Experience Innovation at the 2025 World Expo with Baylor Business

The 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, is set to be a landmark event where more than 150 countries will gather on Yumeshima Island to showcase groundbreaking solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. With the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” this global event provides opportunities for innovation, collaboration and cultural exchange. 

“Hankamer School of Business undergraduate and graduate students studying abroad in Japan will have the rare privilege of attending this extraordinary event, positioning them at the forefront of global progress,” said Christina Iluzada, PhD, assistant director of the McBride Center for International Business.

The Baylor Business Grad: Global Discovery and Baylor Business in Asia programs will give students exclusive access to the Expo, immersing them in cutting-edge advancements across industries. Undergraduates will spend two full days exploring the Expo, engaging with world leaders in business, science and technology. Graduate students will have the opportunity to participate in specialized workshops and high-level discussions, gaining deeper insights into emerging industry trends and leadership strategies. 

Jason MacGregor, PhD, Roderick Holmes Chair of Accountancy, who will be leading the graduate cohort, emphasized the expo’s unique value. 

“Our students won’t just be learning about global business in a classroom – they’ll be experiencing it in real time,” MacGregor said. “This kind of exposure is essential for future business leaders navigating an increasingly interconnected world.”

Additionally, MacGregor highlighted the historical significance and impact of World Expos.

“Historically, World Expos have been catalysts for societal transformations,” he said. “The 1876 Philadelphia Expo introduced the telephone, while the 1962 Seattle Expo unveiled the iconic Space Needle, embodying humanity’s aspirations. This journey is not merely about observing the future; it is about actively participating in its creation.”

By attending the Expo, students will gain global perspective, build professional networks and explore innovations shaping the future of business. They will engage with industry leaders, policymakers and entrepreneurs while learning about market trends, sustainability efforts and technological advancements. The experience also highlights the importance of cultural exchange, reinforcing how business connects people across different backgrounds.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Baylor Business students to be at the epicenter of global innovation,” Iluzada said. “Whether through general exposure and cultural experiences at the undergraduate level or through in-depth industry analysis at the graduate level, students will leave the Expo equipped with the knowledge and connections to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.” 

For students interested in attending the 2025 World Expo or other global learning opportunities, visit the McBride Center for International Business webpage.