From September 27th to October 1st, the Global Management Program (GMP) at Waseda University held a comprehensive four-night, five-day training program at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Generously supported by the donations of the GMP community, a total of 55 GMP third- and fourth-year students enthusiastically participated in this program. The program was designed to offer GMP students a distinctive chance to partake in interactive sessions, visit companies, and engage in networking events within Hong Kong’s vibrant business setting.
The training involved more than attending interactive lectures at HKUST. GMP students also had a chance to give presentations and participate in exchange events facilitated with the support of young Waseda alumni based in Hong Kong. During their trips to various local companies, the students split into two groups and delivered presentations in English, which earned high praise from the audience. Through this training, students were able to deeply engage with the dynamic business environment of Hong Kong and discuss global business issues in English.
Students provide more detailed reports of various activities during the training below:
▶ Lecture by Local Alumni
▶ Visit to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
▶ Corporate Visits (Group A: NTT Com Asia Ltd., Société Générale)
▶ Corporate Visits (Group B: ITOCHU Hong Kong, AIA Group)
▶ Dinner with the Hong Kong Tomonkai
▶ Lecture by Local Alumni (Guest Speaker: Ms. Akazawa, Graduate of Waseda University School of Commerce)
On the morning of September 28th, the students attended a lecture by Ms. Akazawa, a Waseda University School of Commerce alumna and employee at Vector Hong Kong. She offered valuable insights about her role at Vector, life in Hong Kong, and her views on career progression. In addition to sharing the allure of Hong Kong life from a professional residing in Hong Kong, Ms. Akazawa provided an unvarnished view of both the fascinating and challenging aspects of working with international colleagues. Her insights enabled the students to gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to work abroad.
For those among us contemplating a global career, the insights and experiences shared by Ms. Akazawa, who works in an environment with a limited Japanese presence, were particularly inspiring. Her emphasis on the necessity of deeply understanding oneself and actively seeking out an environment where one can excel in future career choices served as an invaluable lesson to the students. (Takuto Takenaka, GMP 4th Year)
▶ Visit to the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
On the afternoon of September 28th, the GMP group visited HKUST for a series of events. These included lectures by HKUST professors, a student-led campus tour, and a dinner party, all aimed at enhancing mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the two universities.
The lecture, which focused on “Thinking about the Future of the Metaverse with a Historical Perspective on Business,” led to high-quality discussions between GMP and HKUST students. Following the lecture, HKUST students guided the visitors through their campus. Approximately five times larger than Waseda’s, the HKUST campus and its stunning seaside views impressed the students.
The dinner party served as a lively stage for engaging interactions, encompassing discussions, quizzes, and games, which significantly deepened the bond between GMP and HKUST students. This enriching experience of learning and networking with top students from across the globe during the training was invaluable for the GMP students.
We look forward to further expanding the GMP network through various interactions with people and organizations in the future. (Airi Oishi, GMP 4th Year)
▶ Corporate Visits (Group A: NTT Com Asia Ltd., Société Générale)
On the morning of September 29th, the Group A students visited NTT Com Asia Ltd. The students presented their business proposals, attended business presentations, and toured the data center. For each presentation, the GMP students received valuable advice not only on understanding the business but also on skills for presenting and documenting key information and ideas. The data center tour was particularly insightful, granting access to typically restricted areas and offering a glimpse into the core of information infrastructure.
In the afternoon, the group visited Société Générale. During the visit, they presented their proposals, attended presentations on the company’s business, toured the office, and engaged in networking opportunities. The presentations by Société Générale not only broadened our understanding of their operations but also offered lessons in effective presentation techniques. The office tour allowed us to see the actual work environment and envision our future careers. The warm reception during the office tour was especially memorable. The networking session proved invaluable for in-depth career discussions, significantly aiding the GMP students’ career planning.
This company visit was an enriching experience. It enabled the students to apply their English skills in a practical setting and to envision their future career options. Such experiences are unique to the GMP program.
Motivated by these insights, I am committed to diligently acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to become a global business leader. (Ryosuke Suzuki, GMP 3rd Year)
▶ Corporate Visits (Group B: ITOCHU Hong Kong, AIA Group)
The students assigned to Group B visited ITOCHU Hong Kong and AIA Group. The group was divided into four subgroups, with each pair of subgroups tasked with delivering a presentation in English to one of the companies.
During the visit to ITOCHU Hong Kong, after the company introduction, the students presented their business proposals in English, followed by a feedback session. The insights gained from the feedback, as well as the discussions during lunch, highlighted a notable discrepancy between the challenges experienced by the local staff and those perceived by the students in their proposal. This experience emphasized the critical value of observing and understanding the actual environment of the work site.
At the AIA Group office, the visit began with the company’s introduction, after which the students presented in English, followed by a feedback session. The students also had the chance to hear from the members leading Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives within AIA, gaining direct insights into current ESG trends. Additionally, there was an engaging panel discussion involving frontline Financial Planners from the company, focusing on professional mindsets and approaches. This interaction was especially enriching and thought-provoking for the students.
From these company visits, the most significant takeaway for me was the vital importance of relentlessly pursuing growth and aiming for excellence beyond 100% without compromise. At ITOCHU Hong Kong, the statement, “We do not leave a single word in the presentation materials that cannot be explained,” left a profound impression. This method of crafting presentations, characterized by the avoidance of vague language and careful selection of keywords, reduces the likelihood of encountering questions that can’t be answered. This strategy significantly bolsters the presentation’s persuasiveness, ensuring clarity and impact in communication. During the panel discussion at the AIA Group, the presentation by two speakers was particularly impactful. Their enthusiastic articulation of their life goals and the reasons why AIA was integral to these aspirations was compelling. Observing their firm determination to grow and advance in their careers through various means provided a powerful source of inspiration.
These company visits offered an exceptional chance for the students to interact with individuals outside their usual circles and engage in meaningful discussions within actual corporate settings. This experience is something I intend to leverage in my future career and, indeed, throughout my life, recognizing the value of such real-world exposure and the insights gained from it. (Koki Maeda, Kento Nakamura, GMP 4th Year)
▶ Dinner with the Hong Kong Tomonkai
On the evening of September 29th, we had a dinner with members of the Hong Kong Tomonkai. We invited six members of the Tomonkai, an organization composed of graduates of Waseda University. While enjoying Hong Kong cuisine, the GMP students had the opportunity to hear valuable insights from seniors working in various industries, such as securities, hedge funds, and e-commerce.
The Tomonkai members began the evening by introducing themselves, after which they mingled with the GMP students at different tables, fostering deeper connections. Having visited companies earlier that day, the students were eager to ask their seniors about various topics, from specific job roles to broader aspects of working overseas. The alumni’s personal accounts of the joys and challenges of working in Hong Kong particularly resonated with the GMP students who are seeking global careers.
This dinner was especially beneficial for third-year students amid job hunting, offering them a clearer view of various industries, while fourth-year students found it helpful for contemplating their long-term career trajectories. The students hope to channel the inspiration and insights gained from this enriching experience as a catalyst for their future endeavors upon returning to Japan. (Ruixin Zhu, GMP 4th Year)
Reflecting on the entirety of their journey, the GMP students expressed their gratitude for the invaluable experiences they gained during the Hong Kong training program. These encounters, ranging from engaging lectures by industry experts to immersive corporate visits and networking opportunities, have left an indelible mark on their understanding of global business practices and strengthened their resolve to pursue successful careers on the international stage. Upon their return to Japan, the students look forward to applying these learnings to their academic and professional journeys.
