Going Global: Two UMN Students Attend EMC Global Summit 2026 in Japan

Ethan and Ivana at EMC Global Summit 2026 accompanied by Ika (Dok. UMN)

Tokyo (15/02/2026) — Two UMN students from DKV UMN, Ethan Nathaniel Zhong and Ivana Novaria, recently joined the EMC Global Summit 2026 held by UMN’s university partner, Musashino University, Japan. The program was held for six days, students also participated in several activities related to business development.

The EMC Global Summit 2026 is a program made  to facilitate students from various countries in developing innovation-based business ideas and global entrepreneurship. Through this program, students can also gain access to professional networks and build connections with practitioners as well as other students who participated. 

“We feel proud that we could be chosen and support two of our students in The EMC Global Summit 2026, at Musashino University. I feel like this is a great opportunity for UMN’s students so they could compete on the international stage with other universities as well. This program is a great experience for our students to gain more knowledge, develop their skill, and also network”, said Dr. Ika Yanuarti, S.E., M.S.F, CSA., as the Vice Rector  for Students Affair.

While assisting the students, Ika explained several activities that the students also included in, starting from preparation, ideation, pitch deck presentation, and also presentation to the judges. Moreover, this program is also fulfilled with discussions and training sessions conducted by entrepreneurship experts from various countries.

“This program is excellent to be joined by the students, as it allows them not only to gain academic learning on campus but also to acquire new experiences beyond the university environment. I hope that the other UMN’s students are encouraged to join international competition, thus, they can truly learn new things”, add Ika.  

Business pitching session with Ethan and Ivana (Dok. UMN)

Ethan Nathaniel Zhong, one of the students who participated in the EMC Global Summit also said that he gained a lot of new experience. From meeting new people from various countries, how to do business pitching in the right way, including the cultures of each country.

“From me, joining this international competition is a great chance for UMN’s students.  By joining this program nor international competition students shouldn’t be afraid and should always embrace the mindset of ‘just do it,’” Ethan said.

Ivana Novaria whom also joined the EMC Global Summit 2026 also shares her story from the beginning before she’s selected. For her, the most challenging things are considering the concept and business ideas that fit the global market. 

Ethan and Ivana at the EMC Global Summit 2026 event (Dok. UMN)

“After we got selected to join the EMC Global Summit 2026, I feel thrilled to have the chance to compete in Musashino University, Japan. The most important thing for me isn’t just about the competition itself, but how I gained more knowledge from new people”, stated Ivana. 

The new lesson gained and internalized was understanding how other participants delivered business pitches with unique value propositions and clear data presentations. For her, this became an important insight to be applied in the future.

“I hope that there’ll be more UMN students who actively participate in international competitions. Never be afraid to give it a try, and optimize the chance you have, and also the facility that the campus gives to the students, because this is beneficial for your future”, said her. 

By Rachel Tiffany  | UMN News Service

English Translation by Rachel Tiffany

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