SWPS University hosted the "Shaping Business Relations between CEE and Japan" workshops as part of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme. Participants took part in engaging classes and panel discussions focused on business relations between Central and Eastern European countries and Japan.
Meetings with leaders, experts and business practitioners
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), held in April 2026, reflects the modern, practice-oriented approach to Asian studies that will define the new Asian Studies program at SWPS University starting in the next academic year.
The project was delivered in a hybrid format. The online part focused on recruitment, legal issues, and business language. During an intensive week in Warsaw, participants attended workshops at the SWPS University campus and took part in study visits that gave them insight into how global brands operate.
The program’s high academic and professional standard was ensured by a diverse group of experts who led workshops and panel discussions:
- Professor Olga Barbasiewicz (SWPS University) – coordinated the course curriculum and was responsible for cultural introduction and integration
- Dr. Aleksandra Czubak (KKG Legal) – led key sessions on legal aspects, mediation, and contracts between Japan and Central Europe
- Akira Shimizu (Lotte Wedel) – hosted the participants at the company headquarters and delivered a lecture on business growth strategy and career path development in a Japanese corporation
- Martyna Gaweł (Maru Gaku Japanese Center) – analyzed the power of digital influence and social media partnerships
- Jakub Zajfert (YKK) – discussed the challenges translators face in a Japanese corporate environment in the era of artificial intelligence
- Dr. Hiroki Nukui (NSK) and Toko Nakano (SWPS University) – introduced topics in intercultural communication and Japanese business language
- Jin Kimura (Pasona Group) – presented the specifics of the Japanese job market
- Dr. Lenka Vyletalova (Palacký University Olomouc) – introduced the topic of Japanese corporate clusters in the CEE region
- Dr. Jacek Kozikowski (Kozikowski & Partners) – shared the legal knowledge essential for graduates entering into partnerships with Japanese companies
- Professor Irena Srdanovic (University of Pula) and Dr. Piotr Milewski – outlined practical career paths for Japanese studies graduates
- Magdalena Kwiecińska (Ajinomoto) and Adrian Winiarz (Adrian Winiarz Consulting) – discussed topics in operational processes, HR, and supply chain management.
The BIP 2026 project demonstrated that the new Asian Studies program at SWPS University is a forward-looking field of study designed to meet the demands of a rapidly changing global market. Combining cultural and business perspectives, the program equips students with practical, career-oriented skills through an intensive blend of academic learning and direct engagement with industry experts and opinion leaders. Grounded in real-world business contexts and developed in close collaboration with international and corporate partners, the program prepares students to become professionals capable of building effective economic and cultural connections between Poland, Central Europe, and East Asia.
A project bringing together European universities
The event brought together 50 participants — students and faculty members — representing nine prestigious European universities. The project’s international character was further highlighted by the participation of representatives from institutions such as:
- SWPS University (Poland),
- Tartu University (Estonia),
- Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania),
- Palacký University Olomouc (Czechia),
- Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem (Hungary),
- University of Ljubljana (Slovenia),
- Pula University (Croatia),
- Bucharest University of Economic Studies (Romania),
- Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" (Bulgaria).
See photos from the event
Photo: SWPS University
Photo: SWPS University
Photo: SWPS University
Photo: SWPS University
Photo: SWPS University
Photo: SWPS University