ICSB Signature Event - SYDNEY
From Capital to Capability: Investing in MSMEs and Human-Centered Entrepreneurship Forum
Sydney | July 9-10, 2025 Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Sydney | July 9-10, 2025 Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Shifting trade dynamics, global shocks, and rapid technological change are reshaping the world. In response, nations are turning inward to build more resilient, self-sustaining economies. At the center of this shift are MSMEs, flexible, innovative, and deeply rooted in their communities. Investing in these enterprises isn’t just smart economics, it’s a strategic imperative for long-term stability.
As MSMEs face mounting pressures, their ability to adapt and innovate has become essential. Investing in the next generation of MSME leaders prepares them to lead with agility, vision, and purpose. This gathering in Sydney is a call to action for public and private leaders to support MSMEs, nurture leadership, and spark the innovation needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
Developing agile business leaders through investment in education, mentorship, and capacity building.
Equipping MSMEs with the tools and resources to innovate, adopt new technologies, and remain competitive.
Strengthening local and global support networks, including policy frameworks, financial systems, and partnerships.
Ensuring MSMEs have access to the right financial instruments both public and private to scale, innovate, and lead.
Registration & Networking: Connect with fellow participants over coffee and light refreshments.
Opening of Forum:
Welcome Remarks:
Dr. Kichan Kim, Chair of ICSB,
Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, President & CEO, ICSB
The Hon Bruce Billson, Ombudsman, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Congratulatory Remarks: Ambassador Oh Joon, 71st President of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
Keynote Speech:
Cameron McKenzie, CEO of Aspire, Circular Economy, | Australia
ASPIRE (Advisory System for Process Innovation and Resource Exchange) is an Australian-born digital B2B marketplace that facilitates the reuse of industrial waste materials, transforming them into inputs for other sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Initially incubated by CSIRO, the platform leverages AI for material matchmaking and offers integrated ESG tracking tools. Having successfully launched in Australia and Hong Kong, ASPIRE is now eyeing expansion into European markets. Aspire provides a great and rich example of the internationalization of sustainable platforms, navigating regulatory differences, and striking a balance between commercial goals and social and environmental impact. ASPIRE has since evolved into an independent platform, supporting over 5,000 businesses in Australia and Hong Kong, with a highly experienced team.
A dynamic discussion with MSME leaders exploring the key challenges they face today and the opportunities shaping their future growth.
Australia: The Hon Bruce Billson, Ombudsman, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
S. Korea: Dr. Jungwha Han, Chairman, Korea Entrepreneurship Foundation
Argentina: Dr. Ruben Ascua, Rector, Universidad Nacional de Rafaela
Moderator: Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy
Coffee Break & Networking
Take a short break and continue networking with attendees.
Panel Session 2 explores how countries and organizations worldwide successfully invest in SMEs to drive innovation, growth, and human-centered business strategies. Experts will share proven strategies, funding models, and policy frameworks that have empowered small businesses to thrive in diverse economic contexts. This session offers practical insights and global perspectives to help shape more effective SME investment approaches.
Elton Chou, CEO of Kiddie’s Paradise, Taiwan
Professor Reinhard Schulte, Leuphana University, Germany
Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne, Associate Dean (Research) & Professor of Innovation, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, The University of Queensland, Australia
Session Chair: Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy
Fellow Attendees
Take this opportunity to enjoy Sydney’s vibrant food scene while building new connections and supporting small local businesses.
Session 3: Women lead nearly half of the world’s MSMEs, yet their scaling journeys often face distinct challenges and barriers. This session brings together successful women CEOs to share their experiences, insights, and growth strategies. Join us for a robust conversation on unlocking the full potential of women-led enterprises in today’s dynamic economy.
Panelist #1: Yi-Wen Chen, Associate Professor, Department of Business Administration, National Taipei University of Business
Panelist #2: Dr Leonora Risse, Associate Professor in Economics, School of Politics, Economics and Society, University of Canberra
Session Chair: Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne, Associate Dean (Research) & Professor of Innovation, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, The University of Queensland, Australia
In this session, we will showcase cutting-edge research papers presented by leading scholars whose work is shaping the future of MSMEs. These high-impact studies offer fresh insights, practical implications, and bold ideas to solve today’s most pressing entrepreneurial challenges.
Paper #1: Beyond Customer-Centricity: Integrating Sustainability into Entrepreneurship Education Discovery Methods, Surin Kim and Molly R. Brand
Paper #2: The Impact of Digital Transformation on Small Manufacturing Businesses in Korea: The Role of Industry Type, Competitive Strategy, and Business Model Innovation, Jongkun Jun and Mu-seong Park
Paper #3: Anchoring Sustainable Innovation in the Regions: The Long-Term Impact of Kyushu University’s Entrepreneurship Education on Alumni Behavior, Yuka Watanabe and Megumi Takata
Paper #4: Toward More Effective Angel Investing: A Systematic Analysis of Key Role Areas and Improvement Priorities by Eunjin Lee
Chair. Dr. Jeffrey Alves, Incoming Chair, ICSB
Coffee Break & Networking
Take a short break and continue networking with attendees.
This session offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the editors of the Journal of Small Business Management (JSBM) and the Journal of the International Council for Small Business (JICSB). Learn about current publishing trends, what makes a manuscript stand out, and how to successfully navigate the peer-review process. Whether you’re an emerging scholar or an experienced researcher, this is your chance to gain insider insights and ask questions that can advance your academic publishing journey.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy and Dr. Jeffrey Alves
Supported by: Taylor & Francis Publshing
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 an important 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.
About Our Sponsor – Taylor & Francis:
Taylor & Francis Group, the proud sponsor of this event, is a leading international academic publisher headquartered in the United Kingdom. Established in 1852 by William Francis and Richard Taylor, whose original publishing venture began in 1798, the group publishes books and journals across disciplines including agriculture, chemistry, education, engineering, geography, law, mathematics, medicine, and the social sciences.
Registration & Networking: Connect with fellow participants over coffee and light refreshments.
Opening Keynote: Introduction to the Human-Centered Entrepreneurship model, highlighting how empathy, empowerment, and enablement drive success.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kichan Kim
Panel Discussion on the Application of Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in the Business Sector,” featuring presentations and discussions by participants from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Korea.
Session Chair: Dr. Kichan Kim
Session 2: Discover the rich origins of Korean entrepreneurship and how centuries-old values continue to shape modern business practices. This session will delve into the enduring principles of Jo-Shik, a foundational philosophy rooted in ethics, harmony, and community, closely aligned with today’s human-centered entrepreneurship movement. We will explore how these cultural and philosophical insights can guide MSMEs in creating purpose-driven, sustainable ventures and discuss how Korea’s entrepreneurial evolution offers a roadmap for the future.
Speakers: Ambassador Oh Joon and Kichan Kim
Coffee Break & Networking
Take a short break and continue networking with attendees.
This session highlights breakthrough research that directly addresses the needs and challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Presenters will showcase innovative studies with practical implications, focusing on digital transformation, sustainability, inclusive growth, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. This session aims to empower policymakers, practitioners, and SME leaders with evidence-based strategies that drive meaningful impact by bridging the gap between academic insights and real-world application. Join us to explore how research can catalyze growth, resilience, and innovation in the SME sector.
Paper #1: A Study on Follow-on Investment of Venture Capital: effect of Board Participation by Pooreum Ryu and Dohyeon Kim
Paper #2: How Does Humane Entrepreneurship Evoke Employees’ Innovative Activities? -The Impacts of Organizational Value on Competency and Entrepreneurial Readiness by Atsushi Kato
Paper #3: Exploring Angel Investors’ Personal Characteristics in Investment Decisions: A Machine Learning-based Systematic Review. by Suyoen cho, Gayoung Kim and Woojin Lee
Australian restaurants are unique because they reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity, vibrant local ingredients, and laid-back hospitality.
In line with the forum’s theme, “Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders and Igniting MSMEs for a New Dynamic World,” we highlight submitted papers from researchers worldwide. These papers will showcase key topics such as innovation, human-centered women entrepreneurship, investing, and others.
Paper #1: Post-COVID Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of SMEs in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa, ABAYOMI AKINBOYE and Daniel Gameti
Paper #2: Measuring Humane Entrepreneurship in Asian Countries: Evidence from the 2022 GEM Asian Countries Data, Banowati Talim and Gandhi Pawitan
Paper #3: The Role of University Education for Entrepreneurial Intention: A Comprehensive Analysis of Eight Enablers of Youth Entrepreneurship by Ty Choi and Moon Hwan Cho at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Paper #4: Investment Type Matters: How Different Angel Investors Impact Startup Outcomes in Korea, Gayoung Kim, Woo Jin Lee and Su yen Cho
Coffee Break & Networking
Take a short break and continue networking with attendees.
Join us for a high-level roundtable bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss the evolving future of MSMEs. This session will explore how evidence-based research can inform effective policies and drive real-world impact. We’ll identify actionable strategies to support MSME growth, resilience, and innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Paper #1: Managing the Opportunities and Risks of Customer Involvement in Sustainable Entrepreneurship: A Resource Dependence and Lean Startup Perspective. Professor Reinhard Schulte, Leuphana University
Paper #2: Study on Institutional Innovation of South Korea’s Corporate Research Institute to Promote Open Innovation. Jung Im Hong, Researcher, Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI), S. Korea
Paper #3: Business model resilience in SMEs: A case for digitalization, Christian Kruse, Christian Schache, Niels Schmidtke, Fabian Behrendt and Christian Meisel at Magdeburg-Stendal University, Germany
Join us for a special one-hour session conducted in Korean, organized by a leading Korean academic association. This session will highlight cutting-edge research and perspectives on entrepreneurship and MSMEs from Korea’s top scholars.
Session Chair: Dr. Kichan Kim
Experience the perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park — 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.
Enjoy exclusive rates for attendees and make the most of your time in Sydney with a stay that keeps you close to the action while providing a relaxing retreat.
Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Phone: +61 2-92866000
ICSB Chair of the Board,
Professor at the Catholic University, S. Korea
President & CEO, ICSB
Deputy Chair, Department of Management,
GW School of Business
Ombudsman, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
Managing Editor, Journal of the International Council for Small Business
Associate Dean (Research) & Professor of Innovation, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, The University of Queensland, Australia
Seventy-first President of the Economic and Social Council, United Nations
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.
