ESG, Innovation, and Emerging Industries in Vietnam

SKK GSB’s Global Field Trip in Vietnam gives Full-Time (FMBA) students the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world business challenges while expanding their understanding of emerging global markets and ESG trends. FMBA students traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam for a week of academic sessions and company visits hosted in collaboration with VinUniversity. Throughout the program, students explored how Vietnam is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable growth, green transformation, and future industries. Students visited leading organizations shaping Vietnam’s rapidly evolving business landscape, including VinFast, the largest domestic comprehensive automobile manufacturer and electric producer in Vietnam and VINATech, a company specializing in eco-friendly energy solutions, particularly supercapacitors and fuel cell materials. These visits provided firsthand insight into how Vietnamese companies are responding to global trends in sustainability and energy innovation. The academic sessions included “Building Sustainable Cities through Green Transformation” by Prof. Dinh Anh Tuan of VinUniversity, which explored sustainable urban development and green transformation strategies for Nha Trang City. Students also attended "Business Sustainability Ecosystems" by Prof. Kim Young Un at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, which emphasized that sustainability requires collaboration across governments, businesses, and civil society. Beyond the academic and corporate sessions, the Field Trip included networking opportunities with VinUniversity MBA students and local SKK GSB alumni, as well as a visit to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed natural landmark in Vietnam. This Field Trip offered students a deeper understanding of the intersection of ESG, innovation, and global business strategy—an experience that will continue to shape their perspectives as future business leaders. Jungryul Lee (FMBA 2027) offered his insight: "It allowed us to better understand Vietnam’s rapid economic growth, strong work ethic, and similarities with Korea’s own development journey. Visiting companies such as VinFast, VINATech, and Daesang gave us valuable insight into how leading companies in Vietnam are prioritizing innovation, automation, and sustainability." Matthew Wilkes (FMBA 2027) also shared: "It was a valuable way to apply the practical theory taught in our classes to a real-world context."

SKK GSB Hosts HR Leaders Forum on HR Strategies for AI Era

SKK GSB held the "SKK GSB HR Leaders Forum" on April 11 to share insights on HR strategies in the AI era. Under the theme "People Analytics and Skill-Based HR Strategies in the AI Era," the forum brought together HR professionals from leading domestic and global companies for presentations and discussions. The sessions explored some of the most pressing topics shaping today's HR landscape, including data-driven HR strategies, organizational transformation in the AI era, and strategies for strengthening the capabilities of future talent. Speakers shared insights into how companies can strengthen organizational competitiveness and redesign talent development strategies in response to AI-driven changes across the workplace. As HR plays an increasingly important role in today's AI-driven workplace, the forum also shared insights into organizational management strategies that leverage data and technology. Following the sessions, participants continued the conversation through a networking program, exchanging practical insights and experiences from their respective industries and companies. SKK GSB will continue to expand its industry-connected forums, lectures, and networking initiatives focused on AI and digital innovation, fostering future global business leaders who can thrive in a fast-changing business environment.

SKK GSB Featured Lecture: Technology’s Role in AI Adoption Across Enterprises

Renu Upadhyay, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Omnissa, delivered a featured lecture at SKK GSB titled “Technology’s Role in the Rollout of AI Across Enterprises.” In light of the new business opportunities and complex associated challenges arising from the rapid spread of AI, she drew on her experience in technology and marketing, discussing how organizations can adopt AI more effectively while managing the new risks. She highlighted three priorities for successful adoption: defining clear goals, maintaining visibility into how AI is being used, and building strong governance frameworks to ensure safe and responsible deployment. She also asserted that as AI tools spread quickly across workplaces, organizations must pay closer attention to oversight and data security, ensuring that employees do not use AI tools without approval. She also shared advice for students preparing for AI-driven careers. She advised remaining open to learning and actively exploring new ways to apply AI. She also emphasized the importance of communication: even as AI generates new ideas, articulating those ideas clearly and collaborating with others are indispensable skills. Finally, she reminded students that while deep technical expertise is not always necessary, it is increasingly essential that we all know how to apply AI well in our own field. This lecture was organized by EMBA alumnus Phil-Hwan Hyun (EMBA 2022), Korea Partner Sales Manager at Omnissa.

At the Epicenter: EMBA Students Experience Washington, D.C.

SKK GSB’s Global Immersion program gives students the chance to connect classroom learning with real-world business and policy challenges while broadening their global perspective. The Kelley–SKK GSB Executive MBA (EMBA) students traveled to Washington, D.C. for a week of intensive learning at the epicenter of today's rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Held from April 6 to 10, 2026 and jointly delivered by SKK GSB, the Kelley School of Business, and The Washington Campus, the program featured sessions with former diplomats, senior government officials, policy experts, and journalists. Students also visited the World Bank, the Peterson Institute for International Economics, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Korea Economic Institute of America, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Among the week’s highlights were conversations offering students rare access to leaders who have shaped U.S. strategy and global affairs. Speakers included Wendy Cutler and Prof. Victor Cha. Wendy Cutler was the Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative who led the U.S. team negotiating the Korea-U.S. FTA, and Prof. Cha is the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a distinguished professor at Georgetown University, he served on the National Security Council from 2004 to 2007, and he was the U.S. deputy head at the Six Party Talks. For Kihwan Lee (EMBA 2027), this immersion felt especially timely: "Five days is a short time, but it was a meaningful experience that prompted real reflection on what changes the United States is seeking, and what those changes mean for Korea strategically." Joon Jung (EMBA 2027) also offered his insight: "Immersion 2 offered me an attractive chance to witness active experiences of the speakers who have worked in the political center of the United States. I gained insight into global strategy and corporate public affairs amid rapid changes in the international landscape shaped by U.S. policy shifts." Joon noted that he made precious memories with his cohort—a special feature of the IU Kelley-SKK GSB EMBA Program. This immersion gave EMBA students a deeper understanding of the intersection of business, policy, and international relations—an experience that will inform their leadership long after the program ends.