LASTLY! We have our Prof, Prof Ben’s introduction. With this personal introduction, we will be able to learn more about the rationale for starting TSM Korea, what are some of the most interesting companies over the years, and understand more about Prof Ben!
1. Describe yourself with three words
Fun seeking prof
2. What’s the rationale behind starting TSM?
TSM is a course about entrepreneurship using technology. My rationale for this course is to encourage and inspire students by visiting entrepreneurs at Seoul and Tokyo.
3. What is the most interesting company you’ve visited in the past two years
The first year we did this, I had no expectation. Our first company visit was IUM, a social dating company with a young CEO, Ms HeeEun Park. I believe we were inspired by her drive to start a company out of her need she has despite little IT skills.
Last year, we visited the Haja Centre, where the startup Weenu was housed. It is a youth creativity center with several social enterprises and start-ups. What was interesting was the close-knit community in a very relax and creative environment.
However, all the companies we visited were very interesting and I hope to visit more aspiring companies.
4. This is the first year TSM is branching out to Japan. What are some of Prof’s expectations for this?
Just like our first trip to Seoul, I have no expectation other than great authentic Japanese food. I understand that Japanese is a very interesting culture with rich heritage. It would be good to learn how this culture thrives in Technopreneurship. Seoul is a beautiful city, I expect the same of Tokyo.
5. The best thing about TSM?
The students.
Every year, it keeps me feeling young just being on a trip with students and experiencing some cultural immersion. Eating great Korean dishes, taking “Hadouken” photos, shopping till we drop, sleeping on the bus, being awed by the passion from the founders and mostly enjoying everyone’s company. It is truly, an extended “family”.
TSM Korea-Japan 2014 