Experience in the 36th Symposium, May 2006

The 36th Symposium, held at Saint Gallen University, Switzerland, from May 18 to May 20, 2006 was an extraordinary experience in my life. I met intellectually exceptional students and business leaders all over the world who have and will take part in changing our world to a better place to live.

Participating in the Symposium, I strongly felt that I have taken part in a special event that not only helped me think differently about the world but also encouraged me to do things for the benefits of both Europe and Asia. It was quite difficult to meet with 200 student participants and 600 business leaders but I have experienced open-mindedness and warm friendships of all participants. Coming to the Symposium, every one seized dialogues and new ideas and made friends with people from different cultures and backgrounds. I have learnt the most in the Symposium and I returned with enriched knowledge of future business potentials and an international network. I will never forget wonderful memories of Saint Gallen University, Zurich, Genève and agreeable moments with my Swiss friends.

I have never experienced such an excellent organization of the Symposium. Every thing was perfectly organized. I would like to thank much students, helpers and organizers who have contributed greatly to the success of the Symposium.

This year, 80% of speakers are CEO of international corporations such as Fiat, Degussa and Bayer. The speakers had excellent knowledge and experience in international leadership skills which leaders of today and leaders of tomorrow need to develop in order to contribute to the change of the world. I was touched by the presentation of Mr. Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat. He said: “Leadership is a noble calling. It’s about enriching people’s live. It’s a sacred trust”. Discussed with Mr. Keiichiro Asao, a candidate for the position of Minister of foreign affaires of Japan this year, I learned that leadership in Japan needs more transparency. It’s also true in my home country, Vietnam.

In the Symposium, we discussed about topics of how to inspire Europe in the new economy. I really loved the discussions about how governments, civil society and global economy work together to strengthen Europe’s ability to thrive in the future and compete in the global marketplace. This is not only the question to Europe but also the question to Asia in the fast movement of the international capitalism. We also discussed about how to build a competitive society for sustained growth and development in the future. I had some truly good discussions with Japanese, Indian and American speakers from which I learnt that all today’s world-class leaders would like to encourage tomorrow’ leaders to change the world with brave business ideas and international leadership skills. I also shared my visions and business ideas with speakers and students and learnt from them the inspiration to work with international partners.

The 36th Symposium was a truly exceptional experience in my life. I have learned immensely and experienced an amazing time with participants. What I should say is that the Symposium is unique, incomparable and unforgettable.

36th Symposium at St Gallen University (Switzerland)

In this essay, I regarded the whole world as a customer and a supplier, and entrepreneurship is beyond borders. Therefore, the new entrepreneurial formula to help entrepreneurs create viable businesses composes of 5 elements: Global Vision to know where to go in the future; Global Leadership Skills to lead their businesses in international environments; Technology Savvy to create new business and improve productivity; Multi-culture Awareness to shape company and customer cultures; and Entrepreneurial Passion to be successful in their venture of creating new global companies. These capabilities are essentially needed for entrepreneurs to transform their brave entrepreneurial ideas into flourishing global businesses.

To prepare for the 36th Symposium at St Gallen University in next coming May, I just attended an annual meeting of the St. Gallen Club of Japan held by the Swiss Embassy in Tokyo. I met with other 10 student-participants from Japan and the club members who shared wonderful experience in the past symposia. Currently, I am preparing questions and ideas about the topic “How to inspire and strengthen business relations between Europe and Asia” for special sections to discuss directly with the Symposium’s speakers. I intend to build a strong network with and introduce IUJ to the Symposium’s participants including students, politicians, scientists and business leaders. If you have any ideas or questions about those topics or the Symposium, please contact me so I can prepare to convey your ideas at this special international conference.