Special lecture by Simon Bureau (Chairman of Canadian Chamber of Commerce)

Simon Bureau, Chairman of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Korea, came to Hanyang University on May 2, 2012 to give a special lecture to the Department of International Studies. Mr. Bureau is from Montreal, Canada and is the founder and CEO of a private consulting firm, Vector. He is also the author of Global Business Mind-Set. The term “MIND-SET” stands for: Mobility, Independence, Novel approach, Diversity, Hyphen (looking for values of links), Situation awareness, Equality (creating equal relationships) and Two-way street (two-way business deals). Like his book, Mr. Bureau’s lecture was intended to give direction to students in developing a global career.

He began the presentation by asking students questions such as, “What makes you get up in the morning?” “Who are you?” and “Where do you want to be?” The reason he asked students these questions was to emphasize the fact that it is not important what one wants to do; what is important is rather how it is done. According to Mr. Bureau, the only thing that limits people from reaching their goals is imagination, determination, and focus. He further explained that when developing a global career one must…

• Sharpen one's analytical skills and articulate presentation skills
• Become an autonomous and creative problem solver
• Gain confidence by understanding one's role and not being afraid to take a stand
• Set oneself apart from others
• Develop the ability to adjust to a new environment quickly

Mr. Bureau’s last piece of advice to the group of students was to L.T.C., which means, Leave The Country because “Korea is great, but experience new countries and merge in new cultures and ideas.”

Special lecture by Rob Edwards (Senior Vice President of Standard Chartered Bank)

Rob Edwards came to the Division of International Studies on April 25 to give a presentation under the Special Lecture Series. Mr. Edwards is not only the Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea, but also Senior Vice President of Standard Chartered Bank in Korea. His first posting in Standard Chartered is what brought him to Seoul in 1978. Mr. Edwards shared his knowledge of Korea’s economy from an international viewpoint and recommended how we, as young students, can have a successful career and aid the growing Korean economy. He spoke about six main areas of competitiveness: availability of skilled personnel, regulatory environment, corporate tax regime, culture and language, quality of life, and personal tax regime. He believes that all areas can and should improve in Korea by promoting international experience and gender equity, changing to a negative law system, solving the lame-duck presidency, and by improving educational and medical systems. He praised Korea’s culture and language, which is a great example of Modern Confucianism.

Mr. Edwards taught students about the elements of success and urged students to take psychometric tests to determine whether they have type A or B personality. He also stressed that students must focus on the five values of being ‘courageous’, ‘responsive’, ‘international’, ‘creative’, and ‘trustworthy’. Being ‘courageous’ means that, “you accept accountability, take calculated risks and that you are able to challenge ideas with manners.” Being ‘international’ means that, “you must be sensitive, understand, and adapt to situations.” Being ‘trustworthy’ means that you are reliable, open, and honest; and the highest level of trust is earned when “you did as you said you would.” These values were taught to help students’ communication skills and to continue on a successful career path. He concluded with the quote: “Life is indescribably full, unfalteringly real, unfailing good.”