Acquiring knowledge and skills to become a leader in the global era where everything intertwines

Humble but full of passion, William Wei Jung Huang, a Taiwanese American student at Waseda Business School, founded two technology start-ups as an undergraduate, which began during his time in the Contemporary Japanese Studies Program and the Double Degree Program (DDP) at Peking University.

What is the Double Degree Program (DDP)?

The DDP at Waseda University aims to construct greater understanding, ideologies, and opportunities through international academic exchanges in the Asia-Pacific region. In this educational program, undergraduate and graduate students can obtain two degrees upon their graduation from both universities. More information is available on the Center for International Education website.

Determined to attend Waseda

Intriguing environment and spirit

William graduated from an international high school in Taiwan, where most of his peers chose to study abroad in United States, Canada or Australia. Although many did not quite understand his choice, he had long ago determined to attend Waseda University. In addition to Waseda’s strong global reputation and influence as well as its long roster of successful alumni, William says the University’s mission of “independence of learning” and “practical utilization of knowledge” resonated with him.

William explained that there is an intriguing environment and spirit at Waseda. “The students here are highly competitive and self-motivated. They speak out in class, which is an unusual trait for Japanese university students, and it was quite surprising for me to see how proactive they were when I first arrived. Also, the faculty here is very talented, encouraging you to speak out and make your own interpretations.”

Additionally, he wanted to build a unique and diverse intellectual framework based on the Japanese perspective to succeed worldwide. For instance, he has built his own company’s culture based on what he learned at Waseda, the idea of kaizen (continuous improvement) and aiming for simplicity and elegance. Moreover, William said, “The dedication and diligence of Japanese people towards work are traits we can all learn from.” Having such a broad outlook has made his company truly unique to its competitors.

The Double Degree Program

After two years in the Contemporary Japanese Studies Program (CJSP) at Waseda’s School of Social Sciences, William was prepared with analytical tools necessary for the social sciences and fundamental knowledge across many different fields, including business, economics, politics, cultural studies, history and literature. Unraveling the key linkages among them has proven to be extremely enlightening for him in the real world. Moreover, he obtained a degree from China’s prestigious Peking University through Waseda’s Double Degree (DD) Program, an educational opportunity he had been interested in since high school.

“I have always been impressed and respectful of what China has achieved in its political, economic and social development, as well as its international influence in the last three decades. I wanted to observe and learn ‘in the field’ where these noteworthy achievements are being made so rapidly.”

Feeling like a small, rudderless boat in a sea filled with sleek ocean liners

At Peking University, William studied international politics and its intertwining relationship with domestic politics, the economy, culture and society. Assistance from Waseda’s Center for International Education made enrolling at Peking University simple. Still, William described the first couple of weeks there as “feeling like a small, rudderless boat in a sea filled with sleek ocean liners.”

Peking University classroom

“I still remember the first day I stepped into the classroom and realized how unprepared I was to face these focused and determined classmates who had defeated untold thousands of rivals just to be there.”

In contrast to the comprehensive education offered in CJSP, the professors at Peking University assumed the students were experts in their discipline and taught 20 different theories in one class of just one or two hours. However, such a highly competitive learning environment provided William with an even greater incentive to work harder and devote the nine months at Peking University to solidifying and expanding his knowledge.

“I would routinely meet my so-called ‘battle mates’ at a café, with Chinese students helping to reinforce what we had learned in class. Even though studying at Peking University was challenging, I remember fondly the times spent with my classmates at the café. It would cheer me up and give me energy and strength to face whatever obstacle was in front of me.”

William and his fellow DD students spent countless hours in class, cafeterias and their favorite café reviewing what was taught in class, studying further, and sometimes chatting.

Looking back, William described Peking University as an incubator for anyone who wished to undertake great endeavors and go beyond his or her own comfort zone.

“Peking University is the perfect place to be trained on how to focus, find joy in enduring hardships, and contend at the highest levels of competition.”

He was able to expand his mind and build perseverance. Moreover, William has also brought the spirit of zealously facing adversity to his competition in the business world, and constantly motivated himself and his team.

Future goals

William explained that when he started his company, Teiron Dynamics Studio, LLC., he was heavily involved, starting with the product’s conceptual process, industrial design, marketing & distribution, and even the engineering aspects.

“I had limited experience, capital, and manpower, so the first two years were challenging: creating a new piece of technology, and ultimately bringing this technology to the world.”

With DD students at post-exam gathering

However, after experiencing the revelations of the DD program and networking with fellow Waseda and Peking students, William has grown even more, both professionally and individually.

“These experiences have become valuable for me. With such a diverse educational background, I can break through troubling roadblocks with persistent endurance and find solutions to the most difficult problems.”

William is currently a student in Waseda Business School’s International MBA Program (IMBA), further enhancing his knowledge in strategic management, marketing, accounting, finance, and other facets of business. At the same time, he also serves as Chief Marketing Officer for the retail division of his family’s corporate group.

Helped identify my core value, which is to associate things from a broad, cross-disciplinary viewpoint

“Being a chief-level manager in a division with more than 300 employees requires not only leadership and managerial know-how, but also a contemporary, diverse, and relevant knowledge base to manage, plan, and effectively execute business decisions. I feel that Waseda University has given me so much and helped identify my core value, which is to associate things from a broad, cross-disciplinary viewpoint. I think that’s really important, because everything is connected to everything in today’s world.”

William’s goals were never modest. The next one is extremely exciting: to become the leader of his family’s corporate group. His family has had strong ties with both the Japanese public and private sectors for more than 60 years, and he wants to further strengthen those ties. What’s more, William aims to bring these businesses to the next level by carrying out dynamic reforms to become more internationally competitive and sustainable, contributing to the economic and cultural developments in the East Asian region.

“I want to make my family business more globalized and transform it into a hub for partnerships in business and cultural exchange among mainland China, Japan and Taiwan.”

Advice for students considering the DD Program

It’s best to talk to someone who has been through it to get an idea of what the environment is like, so that you know what to expect. Also, you should be prepared in terms of knowledge because the professors will assume you know all the basics. No matter what field your concentration is in, you have to be highly motivated and force yourself to focus. I studied about 10 to 12 hours a day (6 to 7 outside of class) and slept for 3 to 4 hours a night. Yet, this experience was fulfilling for me. It was painful, but the results can be really satisfying. The process is nothing compared to the results when you have finally understood what the teachers are saying. You’ll feel really proud of yourself.

Advice for students thinking about studying in Japan

After studying at Waseda, I became more open-minded, which was helpful towards my entrepreneurial journey. Japan has a very unique and outstanding culture compared to the rest of the world, and it leads in many trends, whether it is technology, fashion or design. Experiencing them first-hand is precious. One of my most memorable moments at Waseda University is a trip I took to a Toyota factory with CJSP. I was amazed because the robotic arms in the factory operated 24/7, and I learned a lot seeing these robots work together with humans in harmony. You can see that in Japan.