See You in 2026 at Korea University:  2025 CEMS Annual Events, Rio

In early December, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—host city of the 2025 CEMS Annual Events organized by FGV-EAESP (FGV School of Business Administration)—became a venue where celebration and preparation unfolded simultaneously. While a graduation ceremony was taking place on stage, delegations from the next host institution were conducting site inspections and engaging in detailed discussions behind the scenes. The baton was officially passed, with the destination confirmed as Seoul in November 2026—Korea University Business School. 

CEMS (Global Alliance in Management Education) is a global alliance of leading business schools operating under the principle of “one country, one school.” Because only one institution may represent each country, CEMS is clearly distinguished from conventional exchange agreements or other international accreditations. The term “national representative” is no exaggeration, as membership entails responsibilities commensurate with its prestige. In Korea, Korea University Business School is the sole member institution. 

The CEMS MIM (Master in International Management) is the only degree program offered by CEMS. Students complete the common CEMS curriculum alongside distinctive courses and academic offerings provided by each member school. In the case of Korea University’s CEMS Global MIM program, students earn a master’s degree from Korea University in addition to the CEMS MIM certificate. In other words, the CEMS MIM is not a program operated independently by a single institution, but an educational framework jointly developed by member schools and implemented individually by each—an approach that closely aligns with the guiding principle of “Think Globally, Act Locally.” 

The CEMS Annual Events serve both as a celebration of student achievement and as a forum where the CEMS headquarters and member schools come together to exchange ideas and engage in rigorous, productive discussions for the continuous development of the alliance. Over the course of two days, Program Directors from member schools collaborated to enhance academic systems and curriculum development, while program managers discussed strategies to strengthen student-centered administrative services. During representative meetings and the General Assembly, major policies were reviewed and key decisions were made, and a range of networking events took place in the evenings. On the final day, the highlight of the events—the graduation ceremony—was held. This year’s graduation in Rio welcomed more than 400 graduates from around the world, along with approximately 800 family members and guests. In addition to the conferral of diplomas, the ceremony featured inspiring congratulatory remarks and performances unique to Brazil, creating a rich and memorable celebration. 

With Korea University confirmed as the host for 2026, this year’s Annual Events also served as an opportunity for the next host institution to conduct on-site inspections and carry out the operational handover. Accordingly, a five-member delegation from Korea University—Associate Dean Gangseog Ryu, Academic Director Tony C. Garrett, Professor Kayryung Koo, Team Head Bina Ok, and staff member Song Hee Chung—participated in the events and formally received the baton from FGV at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony. During the AE period, the delegation held handover meetings with FGV representatives to review plans and operational details, while also consulting with the CEMS headquarters on related matters. At the General Assembly, they unveiled a promotional video prepared for the 2026 events and shared updates on the preparation progress.

In nearly 40 years of CEMS history, Korea University’s hosting of the Annual Events in 2026 will mark the first time the events are held in Asia. Korea University, which has played a pioneering role in the history of management education in Korea, will use this occasion to establish a new milestone for the region. In particular, given that institutions such as the National University of Singapore and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology joined CEMS earlier than Korea University, the decision to designate Korea University as the host reflects the institution’s demonstrated pride and spirit of challenge. 

▶ Watch the promotional video 

From November 26 to 28, 2026, the CEMS community will gather at Korea University in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The upcoming Annual Events hosted by Korea University will be meticulously prepared to ensure they leave a lasting impression on CEMS members and serve as a model of best practice for future host institutions. 

The event’s core visual element, the logo, was designed around eosahwa—a traditional flower symbolizing and celebrating graduates’ achievements—together with various motifs representing Korea’s past, present, and future. The traditional roof tile of Korean architecture symbolizes cultural heritage, craftsmanship, and an aesthetic refined over time, while the Taegeuk emblem represents harmony and balance, further strengthening the connection to Korean identity. 

The promotional video was produced in line with the same visual concept, conveying the message that participants from around the world are brought together through K-culture and history, K-beauty, K-food, K-pop, and Korea University. The invitation extended by Korea University through this logo and video is simple: to meet in Seoul on November 26, 2026. Korea University Business School continues its steady preparations to welcome the CEMS community and to deliver, in Seoul, a week worthy of that invitation.