By AIT Public Affairs
24 January 2024: Eleven students from the Asian Institute of Technology’s School of Management (SOM), including current students and alumni, are participating in the innovative course titled ‘Future of Capitalism‘, which commenced on 22 January and will continue until mid-April. The course is jointly led by Shizenkan University and IESE Business School, with participation from learners representing 15 other esteemed business school institutions.
The course encourages students to analyze today’s socio-economic system critically and propose ways in which businesses can contribute to creating a fairer and more just society. It delves into the main challenges faced by society within the capitalist framework and prompts students to think about how businesses, including themselves as future leaders, can play a more positive role.
Throughout the course, students participate in discussions with guest speakers, including policymakers, corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, activists from various backgrounds, and academics. Distinguished speakers and lecturers include prominent business executives such as Mr. Paul Polman, a notable business leader, campaigner, and co-author of “Net Positive,” as well as the former CEO of Unilever, and Mr. B. Muthuraman, the former Chairman of Tata International. Additionally, esteemed professors like Prof. Rebecca Henderson, the John and Natty MacArthur University Professor at Harvard University, and politicians like Jan Peter Balkenende, the Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, share their insights.
Feedback from participants underscores the course’s excellence and impact. Prabina Poudel, an AIT Alumni, shared, “The initial session was outstanding! The professors presented the material as engaging and easy to follow, using real-world examples and interactive activities. This course seems to be a unique and valuable experience that will likely benefit us in the future.”
Laura Scherf, a current student from Austria on the one year ‘BADT’ program, remarked, “I thoroughly enjoyed the first class; the instructors provided ample opportunity for students to debate and express their viewpoints on the session topics, fostering a great opportunity to connect with fellow students. The discussions were incredibly insightful.”
Suyash Dahal, on the two year MBA program reflected, “The first session exceeded my expectations. It was a flipped classroom where we discussed ethical dilemmas in a capitalist economy after reading materials. Hearing diverse perspectives from peers with different backgrounds was enlightening and stimulated critical thinking. Overall, it was highly informative and engaging, and I eagerly look forward to future sessions.”
The participants include IESE Business School, Shizenkan University, School of Inspired Leadership, IPB University School of Business, Fundacao Getulio Vargas, Universiti Sains Malaysia Graduate School of Business, Vlerick Business School, EGADE Business School, Royal Roads University, University of Dhaka, GIBS, University of Pretoria, IPADE Business School, National University of Singapore, Seoul National University, and Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability.
