Finland's oldest education export program, Executive MBA degree in South Korea, celebrates its 30th anniversary

Educational cooperation aiming at a double degree program between the Helsinki School of Economics and the Seoul School of Integrated Sciences & Technologies (aSSIST) began in 1995. Today, the program is implemented by the Aalto University-owned Aalto EE.

‘In the 1990s, the Helsinki School of Economics had an international centre that organized EMBA and MBA degree programs. The centre was led by Professor Veikko Jääskeläinen, who had a close colleague in Korea, Dong-Sung Cho. The planning of the EMBA program in Korea started from their joint initiative,’ says Kerttu Kuokkanen, Director responsible for MBA programs at Aalto EE.

Over the years, society has changed and education priorities have been examined, but the common direction of universities has always been clear.

The leaders of the world's largest banks are Aalto alumni

The educational cooperation was well received, as there were no other similar international degree programs in Korea in the mid-90s. The program by the Helsinki School of Economics was one of the first EMBA programs in the country. For this reason, Aalto's brand and recognition are still strong in Korea.

Since 1997, Aalto EE has been offering Korean companies customized degree programs that meet the requirements of EMBA accreditation but emphasize aspects that are important to companies. These programs have been used by the technology company LG, the STX Group, the energy company KEPCO, the Industrial Bank of Korea, and Shinan and Kookmin banks, among others.

In addition to customized degree programs, Aalto University offers open EMBA programs in Korea. The Aalto EMBA program has more than 5,000 alumni in Korea.

‘Aalto University's EMBA program has had a big and tangible impact on Korean society and business. The leaders of many large companies and the world's largest banks are Aalto alumni,’ Kuokkanen says.

Dean of the Aalto University School of Business Timo Korkeamäki says that a strong foothold in Korea is valuable for them. ‘The opportunity to teach in a Korean classroom also provides an interesting environment for our teachers and professors to learn new things and develop their teaching.’

Relationships with companies are loyal

It is typical for companies to change service providers and suppliers from time to time to try something new, even if they are satisfied with the quality they receive.

‘Many Korean companies have stayed with Aalto's programs because we have always renewed them according to their wishes. Despite its long history, the EMBA program keeps up with the times and responds to the changing needs of the business world. Multidisciplinarity and the combination of technology, business, innovations, and creativity distinguish Aalto from its international competitors and inspire the participants,’ Kuokkanen says.

Aalto has also been able to bring themes such as sustainability and responsibility closer to Korean business life.

The completion of the degree still includes a study module in Finland and visits to Korea by Aalto University professors.

Cooperation will expand in the future

In the future, the cooperation with aSSIST University will expand.

‘We plan to offer more company-specific and customized coaching and online courses. The themes include technology, data, and artificial intelligence,’ Kuokkanen says.

Competition has increased, and large international universities have entered the Korean education market. However, the number of participants in Aalto's programs is high.

‘aSSIST University does a good job of raising awareness and selling education under the Aalto University name. The cooperation is good, and we are really committed to each other. We have mutual appreciation and a common goal to support the needs of international business in a changing world,’ Kuokkanen says.

Further information

Kerttu Kuokkanen
Director, MBA programs
Aalto EE
+358 10 837 3754
kerttu.kuokkanen@aaltoee.fi

Read also: The main celebration of the EMBA program was held at Dipoli on 7 August 2025
 

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