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.
Part I. A Tribute and Global Recognition
09:30 – 10:30 (1 hour)
We gather to pay tribute to Former President Yoon-Bae Uh, whose leadership and vision significantly shaped the legacy of ICSB.
Opening with Welcome Remarks from President Yoon-Jae Lee and ICSB President Ayman ElTarabishy
Followed by Congratulatory Messages from:
Winslow Sargeant, Former SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy under President Obama
Seok Yong-Chan, Honorary Chairman of MainBiz
Culminating in the recognition of Former ICSB President Yoon-Bae Uh, with his official appointment to the ICSB Fellow global group.
ICSB Fellow is a distinguished celebration honoring 70 exceptional leaders whose vision and achievements have advanced micro, small business, and entrepreneurship worldwide. This historic recognition commemorates seven decades of ICSB’s legacy while charting an ambitious course for the next 70 years of global leadership, innovation, and impact.
As part of ICSB Fellow, we proudly present the Soongsil University & ICSB Vision & Strategic Partnership Declaration, launching a new chapter in entrepreneurship education and global collaboration.
The declaration highlights:
Research & Academic Exchange: Joint publications and ICSB-hosted panels.
Entrepreneurship Development: Student and faculty engagement, delegations, and competitions.
Global Network & Resources: Access to ICSB’s worldwide ecosystem and strategic support.
This milestone also honors Dr. Yoon-Bae Uh, Former ICSB President, whose leadership built the enduring bond between ICSB and Soongsil University.
The ICSB Knowledge Hub will unite research, education, and practice to empower students, strengthen ecosystems, and amplify innovation worldwide. This signing celebrates ICSB’s 70-year legacy while committing to shape the next 70 years of entrepreneurial leadership.
1. Launch of the ICSB Open Journal & Showcase Presentation
The session begins with the official launch of the ICSB Open Journal, a groundbreaking initiative designed to make entrepreneurship research accessible to a worldwide audience. This fully open-access platform reflects ICSB’s commitment to democratizing knowledge, supporting scholars, and amplifying new voices in entrepreneurship research and practice.
2. Presentation Theme: “Entrepreneurship: Where East Meets West”
This special showcase will feature a research paper highlighting successful cases of Humane Entrepreneurship, a model that integrates empathy, ethics, and innovation to create both economic and societal value. The theme captures ICSB’s global spirit—bridging traditions, cultures, and approaches from East and West to foster a richer, more inclusive vision of entrepreneurship.
Presenter: Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy, ICSB President & CEO
As Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Small Business Management and a leading voice in human-centered entrepreneurship,
Dr. ELTarabishy will present insights from this research, offering participants a unique opportunity to see how academic thought leadership can translate into global entrepreneurial impact.
12:00 – 13:00 (1 hour)
The President’s Luncheon will be a distinguished gathering bringing together ICSB leaders, academic partners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and honored guests in a more intimate setting. Hosted by Soongsil University President Yoon-Jae Lee, the luncheon offers an opportunity to reflect on the morning’s sessions, strengthen connections, and exchange perspectives on the future of entrepreneurship and small business development worldwide.
Part V. ICSB Academic Session
13:10 ~ 14:30 (1 hour 20 minutes)
(Detailed session agenda to be announced)
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.