Introduction

Kyoto, Japan – Undeterred by a steady morning downpour, students from National Taiwan University’s Global MBA (GMBA) program arrived early at Kyoto University from June 10 through June 12 to participate in the Global Management Forum (GMF) course — a key component of their semester curriculum and an important platform for international academic exchange.

Showing strong commitment and enthusiasm, the NTU GMBA students joined their Kyoto University peers for the start of the three-days program, which focuses on negotiation, Global business leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, and practical learning.

Day 1

Sharpening Negotiation Skills Through Intense Discussions

All students were grouped without distinction of their home universities, fostering a truly integrated learning environment. Together, they worked on developing negotiation strategies and techniques in preparation for a simulated real-world negotiation exercise.

The session concluded with each group putting their plans into action in a live negotiation scenario — a highlight of the day that challenged students to apply theory in practice and collaborate effectively across cultural and academic boundaries.
 

Day 2
Deep Dive into Japanese Business Practices

The second day of the GMF program focused on understanding the nuances of negotiating with Japanese counterparties, exploring Japanese business leadership, and visiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to learn about their digital transformation case.
 

Negotiation with Japanese Counterparties

Students attended a lecture on negotiating with Japanese counterparties, which highlighted the differences between Japan and other countries. This provided valuable insights into the cultural and strategic aspects of doing business in Japan, enhancing their understanding and preparation for complex international negotiations.
 

Japanese Business Leadership

A session on Japanese business leadership offered students a comprehensive understanding of the unique management and leadership styles prevalent in Japan, compared with others.  Students learned about the emphasis on consensus-building, long-term relationships, and the importance of humility and respect in Japanese corporate culture.
 

Company Visit to Hilltop: Digital Transformation in SMEs

The day also included visits to several SMEs, where students observed firsthand the challenges and best practices related to digital transformation. These visits highlighted how smaller companies are leveraging technology to innovate and stay competitive in a rapidly changing business environment. Students gained practical knowledge about the implementation of digital strategies and the importance of agility and adaptability, while maintaining core values of quality and precision, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
 

Day 3
Immersing in Japanese Culture

The third day of the GMF program was dedicated to cultural experiences, providing students with a deeper understanding of the cultural foundations of Japan.
 

Tea Ceremony at Kodokan

Students participated in a traditional tea ceremony at Kodokan, where they experienced the meticulous and serene process that is a hallmark of Japanese culture. This ceremony offered a unique insight into the values of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility deeply ingrained in not only Japanese society but also in Japanese business .
 

Visit to Seifuso Villa

Following the tea ceremony, students visited the historic Seifuso Villa. This location, rich in history and cultural significance, allowed students to explore the architectural beauty and historical context that symbolize Japan's cultural heritage. Through this visit, students gained a deeper appreciation for the traditions and values that underpin Japanese culture.
 

Conclusion

The GMF program seamlessly blended academic learning, practical application, and cultural immersion. Students from NTU and KU collaborated to sharpen their negotiation skills through discussions and a live scenario. They gained insights into Japanese business practices and leadership through lectures and visits to SMEs, observing digital transformation challenges. Cultural immersion was achieved through a traditional tea ceremony and a visit to Seifuso Villa, enriching their understanding of Japanese values and traditions. These experiences enhanced their global perspectives, preparing them to navigate international landscapes with cultural sensitivity and strategic insight.
 

★Student Capacity: 32 
★Application Deadline: Feb. 17, Mon., 10:00am
★Final Student List Announcement: no later than Feb. 26, Wed.

**Selection Priority: First come first serve 
**Authorization Code will be distributed during the course add/drop period (2/17-2/27)

Download the Declaration Form

CLICK and APPLY HERE!! 

Online Info Session: 2/7 10:00  (Fri.)

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Agenda