Introduction to Business in Asia

All terms (ongoing until end of 2026)

C - Shanghai Pudong 3 2006 Lauri Paltemaa

The course will run uninterrupted until December 2026.

Register for the course in Peppi or Sisu system!
Students from member universities of the Finnish University Network for Asian Studies (JYU, TaU, UTU, JAMK and TAMK) register now in their own institutions Peppi or Sisu system. Read more from here!

Autumn term 2025

  • Introduction to Business in Asia (3 ECTS):
    •  01.09.2025 – 21.12.2025
    • Registration time 01.08.2025  – 15.11.2025

Spring term 2026

  • Introduction to Business in Asia (3 ECTS):
    • Registration time (Peppi and Sisu) 01.12.2025 – 30.04.2026
    • Study time: 12.01.2026 – 24.05.2026
  • Introduction to Business in Asia – country study (2 ECTS) (Spring terms only!)
    • Registration time (Peppi and Sisu) 01.12.2025 – 08.03.2026
    • Course time  16.03.2026 – 24.05.2026

Level: Basic

Language: English

Amount of credits: 3 cr + 2 cr

Organizer: Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku / University Network for Asian Studies

Contact person: University lecturer Outi Luova, University of Turku

Goals: This course provides you with basic information about business in this macro-region. You will learn to identify and understand key issues related to the Asian business environment.

Content: Asia is rapidly emerging as a critical hub for global business, driven by its economic growth, technological innovation, and vast consumer markets. Understanding the region’s diverse and dynamic landscapes is essential for navigating the complexities of business. This course is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools to engage effectively with Asia’s opportunities and challenges.

The course covers three major regions in Asia —East, South, and Southeast Asia. It begins with an overview of Asia’s defining characteristics. The following five modules introduce the business environments of six key Asian countries, offering insights into the economic and socio-political contexts that shape business activities. Each module also examines critical trends influencing the business environment. By the end of the course, you will have a nuanced understanding of Asia’s growing significance and its implications for global business.
The course consists of six modules. Modules 2–6 focus on specific countries as well as key regional issues. 
 
1. Introduction to the Region
2. Japan, South Korea; Impact of Aging Society
3. Vietnam; ASEAN, and Supply Chains
4. Indonesia; Sustainable Business
5. China; Climate Change and Green Transition
6. India; Regional Disparities 

Taken as:

The course consists of two parts. If you are planning to complete the Asian Programme or a Mini Minor, you should take both parts of the course (3 + 2 credits).

  1. MOOC course: Introduction to Business in Asia (3 credits),

    Students from the University of Turku, and the other member universities of the Finnish University Network for Asian Studies can register for this course through the Peppi or Sisu systems and get their credits registered.

Students can complete the coursework according to their own schedule during the course period. Additionally, there will be some exercises given that need to be completed within that month.

Grading: pass / fail

If you register for the course independently, you will get a certificate of completion from the DigiCampus platform. In this case, if you want to receive study credits, check with your university/polytechnic in advance whether they approve this course for your study programme.

2. Country study (2 credits)

This course is available for the students of the member universities of the Asia Network, and self-funding students of the Asia Network. It has a maximum intake of 50 students.

This course complements the 3-credit introductory course. Only students who are enrolled for the introductory course, or have previously taken the course are eligible to apply for this course.

In this course, students can deepen their knowledge and get acquainted with the business environment of one country.

Students
1) Read background materials,
2) write short texts and participate in group discussions, and
3) write a short country study (ca. 1500 words).

Grading: 1-5

The course is arranged in the DigiCampus learning platform. When the course starts, the course teacher will send the link and the key to the course page to all participants.

Application for the courses:

Students from the Universities of Turku, Tampere and Jyväskylä (+ TAMK and JAMK) can register for these courses through their own institution’s Peppi or Sisu system.

Certificate and course credits

Students from the member universities of Finnish University Network for Asian Studies (TY, JY, TAY) who have signed up the course in their institutions Peppi or Sisu system and successfully complete the coursework, get study credits.

Student voices:

“I’m focusing on international business in my studies and taking up Chinese in my foreign language studies. This will definitely be an asset for my future work.”

“Thank you for a valuable course – it gave me much insight into economic and geopolitical changes in Asia!”

“I liked that I learned a lot not only about different Asian business environments but also about international business as a whole.  Independent study style was great because it made it possible for me to complete the tasks according to my own schedules.”

 

Photo: Lauri Paltemaa, Asianet Material Bank