Here's the third issue of our eNewsletter.

Happy New Year!

The first few days of a new year always bring me hope, freshness and happiness. I feel like a lot is possible because I have an entire year in front of me… I guess this is even more true this year and I am looking forward to a much better year ahead.

In this eNewsletter, I would like to reflect on what happened last year because, despite major challenges, 2020 was a good year for IBC/MSU-CIBER. In 2020, IBC had three major accomplishments:

1. Managing the challenges associated with COVID-19 Pandemic
2. IBC leadership transition
3. Managing the requirements of our grants

Last year, we have also been actively engaged in developing a global mindset among undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty in the college.

The IBC team has successfully navigated through the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic in this transition period. In 2020, we celebrated our 30^th anniversary of our designation as a CIBER by the U.S. Department of Education. However, travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders substantially curtailed our ability to support our faculty and students because all events, education abroad programs, conferences, invited talks, and activities were all cancelled. In addition, COVID-19 pandemic interrupted and/or substantially altered our engagement with community-based institutions, such as community colleges, local businesses and our business outreach activities. Under these circumstances, IBC team managed to find creative ways to continue its operations. Finally, we also had to deal with various special circumstances and family responsibilities that required attention and time, such as caregiving, home schooling and personal health issues, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In short, we have shown that we are a resilient bunch at IBC during these hard times. In 2021, we will continue to leverage our leading edge competencies to provide superior education, research, and assistance to businesses, public policy makers, academics, and students on international trade and global competitiveness issues. We are looking forward to your continued support and cooperation!

AIB 2021 - Virtual Conference

June 29-July 3, 2021

IBC/MSU-CIBER at MSU hosts the headquarters of the Academy of International Business (AIB), the premier global community of international business scholars. For information on membership and the 2021 virtual conference, please follow the link.

AIB Information

AIB 2020 Finalist for OnAir Virtual Event of the Year (Americas-Europe)

The Academy of International Business was named one of three finalists for OnAir Virtual Event of the Year for 2020. Unfortunately, we did not win, but it was nice to be recognized as an exemplary conference.

EventsAir was very impressed by the conference and has asked AIB to participate in a case study for OnAir. That study was published earlier in the fall and can be viewed at the link below.

Learn More

MSU CIBER and our Local Partners

The IBC partners with local entities to bring information and opportunity to the mid-Michigan community. Some of our partners include:

The Lansing Chamber of Commerce, Economic Club events; The Michigan Business Network; International Studies and Programs at MSU; and the West Michigan District Export Council.

For specific event information, please click on the corresponding

Lansing Chamber

MI Business Network

ISP at MSU

West MI District Export Council

MSU CIBER Grant Opportunities

IBC/MSU-CIBER provides grants to MSU faculty, doctoral students, and staff for curriculum development, professional development, and research. To apply, select the type of international business grant you are interested in below:

TikTok, WeChat & More: Talking Tech and IP in the U.S. & China

UPCOMING EVENT
February 17th
9:00am - 10:15am
Virtual

The ​U.S. espouses free speech while the Trump administration pushed for banning social media platforms like TikTok and WeChat. How will the new administration move forward? China wants to be taken seriously as a global player but is often seen as disregarding global standards and norms. How can these two superpowers find common ground? This program is offered in conjunction with MSU Asian Studies Center and the Office of China Program.

Information and Registration