2026 Global Management Forum: A Four-Day Visit to Kyoto University

June 16–19, 2026

Introduction

From June 16 to 19, students from National Taiwan University’s (NTU) Global MBA (GMBA) program traveled to Kyoto University to participate in the 2026 Global Management Forum (GMF). The four-day program combined negotiation training, company visits, and cultural experiences, offering students valuable opportunities while strengthening friendships with Kyoto University students.

Day 1 ｜ Learning Negotiation Skills Through a Historical Business Simulation

The opening ceremony was attended by NTU GMBA Director Bryan, who encouraged students to make the most of this unique opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, exchange ideas across cultures, and build lasting international connections.

The program began with an engaging lecture by Professor Baber, who introduced the fundamentals of negotiation. Rather than focusing solely on winning, the lecture emphasized understanding the interests of both parties, creating value together, and building long-term relationships.

Students then participated in a historical business simulation based on a fictional intellectual property dispute between Mukashi Games and Pixie. Before entering the negotiation, each team carefully researched its assigned company, analyzed its objectives, and developed negotiation strategies.
 

Working in teams of three on each side, students engaged in lively discussions as they negotiated toward mutually beneficial solutions. Throughout the simulation, Professor Baber repeatedly reminded students that the goal of negotiation is not to defeat the other party, but to collaborate and create a win-win outcome. Thanks to this mindset, most teams successfully reached agreements that benefited both sides!

Day 2 ｜ Exploring Japanese Business and Leadership

Cross-Cultural Management: Leadership

The morning session featured a lecture by Professor Makino from Kyoto University on cross-cultural management and Japanese business leadership. Students explored the characteristics of leadership in Japan, discussing both its strengths and challenges while reflecting on well-known business leaders and changing leadership trends.

The session provided valuable insights into how Japanese organizations emphasize consensus-building, trust, long-term relationships, and collective decision-making, allowing students to compare these approaches with leadership styles in their own countries.

Company Visit to Hilltop Inc.

In the afternoon, students visited Hilltop Inc. in Uji, a company renowned for its highly advanced precision manufacturing technology.

Hilltop specializes in producing customized, high-precision components for a wide range of industries. Rather than relying on mass production, the company manufactures tailor-made parts that require exceptional engineering accuracy and craftsmanship.

Students were also impressed by the company’s employee-friendly environment. Hilltop provides modern facilities, including a well-equipped cafeteria and comfortable workspaces, reflecting its strong commitment to employee satisfaction and workplace well-being.

The visit concluded with an extended Q&A session. Students eagerly asked questions about management philosophy, production processes, and talent development.

Day 3 ｜ Cultural Immersion and Cross-Cultural Exchange

Tea Ceremony at Kodokan

Continuing a GMF tradition, students participated in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Kodokan. The experience introduced them to the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility that are deeply embedded in Japanese culture.

Kodokan has welcomed many distinguished visitors, including David Beckham and Hillary Clinton. Many students were excited to learn that they were using tea bowls associated with famous guests, making the cultural experience even more memorable.

Business Model Canvas Workshop & Visit to Yoshida Shrine

In the afternoon, Professor Baber led an interactive workshop reviewing the Business Model Canvas through a practical case study. Students revisited key concepts of business model design and discussed how successful businesses create and deliver value while adapting to changing market environments.

Following the workshop, the group visited Yoshida Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most well-known shrines for academic success. Together, the NTU GMBA students offered prayers for success in their studies and future careers. The visit provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their learning journey while experiencing another important aspect of Japanese culture and tradition.

Farewell Dinner

The evening concluded with the much-anticipated farewell dinner. Students from NTU and Kyoto University gathered at an all-you-can-eat Japanese izakaya to celebrate the end of the program.

The dinner officially began with Professor Baber’s toast, and the relaxed atmosphere encouraged lively conversations between students from both universities. Through Japan’s unique culture of socializing over meals, participants strengthened friendships and created lasting memories together.

Day 4｜ Exploring History, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

Visit to Hikone Castle

On the final day, students visited Hikone Castle, one of Japan’s best-preserved historic castles. While it may be less familiar to international visitors, it is widely known in Japan thanks to its popular mascot, Hikonyan.

Students enjoyed exploring the castle grounds and learning about its rich history while appreciating the beautiful scenery surrounding the site.

Bamboo Forest Lecture

After visiting the castle, Professor Baber surprised everyone by holding a lecture in the middle of a peaceful bamboo forest. The unique outdoor classroom reflected his creative teaching style and offered students an unforgettable learning experience.

Visit to a Craft Beer Brewery

The final stop was a local craft beer brewery in Hikone. The owner, a graduate of Kyoto University’s MBA program and a former student of Professor Baber, shared the inspiring story behind launching the business.

Students learned about the challenges of starting a business as a foreign entrepreneur in Japan, as well as the realities of entrepreneurship in the Japanese market. Naturally, everyone also enjoyed tasting the brewery’s signature craft beers before returning to Kyoto and concluding the four-day Global Management Forum.

Conclusion

The 2026 Global Management Forum successfully combined academic learning, practical business education, and cultural immersion throughout four memorable days. From negotiating complex business cases and learning about Japanese leadership to experiencing traditional culture and meeting local entrepreneurs, students developed valuable professional skills while building meaningful international friendships.

More than just an academic program, the forum provided an opportunity to experience Japan from multiple perspectives and reinforced the importance of collaboration, cultural understanding, and global leadership in today’s interconnected business world.
 

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Agenda