ICSB Signature Event - Seoul
October 24 to 25 | Seoul, S.Korea
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.
MC: Ayman Tarabishy (President of ICSB, Professor at George Washington University)
King Sejong’s Humane Entrepreneurship and “Dream Performance”
Celebration of International Journal Publication on Humane Entrepreneurship (11:50–12:20)
• Congratulatory Remarks: Do-Jin Kim, Former CEO, IBK Bank
• Case Presentation: Humane Entrepreneurship Success Story in a Mature Market – DGB Life Insurance
Award Ceremony for Humane Entrepreneurship Excellence Case
• Awardee: Seong-Han Kim, Former CEO, DGB Life Insurance, Korea
Celebration of International Journal Publication on Humane Entrepreneurship (11:50–12:20)
Korean Stakeholder Management Association Session
Chung Mong-Koo Foundation Session
Topic: Entrepreneurship of K-Impact Startups
1- Choi Jae-ho – Entrepreneurship of K-Impact Startups – Keynute presentation followed by the screening of the OnDream Startup Ground video
2- Startup Company & Business Introduction, Presenter: Seo Ho-sung, CEO of Ugly Lab
3- Discussion
Moderator Choi Jae-ho engages the startup representative with questions about their views on the entrepreneurship of impact startups
Title: The Origin of K-Entrepreneurship: Nammyung Philosophy and the Flow of Korean Pragmatism
Authors:
Discussants:
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Title: Nammyeong Thought and the Entrepreneurship of LG’s Founder: Focusing on the Intellectual Lineage of Nammyeong Philosophy
Authors:
Discussants:
Networking Dinner to Follow
(For International Speakers and Guests)
Venue: Bankers Club (Hosted by the Chung Mong-Koo Foundation for Entrepreneurship)
Registration & Networking: Connect with fellow participants over coffee and light refreshments.
Part I. Tribute Ceremony for Former President Yoon-Bae Ouh & ICSB Global Fellow 70 Induction
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.
The ICSB Fellow is a distinguished honor celebrating 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.
• Presenters: Ayman El Tarabishy (President, ICSB), Ki-Chan Kim (Chairman, ICSB)
Human-Centered Strategy in Mature Markets: The DGB Life Insurance Case
Ayman ElTarabishy and Kichan Kim
This case study examines how DGB Life Insurance transformed from Korea’s worst-performing life insurer to an industry leader through ‘human-centered entrepreneurship,’ an entrepreneurial strategic posture that integrates people-centered management with traditional entrepreneurial orientation dimensions. CEO Kim Seong-han’s implementation from 2020 to 2024 achieved remarkable results, including a 750% increase in net income, industry-leading customer retention rates, and a cultural transformation. Through a qualitative analysis of organizational changes and a quantitative assessment of business outcomes, this research demonstrates that an entrepreneurial strategic posture can drive superior performance in mature industries when channeled through human-centered entrepreneurship principles. We integrate this analysis with the CORE performance model (capacity + opportunity + relevant exchanges = performance) and innovation leadership frameworks to provide an understanding of how entrepreneurial transformation occurs across multiple organizational levels.
• Introduction of ICSB Open Journals
The ICSB Open Journals initiative represents a significant step forward in advancing global entrepreneurship scholarship by providing open access to groundbreaking research. As part of this launch, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Review (EIR) will showcase cutting-edge ideas that bridge theory and practice, while ensuring broad accessibility for scholars, policymakers, and entrepreneurs alike. This effort underscores ICSB’s commitment to fostering inclusive knowledge-sharing and shaping the future of entrepreneurial research.
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.
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.
