As the pandemic seems to be coming to an end, many of Hanyang Universityʼs programs have been resuming. One program that is being held for the first time this year is the Hanyang University Business School (HUBS) Undergraduate Academic Conference, also known as the HUBS Business Model Contest. Kim Su- min, student body president of the HUBS, explained, “We have decided to hold this conference because we believe that there is a need for programs where business school students can promote their academic creativity and put their academic research into action.” Student president Kim pointed out that as students propose business models based on what they have learned in business administration classes and write out revenue models, the conference can become a turning point and open up opportunities for establishing new businesses.

The agenda of this conference is “Suggesting new business models using Deeptact.” “Deeptact” refers to the post COVID-19 era where both face- to-face and zero contact forms can be seen together. Ever since the pandemic, zero contact services have exceedingly progressed and the new-normal of our society has become the place where both face-to-face and zero contact lifestyles coexist. Under these circumstances, it is expected that factors of Deeptact will appear in more various forms. Student president Kim explained that the chosen topic reflects the current social status quo. In addition, the topic was chosen after considering the fact that many students have experienced such zero contact services such as online classes during the pandemic and can easily relate to it. “Since the topic is not only academic but also related to our society, I believe that students will be able to come up with fresh and out- of-the-box ideas. To participate, it only requires at least one business school enrolled undergraduate student in each team. Therefore, the conference could become a great opportunity to cooperate with students in other majors and create positive synergy,” Kim eagerly explained.

HUBS is planning to hold such academic seminars annually starting this year. Moreover, as an extension to the seminar, HUBS will be hosting joint academic conferences with other universities regularly and continue their academic exchange.