most importantly to follow through and ensure that we walk our talk!

What prevents you from being part of this?

https://cpsociety.org/ 

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About Yannick Rostand Kounga Taptue

Yannick R. Kounga T. is an ordinary man. He is a Finance and Accounting Professional who has received a Master's degree with majors in Accounting and Finance from University of Douala (Cameroon) and an MBA in Finance from University of Wales (UK). He is a Fellow of several US professionals associations where he plays multiple roles. Yannick currently works as Controller in the energy industry and is based in Houston Area where he lived with his family. He speaks French, English and basic Spanish besides four others African dialects and has lived in 13 countries. Outside of work, Yannick is an avid reader/learner, community worker, volunteer, Father, Husband, average guess-blogger and poor but keen cook!

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