Broad College expands global partnerships during MSU delegation trip to Japan and Korea

In May 2025, David Souder, the Eli and Edythe L. Broad Dean of the Broad College of Business, joined a Michigan State University delegation to Japan and Korea, led by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz. This university-wide initiative, which included deans from several MSU colleges, was designed to strengthen international academic partnerships, alumni engagement, and institutional visibility across Asia.

For Broad, the trip provided key opportunities to deepen global relationships that benefit students, faculty, and the college’s international portfolio. Dean Souder advanced Broad-specific priorities through strategic discussions with academic partners and university leaders in both countries, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in business education.

In Seoul, Dean Souder met with Dr. Hyunsoo Choi, head of the Graduate School of Finance, and Dr. Minki Kim, head of the Graduate School of Business, at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). Their conversations reaffirmed the success of a dual-degree partnership that has contributed to a steady stream of KAIST students enrolling in Broad’s Master’s in Finance program since 2013. Six KAIST students are currently enrolled in the program.

“Our partnership with KAIST has been a cornerstone of the M.S. in Finance program’s international success,” said Tae-Jung Kim, director of the M.S. in Finance program at Broad. “KAIST students bring strong quantitative and analytical skills that enrich our classroom discussions and contribute to a dynamic, globally minded learning environment. We’re excited to continue growing this relationship through expanded collaboration in both research and academic exchange.”

Both institutions expressed strong interest in expanding their collaboration to include faculty mobility, applied finance and analytics research, and joint work in marketing analytics. “International partnerships like this one with KAIST strengthen our graduate programs and create unique learning and research opportunities for students and faculty alike,” said Dean Souder. “The success of our collaboration in the M.S. in Finance program is a model for what’s possible when institutions align around shared academic goals. We hope to build on this foundation and expand our partnership into other degree programs across Broad.”

At Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Dean Souder met with leadership from the SKKU Business School to explore collaboration in curriculum development, faculty exchange, and business education innovation. The dialogue highlighted a shared commitment to building structured global pathways that enhance student experiences and support international program growth.

A significant milestone from the visit was the signing of an undergraduate student exchange agreement – Broad’s first formalized partnership with SKKU. While student exchanges are still being developed, the agreement lays the groundwork for future opportunities and cultural exchange.

Dean Souder joined MSU leadership, alumni, and partners for the Global Spartan Reunion Seoul 2025, held May 17–18 on the campus of Konkuk University. The event celebrated Michigan State University’s long-standing ties to Korea through academic collaboration, international partnerships, and a vibrant alumni network, home to more than 2,000 Spartan alumni in Seoul alone.

Hosted by Konkuk University President and MSU alumnus Jong-Pil Won, the reunion brought together Spartans from around the world for a weekend of connection, inspiration, and cultural exchange. The program featured networking opportunities, academic sessions led by MSU faculty and thought leaders, and performances by alumni from the MSU College of Music.

Dean Souder moderated a panel discussion entitled Business Innovation in Asia, featuring Andrei Simonov, chairperson of the Department of Finance at Broad, and two MSU alums, Daniel Ma (B.A. Hotel and Restaurant Management ’91) and Jane Park (B.A. Interior Design ’92). The session highlighted the success stories of alumni who launched innovative ventures and business practices in Asia after graduation.

“At the Broad College, we’re not just teaching students how to build models or optimize portfolios—we’re preparing them to lead in a global business environment”, said Simonov. “Especially in finance, we emphasize both technical mastery and the ability to communicate across cultures and disciplines. A brilliant idea means little if you can’t articulate it. That’s why our curriculum balances advanced financial analytics with intentional training in business communication. Panels like this are essential because they bring these conversations into a global context, and help us strengthen connections with alumni, partners, and prospective students around the world.”

From thoughtful academic discussions to cultural exchanges and alumni celebrations, each experience underscored the value of international collaboration. These visits not only strengthened existing partnerships but also opened new doors for shared innovation and student opportunity. As MSU deepens its global engagement, the Broad College is proud to be part of this effort to build lasting relationships that advance our mission and prepare future business leaders to thrive in a global economy.