When students from three leading Asian universities come together to exchange ideas and experiences, learning goes beyond the classroom.
In August, 12 HKUST Global Business (GBUS) students travelled to Tokyo for a study trip that combined cultural experiences, case-based learning, industry exposure, and cross-cultural exchange.
A key highlight was the inaugural Global Enterprise and Management Student Summit (GEMS) held at Waseda University. The symposium brought together students from HKUST, Sungkyunkwan University, and Waseda University to explore global perspectives, cross-cultural collaboration, and how enterprise and management can address global challenges.
Working in multicultural teams, students examined social enterprise cases and explored how mission-driven ventures can grow while creating sustainable social and economic value. They then took their learning into the city through a Tokyo field study, identifying real-world social or business challenges and developing innovative solutions.
Beyond the symposium, students experienced Japanese culture at the Atami Marine Fireworks Festival and gained industry exposure through a visit to the Fast Retailing & UNIQLO Ariake Office where they explored the company’s Lifewear philosophy and sustainability efforts worldwide.
Through these experiences, the trip encouraged students to connect classroom knowledge with real-world challenges while developing a global and strategic mindset.
