I am pleased to share the final issue of the Global Business Bulletin, highlighting the programs and activities that have enriched global business education and strengthened connections among LMU students, faculty, and the international business community.

Following the U.S. Department of Education's decision to discontinue funding for the CIBE program, LMU is entering a period of transition in its international business initiatives. While the federally funded program is coming to a close, LMU's commitment to international business education and global engagement remains as strong as ever.

We are especially proud that LMU's undergraduate International Business program continues to earn national recognition, ranking #15 in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" rankings.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to the faculty, staff, students, advisory board members, industry partners, guest speakers, and friends who have supported our mission over the past eight years. Your contributions have helped advance international business education at LMU and beyond.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. Thank you for your partnership, friendship, and support throughout this endeavor.

With gratitude,

Yongsun Paik

LMU's undergraduate International Business program has been recognized among the top 15 in the nation according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report "Best Colleges" rankings. This achievement highlights LMU’s ongoing commitment to preparing students with global perspectives, real-world experience, and the leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s interconnected economy.  

To promote the nation’s capacity for international understanding and competitiveness, CIBE hosts a year-round International Business Lecture Series for LMU and the U.S. business community. These events help our students gain a deeper understanding of the global economy and marketplace. Watch the replays here.

On March 24, in collaboration with the M-School, LMU CIBE hosted “Marketing Without Borders: Redefining Global Strategy in the Age of AI,” a panel discussion that explored how digital platforms and AI-driven analytics are transforming global marketing. Featured panelists included Christie Bishop, senior vice president of The Harris Poll; Lee Maicon, chief strategy officer at INNOCEAN USA; and Paul Woolmington, CEO of Canvas Worldwide. The discussion examined how emerging technologies are enabling organizations of all sizes to compete and connect with audiences around the world. Reflecting on the future of communication in an AI-driven landscape, Woolmington noted, “Storytelling is the universal skill that will outlast any AI tool.” The event was moderated by Matt Stefl and Andy Rohm, co-directors of LMU’s M-School.

On March 18, LMU CIBE and the Institute for Business Ethics and Sustainability hosted the Global Sustainability Symposium, “Hydrogen Power: Innovation and Opportunity.” Panelists included Tanya Peacock, managing director of Eco-Engineers; Katrina M. Fritz, president and CEO of the California Hydrogen Business Council; and David Blekhman, Ph.D., technical director of the Cal State LA Hydrogen Research and Fueling Facility. The panel explored hydrogen's growing role in the global economy, highlighting its importance as a pillar of the European Green Deal's zero-emissions strategy and a priority for many Asian countries. The program also featured virtual presentations from EH Group, a Swiss fuel cell technology company, and DEVINN, a Czech hydrogen storage company, offering attendees insights into emerging innovations and opportunities within the hydrogen sector.

On March 25, LMU CIBE and the Center for Asian Business hosted the webinar, “Hong Kong as a Bridge Between Global Markets and China,” bringing together industry and government leaders to examine Hong Kong’s evolving role in the global economy. Panelists included Derek Ng, founder and CEO of Strategic Horizon; Chi Tran, director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; John Yu, director of the North American Representative Office of Shenzhen; and Iris Wong, deputy director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office. The discussion explored why Hong Kong remains a strategic hub for international business, highlighting its connectivity, adaptability, and position within the rapidly growing Greater Bay Area. Reflecting on the city’s ability to navigate change, Wong remarked, “We’re very adaptive. We notice what’s going on and we adapt. That’s been the ongoing spirit of the people, and the city is always evolving."

Chloe Moon, assistant professor of marketing at LMU, has earned international recognition through her CIBE-funded research. Her co-authored paper with Seo Yoon Lee (Texas Christian University) and Sijun Wang (LMU), "Corporate versus influencer voices in low-severity product-harm crises: a cross-national study of recovery messaging," has been published in the Journal of Product & Brand Management. Read it here.

The study examines whether companies or social media influencers are more effective in communicating with consumers following low-severity product-harm incidents. Drawing on data from the U.S. and South Korea, the findings show that the effectiveness of recovery messaging depends on cultural and individual differences in power distance. The research offers practical guidance for firms navigating crisis communication across global markets and demonstrates how CIBE support advances impactful cross-national research while enhancing the global competitiveness of U.S. companies.

For Sammy Santos, a senior computer science major at LMU, studying abroad in South Korea was an unforgettable opportunity to expand his horizons and experience a new culture. As the recipient of the 2027 John P. Daly Summer Scholarship, Santos participated in the Korean cultural immersion program offered through LMU's partnership with Sogang University in Seoul.

The month-long program combines conversational Korean language study with cultural immersion, allowing students to experience everyday life in South Korea while building meaningful connections with peers from around the world. Santos said the program gave him a deeper appreciation for Korean culture.

“It was amazing to see how much I could learn in just one month,” Santos said. “Meeting other international students was another highlight. I’m thankful for everyone I met who helped make this such a memorable experience.”

Through programs like the Korean Immersion Program, the LMU Center for Asian Business provides students with opportunities to develop global perspectives, cross-cultural understanding, and lifelong connections that extend far beyond the classroom.

This past summer, the Center for Asian Business sponsored "Exploring Asian Culture" and "Global Sustainability in East Asia" courses. In Global Sustainability in East Asia, students examined how Korean companies, government, and civil society approach sustainability through visits to Kakao, the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, and the Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice, as well as an academic exchange at Kyung Hee University. In Mongolia, the group visited a reforestation site run by the Korean NGO Green Asia Network, where work centers on restoring degraded land rather than simply planting trees, and TESO Group, a homegrown conglomerate advancing sustainability in its operations. Students also immersed themselves in the local culture, from Seoul's historic palaces and city walls and the volcanic peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju to horseback riding and an overnight stay in a ger on the Mongolian steppe.

The International Business Society welcomed business leaders from a variety of industries to share their professional experiences and insights with students. Featured speakers included Mike Becker, founder and former CEO of Funko, and Scott Withycombe, Chief Human Resources Officer at Snapchat. Through these conversations, students gained valuable perspectives on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the navigation of global business careers. With more than 100 members, the International Business Society continues to expand its impact by connecting students with accomplished professionals and fostering an internationally minded business community. IB Society President Aydin Ahmed said, “We have had a phenomenal past couple of years and very much look forward to the opportunity to provide value to CBA students, developing the next generation of internationally minded businesspeople.”

LMU Center for International Business Education extends its appreciation to the U.S. Department of Education Title VI grant for their support.

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