ESSEC Alumni in Asia — Celebrating 20 Years of Impact, Connection & Community

From Singapore to Seoul, our Managing Director Marie-Pierre Schickel (E95) and Veary Ngy, Head of ESSEC Alumni International Pole, travelled across Asia to meet our vibrant ESSEC community — a journey filled with inspiration, reconnection, and pride.

20 Years of ESSEC in Singapore: Building Bridges Between Europe and Asia

The visit began in Singapore, where the team joined more than 80 alumni - students & graduates - and faculty to celebrate the 20th anniversary of ESSEC Asia-Pacific.
The event, hosted on campus, brought together representatives from the ESSEC Alumni Singapore Chapter, professors, and distinguished guests including the Ambassador of France to Singapore H.E. Stephen Marchisio and Deputy Dean Reetika Gupta.

The evening highlighted the campus’s unique role as a gateway between Europe and Asia — a place of excellence, diversity, and innovation.

“ESSEC embodies the partnership between France and Singapore,” the Ambassador shared. “Through world-class teaching and research, a multicultural campus, and graduates who contribute to both countries' prosperity"

Beyond the official celebration, the ESSEC Alumni team met with students, recent graduates, and Chapter Presidents such as Arnaud Rubeck (EXEC MBA 20) and Mireille Giraud (BBA 96). Together, they discussed how ESSEC graduates can mentor students, foster connections, and help them navigate their early careers in Asia.

The visit also included meetings with student association presidents, one-to-one exchanges with alumni, and a networking night that gathered over 40 participants — a reflection of the energy and generosity of the ESSEC spirit in Singapore.

As ESSEC Asia-Pacific celebrates two decades of growth, the campus remains at the heart of Singapore’s innovation ecosystem, within one-north, surrounded by leading R&D, tech and media companies.
Today, over 950 students from 46 countries study there each year, continuing to make Singapore a cornerstone of ESSEC’s international ambition.

 In Seoul: Strengthening Bonds Across Generations

The journey continued in Seoul, where nearly 60 alumni gathered at the Mondrian Hotel for a lively evening hosted by Damien Marchenay (IMHI 06), General Manager of the hotel.
Led by Thomas Sommer (E10), the ESSEC Alumni South Korea Chapter has grown into a close-knit community of almost 230 members, united by their warmth, diversity, and drive.

Among the many inspiring alumni met during the trip were Philippe Bertoux (E93), Ambassador of France in Korea; Jung Ick Lee (EXEC MBA 08), Brand Director at Tissot; Jieun Heo (M18), entrepreneur and founder of Mansonje; and Sorin Kwon (BBA 22), Assistant Manager at Kakao Entertainment.
Each of them represents the richness of the ESSEC network — professionals shaping industries from luxury and diplomacy to entrepreneurship and tech.

The evening celebrated the spirit of connection that defines the ESSEC community worldwide: curious minds, bold dreamers, and agile leaders who carry the School’s values.

Looking Ahead: Stories from Asia

This international trip marks the beginning of a new storytelling series dedicated to our alumni in Asia-Pacific.
In the coming weeks, ESSEC Alumni will publish a series of exclusive interviews and portraits featuring graduates based in Singapore and South Korea — from diplomats and entrepreneurs to creative leaders and executives in luxury, hospitality, and tech.

Each story will celebrate the impact, diversity, and generosity of our alumni who embody the ESSEC spirit beyond borders.

A heartfelt thank-you to all alumni - students & graduates - and partners who made these moments so special!