Mr. Louis Ng, Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities of the world. Hitotsubashi ICS is located in the heart of Tokyo and is no doubt one of the most respected schools in Japan. I was fortunate to be the first student from my school, the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and probably the first HK university student, to be welcomed on board this international MBA program, which is taught wholly in English. Such a rare setting allowed me to bridge quickly into Japan and to successfully study the perspectives and orientation of Japanese businesses.
People-wise, I was welcomed with such warmth at ICS that I became very attached to both my classmates and the staff, even though my stay was only two months. The distinctive elective courses I took opened up many insights on management and knowledge, as in Organizational Capabilities and Innovation and Competition, as well as what corporations should focus on when facing crises, as in Corporate Restructuring. What I have learnt and experienced at ICS will certainly be something precious and unforgettable to take back home with me. I will miss all of the people here and am thankful for all their efforts in making my stay a wonderful experience!
Mr. Simon Wang,The Peter F. Drucker Graduate School of Management
Corporations are not only vehicles that are designed to generate profits. They also have a responsibility to society because their day-to-day actions affect the well-being of entire communities. As the world becomes ever more integrated, how can corporations be successful while still being responsible to their stakeholders? This is where the teachings of the East meet the West.
Hitotsubashi ICS offers a rich academic environment that is different from most other MBA programs. The school's geographic location in the heart of downtown Tokyo offers students a first-hand glimpse of the rapidly changing environment of urban Japan. Its small class size reflects the school's commitment to quality over quantity in shaping students to be not only "captains of the industry" but "captains of innovation" as well. In addition, Hitotsubashi ICS links the teaching methodologies and philosophies of famous intellectuals such as Peter Drucker from the West and Ikujiro Nonaka from the East.
In my first academic session during Knowledge Week, Dean Hiro Takeuchi asked me, "What do you think of this bunch?" "Down to earth," came to mind. I have traversed many different parts of the world but never have I encountered a group of students so diligent, objective, friendly, and humorous.
The intimate faculty/student relationship can also be strongly felt at ICS, creating a sense of unity that supports the students during their business studies. Outside of school, I was introduced to Japanese business culture and the life of the typical salaryman. On the weekends, I always received invitations to join outdoor excursions. The school has created a community inside a community that is rarely found.
Hitotsubashi ICS is not a typical MBA school. It offers a kind of education that few other universities can provide. The school challenges students every second of the way, but success is equally rewarding. It's an experience that I'll never forget, and I'm proud and honored to be a member of the ICS community.
Mr. Alex Duncan, London Business School
I felt that an international exchange program would be an integral part of my MBA experience, and Hitotsubashi ICS was my top choice from the start. As an American, I thought that studying in Japan would complement the perspective I would gain in London, while placing me in one of the world's most culturally sophisticated cities and important business centers. Specifically, from my research, I felt that ICS was the most progressive and dialectic learning environment I could join in Asia.
Sure enough, ICS surpassed my expectations on all fronts. As a fall term exchange student, I was graciously welcomed as a true part of the student community by colleagues, faculty, and staff alike; to that end I never felt like a visitor, but a true member of the ICS community.
The MBA program itself is progressive, challenging, and relevant. The faculty has a powerful mix of academic and business expertise in both eastern and western contexts, which makes classroom learning all the more pertinent and exciting. And while the pace of learning was certainly challenging, lectures were infused with enthusiasm that made the learning fun.
The relatively small size of the student body makes for an intimate learning and social environment that is truly unique for a world-class program, and from which I gained tremendously. And, being in the heart of downtown Tokyo, major Japanese and multinational companies are within walking distance; not to mention the rich culture and energy of one of the world’s largest metropolises.
Furthermore, the MBA curriculum is conducted entirely in English, giving non-Japanese students like myself the rare opportunity to directly engage in the learning process and professional dialogue with Japanese students; this approach further represents the global vision of this program.
I consider myself lucky to have joined the ICS family, and to anyone who wants to join a visionary, top-class program in Asia, I wholeheartedly recommend Hitotsubashi ICS.
Mr. Marco Fedida, HEC School of Management, Paris
What is the most appealing to me at Hitotsubashi ICS is the close relationship between the faculty and the students. Most of the professors spend a lot of time in their offices and have an open door policy: when you have a question, you just knock and come in, no appointment is needed. This close relationship is enhanced by the seminar advisor system which is a long-standing Hitotsubashi tradition: one professor advises a group of three or four students on various issues and acts as a mentor. Relationships are informal with professors and students calling each other by their first names and dining and drinking together from time to time.
Hitotsubashi ICS offers the only world-class English speaking MBA program in Japan. Spending one semester at ICS proved both an interesting and an enjoyable experience. I took classes at the cutting edge of business education, and in the meantime, I gained insights into the local culture through activities such as Zen meditation. I am proud to belong to the ICS community and will keep in touch with the wonderful people I met at ICS in the future.
