Asia’s explosive economic growth has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty and created economic success stories where plantations and jungles previously stood. As the International Affairs Forum begins its special focus on Asia, join Frankfort-based business executive Jep Gruman for “The Rise of the Asian Tigers: Lessons for Beijing” at the next IAF lecture, set for 6 p.m. Feb. 20 in Milliken Auditorium.
In his 30-year business career, Gruman has been an insider to the phenomenal growth of key Asian economies, working closely with Asian leaders as their nations went from resource extraction economies to commercial powerhouses. Questions he will consider: What role did personal relationships within the Chinese diaspora play? After years of pursuing clan politics, are these societies now on the path to true nationhood? What does their history tell us about China’s explosive development today?
Gruman has led the growth of businesses in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Philippines, Singapore and China and participated in the promotion of transparent business practices that have encouraged progress and provided a model for China’s emergence as the region’s leader. His critical private-sector role throughout the region’s dramatic transition provides the IAF audience with a unique opportunity to discuss how private and public sector policies can complement each other and promote civil well-being and security.
Gruman has held senior finance and management positions with Citibank, H.J. Heinz Company and Oaktree Capital Management, and led the restructuring of an Asian multinational agribusiness group as chief financial officer. His most recent efforts have focused on the rapidly growing medical devices field in Asia as director of IncellDX, a California-based molecular diagnostics business. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College, and a member of the board of Trustees of Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Advance tickets are $10 and available through NMC Extended Educational Services at (231) 995-1700. All current educators and students are admitted free.
The eight-part IAF series brings diplomats, policy makers, journalists and others from all over the globe to Milliken Auditorium. All programs begin with a reception in the Sculpture Court of the Dennos Museum Center at 5:15 p.m. and are followed at 6 p.m. by the lecture and a discussion period in Milliken Auditorium.
The next lecture is set for March 20. The four lectures scheduled from February through May all will focus on Asia, culminating in a two-day conference on China in June 2014. Read more »
For lecture series memberships or more or information, call NMC Extended Educational Services at (231) 995-1700.
For more information contact:
Jack or Karen Segal, IAF board members
jsegal_kpuschel@yahoo.com
(231) 421-5424