ICSB Signature Event - Seoul
The Soul of Innovation: Human-Centered Thinking in the A.I. Era
October 24 to 25 | Seoul, S.Korea
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October 24 to 25 | Seoul, S.Korea
ICSB is proud to announce its upcoming Signature Event in Seoul, South Korea, under the leadership of Dr. KiChan Kim, Chairman of ICSB, and Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, President & CEO of ICSB and Professor at The George Washington University. With the theme “The Soul of Innovation: Human-Centered Thinking in the A.I. World,” this gathering brings together global leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore how emerging technologies can elevate—rather than replace—human values in entrepreneurship.
Rooted in the legacy of King Sejong the Great, one of Korea’s most visionary leaders who championed education, empathy, and accessibility for all, the Seoul Signature Event honors this tradition by positioning Human-Centered Entrepreneurship as the guiding principle for innovation in the age of A.I. In a nation renowned for its technological leadership, the event will explore how to ensure that ethics, empathy, and purpose remain central to entrepreneurial progress.
Building on the momentum of the successful ICSB Signature Event in Sydney, the Seoul gathering marks the launch of ICSB’s new series of boutique Signature Events, targeted, high-impact global forums designed to explore the future of entrepreneurship through a deeply human lens.
Developing agile and resilient business leaders through investment in education, mentorship, and capacity building.
Equipping MSMEs with the A.I. tools and resources to innovate, adopt new technologies, and remain competitive.
Teachings and Philosophy, Past, Present, and Future.
Ensuring MSMEs have access to the right networks, both public and private, to scale, innovate, and lead.
Registration & Networking: Connect with fellow participants over coffee and light refreshments.
Opening of Forum and Welcome Remarks
Dr. Ki-Chan Kim, Chair of ICSB,
Ambassador Oh Joon, 71st President of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, President & CEO, ICSB
Keynote Speech: Dr. Ki-Chan Kim, Chair of ICSB
Coffee Break & Networking
Take a short break and continue networking with attendees.
Smart & Small: Empowering MSMEs Through AI and Mid-Tech Innovation
This session explores how Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can harness the power of artificial intelligence and mid-tech solutions to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness. Participants will examine real-world challenges and opportunities in making innovation accessible, inclusive, and human-centered for the world’s most dynamic business segment.
Speakers:
Robert Lai, Chairman of the Board at National Applied Research Laboratories
Stanley Au Chong Kit is the Chairman of Delta Asia Financial Group
Ahmed Osman, Past Chair, ICSB
Moderator: Dr. Winslow Sargeant, Immediate Past Chair, ICSB
Fellow Attendees
Take this opportunity to enjoy Seoul’s vibrant food scene while building new connections and supporting small local businesses.
Academic Paper Sessions Presentations
King Sejong the Great, Korea’s most revered monarch, created Hangul to make literacy accessible to all, placing empathy and inclusion at the heart of national progress. This session explores how his legacy can inspire modern entrepreneurs to embed human-centered values into innovation and A.I.-driven business models.
Coffee Break & Networking
Take a short break and continue networking with attendees.
Research Presentations from around the World.
ICSB Special Announcement & Welcoming Reception
Sponsored by Taylor & Francis
Join ICSB for a significant announcement as we unveil an exciting new addition to our global portfolio. This marks a significant step forward in our mission to support and elevate micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide.
After a full day of inspiring sessions, relax and recharge at our welcoming reception. Enjoy a casual, engaging atmosphere with drinks and a selection of small bites as you connect with fellow attendees. It’s the perfect setting to network, exchange ideas, and celebrate the collaborative spirit that defines the ICSB community.
Registration & Networking: Connect with fellow participants over coffee and light refreshments.
Introduction to the Human-Centered Entrepreneurship model, highlighting how empathy, empowerment, and enablement drive success.
Our Host: Soongsil University is a private university located in Seoul, Korea. Since its establishment in 1897 in Pyeongyang by an American missionary, Dr. William M. Baird (1862-1931), Soongsil University has played a leading role in the Korean national movement while also serving as a pioneer in the specialization and diversification of Korean education.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ki-Chan Kim, Chair of ICSB
Paper Sessions Presented
Paper Sessions Presented
Learn how to publish your research, insights, or case studies with ICSB and reach a global audience of MSME leaders, scholars, and policymakers. From academic journals to policy briefs, discover the pathways to elevate your work.
Enjoy Lunch with new colleagues and friends.
Paper Sessions Presented
We are pleased to announce the start of a preliminary meeting to explore the standardization of Human-Centered Entrepreneurship. Drawing inspiration from global ISO frameworks, our goal is to develop clear, internationally recognized standards that support consistent, effective, and values-driven approaches to entrepreneurship.
This is an important first step toward shaping a shared vision for Human-Centered Entrepreneurship on a global scale. We look forward to your insights and contributions.
Coffee Break to network and discuss future research.
ICSB and the Journal of the International Council for Small Business (JICSB) invite high-quality submissions for the upcoming special issue, developed in conjunction with the ICSB Seoul Signature Event and the featured event, Reimagining Entrepreneurship: Human First, A.I. Ready to be held in Seoul, October 24–25, 2025.
As artificial intelligence (A.I.) rapidly reshapes the entrepreneurial landscape, this event and special issue explore how we can preserve the human essence of entrepreneurship while equipping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to adapt and thrive in A.I.-powered environments. The focus is not only on the opportunities A.I. presents but also the profound challenges, especially for human-centered leadership, ethical decision-making, and work redefinition.
We welcome submissions that engage with the following five key areas:
Redesigning work and navigating displacement in the age of A.I.
Innovative financing models and investment strategies for MSMEs in AI-driven markets
Strategic integration of AI and emerging technologies into MSME operations
The role of entrepreneurial leadership, emotional intelligence, and human capability
Public-private collaboration frameworks to support MSME resilience and digital transition
We encourage empirical research, case studies, applied program reviews, and policy analyses that deliver scalable, actionable, and ethically grounded insights.
Submissions should aim to reimagine entrepreneurship as both human-first and AI-ready, contributing to inclusive and forward-thinking global entrepreneurship.
This is a call to engage with one of the most urgent questions of our time:
How do we protect the soul of entrepreneurship in a world increasingly shaped by algorithms?
Join ICSB and JICSB in generating rigorous, real-world knowledge that will define the next chapter of human-centered entrepreneurship.
Guest Editors: Dr. KiChan Kim and Ayman ElTarabishy
Experience the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience at the Westin Juson Hotel in Seoul — our official host hotel. Overlooking the city’s iconic parklands and steps from world-class dining and attractions, this 5-star hotel offers elegantly appointed rooms, premium amenities, and easy access to all event activities.
Book Early and make the most of your time in Seoul with a stay that keeps you close to the action while providing a relaxing retreat.
The Chung Mong-Koo Foundation is a prominent South Korean non-profit organization established by Chung Mong-Koo, the former chairman of Hyundai Motor Group. The foundation focuses on educational support, youth leadership development, cultural promotion, and social welfare initiatives. It is widely recognized for its scholarship programs and support of global education and innovation.
Soongsil University, located in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the oldest private universities in the country, with roots tracing back to 1897. Known for its strengths in computer science, business, engineering, and social sciences, the university is actively engaged in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among students and faculty.
E Today (이투데이) is a leading South Korean business and financial news outlet. It provides in-depth coverage of economic policy, markets, startups, and global affairs. The publication plays an influential role in shaping public discourse and business intelligence in South Korea.
Secretary General, Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation
Past Chair, ICSB
Chairman of Delta Asia Financial Group
Vice Chairman of TOPCO SCIENTIFIC,
Past Chair, ICSB
Board Member, ICSB
Reserve your spot today and gain valuable insights on how to drive innovation, empower your team, and lead with purpose.
We’re here to help! Reach out for more details about the forum, registration, or how this event can benefit you and your organization.
