The Center for Asian Business organizes a course each summer called “Global Sustainability: Challenges and Prospects in East Asia” that takes a close look at what’s happening in business strategy today through the ‘lens’ of sustainability.
Management Professor Ivan Montiel and Center for Asian Business Director Yongsun Paik accompanied 25 juniors and seniors to Seoul, Korea and Tokyo, Japan from May 10 – 25 to learn about environmental and sustainability practices in East Asia. The course explored corporate sustainability challenges and opportunities in a global context with a particular emphasis on East Asian countries. Twenty-four hours of instruction was taught during the spring semester before students traveled overseas.
Highlights from a week in Korea included a scavenger hunt in Seoul, a walking tour of Songdo, a lecture at a startup, a tour of Nami Island, and company visits to Parsons Brinckerhoff, Samsung Innovation Center and Kia.
Highlights from a week in Japan included a scavenger hunt in Tokyo, social hour with local Japanese students, a guest lecture by Dr. Okada on corporate social responsibility, and company visits to NTT Docomo HQ, Minato Incineration Plant and NEC Showroom.
“This experience was probably one of the most influential and exciting times of my life,” said student Riley Brewer. “I created so many fun memories and made a ton of new friends that will last a lifetime.”
“As someone who has visited Korea and Japan before, I learned even more about these two countries through this program,” added Marissa Yonamine. “Learning about the importance of CSR and sustainability in business is valuable knowledge that I will take with me throughout my career.”
For more information on how to get involved in this course, please visit the Center for Asian Business website or contact Marki Hackett, Ed.D., at marki.hackett@lmu.edu.
