Global Business School Leaders Convene at Waseda University to Chart the Future of Business Education
Waseda Business School hosted the EFMD Asia Annual Conference from October 23-25, 2024.
The event, which was held at the Waseda University International Conference Center, welcomed approximately 130 participants, including business school representatives and business leaders from 18 countries and regions, predominantly across Asia.
Theme: Less Complexity, More Sustainability!
Against a backdrop of rapid technological advancement, including the rise of AI, and the growing imperative for sustainable business practices, the conference explored how business schools must adapt. The key themes included curriculum innovation, faculty development, reskilling initiatives, and strengthening industrial, governmental, and academic partnerships.
Lively discussions underscored the vital role business schools play in navigating this evolving landscape. Participants affirmed their commitment to fostering global collaboration and cultivating future leaders equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
Professor Jusuke Ikegami, the Dean of Waseda Business School and Conference Chair, reflected on the event’s significance:
“Business schools face a multifaceted array of challenges and opportunities, from AI and sustainability to the dynamics of family businesses today. The EFMD Asia Annual Conference provided a crucial platform for exploring these issues and shaping the future of business education. The exchange of insights and best practices from 18 countries and regions proved invaluable. We were particularly pleased with the robust discussions on integrating technology into education and the role of business schools in advancing a sustainable future. In response to requests, we also showcased Japan’s unique strengths in content management and gamification through dedicated sessions. The application of global best practices within a Japanese context resonated strongly with the international attendees. We are committed to integrating these learnings into Waseda Business School’s educational and research endeavors, further enhancing our programs and empowering our students to make a positive impact on the world.”
EFMD Asia Annual Conference Session Highlights
■Keynote Speech: Education is the Backbone of Future Human Life
Toshiyuki Shiga, Chairman & CEO of INCJ (Former Board Member of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.), Japan
Drawing on his experience at Nissan and addressing the declining global competitiveness of Japanese manufacturing, Mr. Shiga emphasized the critical importance of human capital development for sustained corporate growth in an increasingly competitive global market.
■Plenary Session: Family Business: Impact, Influence and Future
- Dominique Turpin, President CEIBS, China
- Tulsi Jayakumar, Executive Director, Family Business, SPJIMR, India
- Takashi Yoneda, Adjunct Researcher, Global Family Business Institute, Waseda University, Japan
Moderated by: Yuan Ding, Associate Director, EQUIS, EFMD
This session delved into the unique governance structures, succession planning challenges, and curriculum development needs of family businesses, particularly relevant in Asia, where they play a significant economic role.
Participants shared insights into their respective succession training programs, fostering a valuable cross-cultural exchange.
■Breakout Session: Skilling for Life?
- Sarah Fidment, Professor, Department Head for People and Performance, Manchester Metropolitan B-School, UK
- Akie Iriyama, Professor, Waseda University Business School, Japan
Moderated by:
Tetsu Horie, Professor, Waseda University Business School, Japan
This interactive session focused on the crucial role of reskilling in adapting to the evolving business landscape and technological advancements. Participants engaged in workshops and discussions, sharing national challenges and initiatives.
■Breakout Session: Reshaping Programs
- Fabien De Geuser, Dean, CFVG, Vietnam
- Satoru Shibuya, Professor, Associate Dean, Waseda University Business School, Japan
Moderated by: Christophe Terrasse, Director, International Projects, EFMD
This session examined curriculum reform, drawing on examples from Japan, France, and Vietnam, highlighting the diverse interpretations of key concepts like “critical thinking.”
■Plenary Session: Data: The New Currency of Knowledge + Technology: The New Driver
- Ramon O’Callaghan, President, Gisma University of Applied Sciences, Germany
- Suresh Cuganesan, Deputy Dean, University of Sydney Business School, Australia
- Kenji Saito, Professor, Waseda University Business School, Japan
Moderated by: Susan Hart, Associate Director, EQUIS, EFMD
This session tackled the pressing global challenge of integrating technological advancement into executive education, sparking lively debate and prompting questions from both technical and philosophical perspectives.
■Plenary Session: Learning the Japanese Way: A Dragon Ball Case Study on Utilizing Art for Enhanced Learning
- Kazuteru Kubota, Partner & Associate Director, The Boston Consulting Group Tokyo Office, Japan
- Mariko Nishimura, CEO and Co-Founder, HEART CATCH Inc., Japan
- Atsushi Osanai, Professor, Waseda University Business School, Japan
Moderated by: Hiroshi Kanno, Professor, Waseda University Business School, Japan
Using the popular anime series “Dragon Ball” as a case study, this session explored the Japanese anime business, captivating international attendees and generating enthusiastic discussion.
■Plenary Session: Leading Sustainable Organizations
- Carla Wilkin, Deputy Dean, Accreditation and International, Monash Business School, Australia
- Dibyendu Bose, Deputy Director, Sasin, Thailand
- Rui Zhu, Director of Centre for ESG and Social Innovation, CKGSB, China
Moderated by: Abhishek Ranjan, Sr Director and Global Head – ESG, Brillio, USA
This session explored how business schools can champion sustainable management practices, featuring case studies and fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.
■Breakout Session: Green Action: Sharing Experiences in Environmental Initiatives
- Pantri Heriyati, Associate Professor, Former Dean of Undergraduate Internataional Program, BINUS, Indonesia
- Seiichiro Uchi, Head of Index/Investment Solutions, Invesco Asset Management (Japan) Limited, Japan
- Joel Baker Malen, Associate Professor, School of Commerce, Faculty of Commerce, Waseda University, Japan
Moderated by: Katsuhiro Sato, Professor, Waseda University Business School, Japan
This session examined the challenges and governance considerations involved in driving environmental action, illustrated through real-world examples.
■Breakout Session: Learning as We Play: Gaming
- Takashi Hasunuma, President and CEO, Robert Rasmussen & Associates, Inc., Japan
- Masao Ishihara, Director, Robert Rasmussen & Associates, Inc., Japan
- Jusuke JJ Ikegami, Professor, Waseda University Business School, Japan
Moderated by: Caitlin Byrne, Pro Vice Chancellor, Griffith University, Australia
This session featured a workshop using Lego, a tool employed by Waseda Business School to teach decision-making and strategy. It also traced the evolution of gamification and its application in various Japanese contexts, including municipalities, corporations, and educational institutions, with examples such as SEGA XD.
