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, and Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy, President & CEO, ICSB
Congratulatory Remarks: Ambassador Oh Joon, 71st President of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
Welcome Remarks and Keynote
A dynamic discussion with MSME leaders exploring the key challenges they face today and the opportunities shaping their future growth.
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
Moderators: H.E. Bruce Billson (TBC) and 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.
S.Korea: Dr. Han Jung-hwa, 13th Minister of Small and Medium Business Administration of the Republic of Korea
Argentina: Dr. Ruben Ascua, Rector, Universidad Nacional de Rafaela
Macaou: Chairman of Delta Asia Financial Group, and the Founder and Chairman of Macau Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Association.
Taiwan: TBC
Malaysia: TBC
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
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
Unwind after a full day of sessions with fellow attendees at our welcoming reception. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and a selection of small finger foods as you network, share ideas, and build new relationships across the global MSME community. This is a perfect opportunity to connect informally and celebrate the spirit of collaboration that defines ICSB.
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.
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.
Presenter #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
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
Seventy-first President of the Economic and Social Council Ambassador Oh Joon
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
Research Professor, Sawyer Business School, Suffolk University
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.
