6-12 February 2011
Global Entrepreneurship Training Program 2011 (GET11)
Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea
We came to Pohang from the Express Bus Terminal Gyeongbu Line in Gangnam. It took us 4hrs to come here, which is 40minutes earlier than schedule probably because everyone is going to Seoul and not going out of Seoul as a result of the end of the Seollal Season (Lunar New Year). The distance from Seoul to Pohang is about 371km. =) 3 of us from the same university (The Catholic University of Korea) came. We met Sumyeo, a participant of GET11 from Algeria studying in Seoul National University when we took off the bus. Lucky for us, she said there would be somebody who would be picking us up in the Pohang InterCity Terminal. It turned out though to be another Terminal - the suburban bus terminal but good thing that the person who would take us was kind enough to pick us up instead in the Pohang Intercity Bus Terminal so we waited.
We arrived at Handong Global University past 3pm. It was far from the city and it is quite a challenge for students to go out of the campus because when you go out of the main gate, it is already the "highway" that we could see.
International Hall - where we are staying for 1 week |
We had a small orientation about do's and don'ts, had a campus tour, Welcome dinner with surprise performance from the volunteer staff and opening remarks from the Director of the Program.
Getting ready to eat our first dinner! |
Mom's Kitchen - where we will be having all our meals |
Welcome Dinner Buffet |
The Pumpkin Soup is the best! =)
Welcome Dinner Buffet |
Library |
This will be our home for the next few days, where we will be planning and discussing for our final business presentation.
Inside the library |
By merely seeing the programme and the book kit that they provided to us, I am definitely sure that it was a right decision that I came here. This is what it should be - business application, practicality. The lecturers are all coming from USA or Koreans with education obtained from USA and Europe.
Chapel |
"Entrepreneurship is making something out of nothing."
-Professor George Kim, Ph.D.
We had 4 lectures today (2hrs each except for the Social Entrepreneurship Lecture which only had 1hr).
1. Entrepreneurship Mindset - Professor George Kim, Ph.D.
2. Super Corn - Professor S.K. Kim, Ph.D.
3. Impact of Entrepreneurship - Professor George Kim, Ph.D.
4. Social Entrepreneurship - Professor Anthony Beckham, Ph.D.
We ended the day having a presentation of our Business Idea. It was tough! We were only given less than 1.5hrs to discuss everything for presentation. The group members came from various nationalities, race, background, religion, etc. so its another challenge to manage these differences. We had some disagreements and of course agreements on the ideas we had...
Our business idea was not complete but a unique humanitarian business idea. I hope we could work this out in the next few days...
Vision of Handong Global University in 2020 |
1. Start-up business & Effective Business Plan - Professor George Kim, Ph.D.
2. Entrepreneurial Finance & Accounting - Professor Yong Lee, Ph.D.
3. Marketing - Professor Abraham Lee (IESE Business School Ph.D. in progress)
Slogan of Handong Global University - WHY NOT CHANGE THE WORLD? |
Yes, I have studied business subjects back in my undergraduate studies but I never had "liked" finance and accounting. Though I know these are something I need to learn for my career growth; thus, I was originally planning to take Accounting or Finance subjects for my MBA here. Unfortunately, only Intensive Finance and Accounting subjects are offered in my university. So scrap the idea.
Finally, Marketing. This is MARKETING! Again, finally!
This GET11 training was a good refresher for me - from a practitioner standpoint.
9 February 2011 - third day of lecture
1. Business Law - Professor Patrick Talbot, Ph.D.
2. Raising Capital - Professor Yong Lee, Ph.D.
Law is our friend. -Professor Talbot.
Law makes us understand what we can and cannot do, in this case, in the field of business. Thus, we should not hate it but rather befriend it. This is also the case for Finance and Accounting.... These are quite heavy and serious topics but rather significant for businesses to be successful.
Afternoon of this day, we had a Field Trip to POSCO - Pohang Iron and Steel Company. However, we were only able to go and tour 1 of its Hot Coiling Plant.
After which, we were invited for a Meeting with Pohang City Mayor Park Seung Ho (포항시장 박승호). I am not sure of the purpose of our visit there but I would think it is to welcome our presence in the city. I was informed after lunch that we will be having a visit in the Pohang City Hall; thus, I was asked to deliver a speech on behalf of the GET11 Participants. On our way going to POSCO, I have all these random thoughts flying in my head, what am I supposed to say?
Now, I wonder what should I say...
Meeting with Pohang City Mayor Park Seung Ho |
Pohang City Mayor Park Seung Ho welcoming us in Pohang! =)
Meeting with Pohang City Mayor Park Seung Ho |
Now, my turn.....
I thanked and appreciated his warm welcome as well as its support to the Handong Global University - Global Entrepreneurship Training Program which made our presence possible on that occasion. In addition, reaching out to people, not only their own but people coming from other countries, specifically the developing countries. This is something unusual and noteworthy.
Appreciation Speech to Pohang City Mayor Park Seung Ho |
Receiving a present from Pohang City Mayor Park Seung Ho |
CUK Filipino Scholars in Handong Global University - Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 + a Chinese student (on the left).
Appreciation Speech to Pohang City Mayor Park Seung Ho |
We have to rush back to Handong Global University as we have the Culture Night. Most of the participants are on their Traditional Costumes. So it feels like touring around 39 countries inside a room.
Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea Culture Night - Filipino Team |
List of Countries
1. Philippines
2. Korea
3. Pakistan
4. Algeria
5. Tanzania
6. Canada
7. Uzbekistan
8. Kyrgyzstan
9. Ukraine
10. Guatemala
11. Sierra Leone
12. Indonesia
13. Bangladesh
14. Jordan
15. Malaysia
16. China
17. Vietnam
18. USA
19. India
20. Mongolia
21. Azerbajian
22. Nepal
23. Tunisia
24. Benin
25. Afghanistan
26. Cameroon
27. Ghana
28. Haiti
29. Russia
30. Tajikistan
31. Samoa
32. Singapore
33. Senegal
34. Iran
35. Lhuanda
36. Congo
37. Nigeria
38. Cambodia
39. Kenya
*Listed randomly based on what I can remember...
1. Philippines
2. Korea
3. Pakistan
4. Algeria
5. Tanzania
6. Canada
7. Uzbekistan
8. Kyrgyzstan
9. Ukraine
10. Guatemala
11. Sierra Leone
12. Indonesia
13. Bangladesh
14. Jordan
15. Malaysia
16. China
17. Vietnam
18. USA
19. India
20. Mongolia
21. Azerbajian
22. Nepal
23. Tunisia
24. Benin
25. Afghanistan
26. Cameroon
27. Ghana
28. Haiti
29. Russia
30. Tajikistan
31. Samoa
32. Singapore
33. Senegal
34. Iran
35. Lhuanda
36. Congo
37. Nigeria
38. Cambodia
39. Kenya
*Listed randomly based on what I can remember...
Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea Culture Night |
Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea Culture Night - with Reshma (Indian-American) and Hilola (Tajiks) |
Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea Culture Night |
Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea Culture Night - with Reshma |
Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea Culture Night - with Erick from Cameroon |
Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea Culture Night - with Hyun Jae - our GET11 Coordinator |
Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea Culture Night |
It was a unique experience being involved in this Global Entrepreneurship Training 2011 Program in Handong Global University, sponsored by UNESCO as I was like traveling to 39 countries at one time in the same venue. Different languages, culture, training, background, religion, practices, age, ethnicity, etc. - These all adds to the diversity and uniqueness of the program. It was tough yet challenging. Having to listen to people from different backgrounds and have to agree to one same point at the end of the day as we make our business plan.
10 February 2011 - fourth day of lecture
1. Business Ethics - Professor David Eggert, Ph.D.
2. Strategic Planning - Professor Abraham Lee (IESE Business School Ph.D. in progress)
3. International Business - Professor Abraham Lee (IESE Business School Ph.D. in progress)
![]() |
My teammates - SAMTA! |
11 February 2011 - fifth day of lecture
1. Business Communication - Professor Anthony Beckham, Ph.D.
2. E-commerce - Professor Young Jin Kim, Ph.D.
3. Intellectual Property - Professor David Eggert, Ph.D.
I arrived Korea in 2010 for the purpose of obtaining higher education. Since that time, I shall say that this week would be the most fulfilling week I have in the aspect of education. Finally! =)
As I said, I never have liked Finance and Accounting but I know the relevance of these. I was tasked to be the "CFO" of our business that we are planning on. This was the toughest as I never had the background of doing this since I started working - there are specialized individuals who are responsible for these! Balance Sheets, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement.... hmmm... payables, receivables, what more?! But I am refreshed with information - but still a struggle as business in reality is not as simple as it can seem with. Especially when there are complications and special treatment for the transactions... These are reflected in these Financial Statements.
As I said, I never have liked Finance and Accounting but I know the relevance of these. I was tasked to be the "CFO" of our business that we are planning on. This was the toughest as I never had the background of doing this since I started working - there are specialized individuals who are responsible for these! Balance Sheets, Income Statement, Cash Flow Statement.... hmmm... payables, receivables, what more?! But I am refreshed with information - but still a struggle as business in reality is not as simple as it can seem with. Especially when there are complications and special treatment for the transactions... These are reflected in these Financial Statements.
Finally! The day has come! 12 February 2011 - Business Presentation!
![]() |
I'm not singing... I'm presenting. |
![]() |
Okay, so we are spending ... earning... investing.... |
We got 4th - Honorable Mention as they call it.
![]() |
with my teammate - Megan from Indonesia Photography by Martin - GET11 Official Photographer |
Articles about the program:
http://www.newstown.co.kr/
http://www.koreajn.co.kr/s
http://www.kyongbuk.co.kr/
http://www.kyongbuk.co.kr/
http://blog.naver.com/gs34
http://blog.naver.com/gs34
http://seoulilbo.net/wellp
http://media.daum.net/fore
http://media.daum.net/cpli
http://punchnews.segye.com
http://www.yonhapnews.co.k
http://www.yonhapnews.co.k
http://news.kukinews.com/a
http://guho.segye.com/Arti
http://www.sgt.co.kr/Artic
http://www.unnews.or.kr/ma
http://news.mk.co.kr/v3/vi
I was asked to write a report about my experience in GET11. So here is a part of it - my insights:
“The program was very fulfilling. It gives us adequate foundation in how to develop businesses when we go back to our country in the future. It is not only the researching that has been taught to us; however, as well as the discipline, practicality, feasibility of the plan that we make. It is a superb program as it brings various people from different background, culture, religion, beliefs into one venue to discuss and share their ideas, concerns and suggestions which leads to a challenging teamwork. From this experience, the program enlightened me to understand better instantaneously how to deal with people from countries that I may not be able to meet personally. In addition, opportunities are there and entrepreneurs as one of the engine of the society need to maximize them for the growth of its own country. From the perspective of nationals from a developing country, the want of improving own country’s economic stability has been a major source of the drive and determination of the participants to make this program a success and to learn the most out of the program. The program as they have planned was very intensive, less free time has been provided. Schedule was very tight that we would sacrifice our sleeping and resting time for the sake of our business plan. This is the spirit of someone who wanted to make part in changing the world.
I am also honored and fortunate to be selected the representative of the participants to deliver a speech to the Pohang City Mayor. It has been a unique and unforgettable encounter. In addition, I am very delighted with this life changing experience as we were recharged to act and not only think. Acting without thinking may end as nothing”.
4:45pm Korea Time
Karina Chua
6-12 February 2011
Karina Chua
6-12 February 2011
wow naman Filipinang Filipina=)-Aga
ReplyDeleteAga, mukhang maagang nauubos ang trabaho natin a... hahaha! =) jk :)
ReplyDeletenice blog. very informative post about the program. i wish they had such programs here in CA. good luck to u.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, thank you!! you're in California?
ReplyDeletelove your writing. may i share it? :)
ReplyDeleteMutia - okay, but I have not finished it yet.. :)
ReplyDeleteyes, Ms. Chua. I'm in California, not very far from Filipinotown in LA! Salamat!
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous, i see. if I will be in your area, will let u know, hope to see u :)
ReplyDelete