The HBS Club of Lebanon (HBSCL) hosted the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea, for dinner and a discussion on August 18 at the Monty Club in Beirut.

According to Club President Jean-Marc Ingea (MBA 1994), the event’s theme was “Lebanon: What’s Next?” and the conversation explored a number of economic, political, and business issues the country is facing.

“Lebanon is at a crucial stage in its history,” says Ingea. “We have presidential elections this month, we have an economic crisis like we’ve never seen before, and we have crucial negotiations with Israel on maritime borders.”

Since the US is playing a critical role in all of these matters, Ingea says the club’s board knew a conversation with Ambassador Shea would be of great interest to the 55 alumni and guests in attendance.

US Ambassador to Lebanon, Dorothy Shea, speaks to alumni from the HBS Club of Lebanon

Ingea introduced Ambassador Shea, and noted her broad knowledge of the region and career path starting at the State Department and including multiple postings in the Middle East.

Ambassador Shea summarized the situation in Lebanon, including the progress achieved on the maritime borders discussions, US AID programs, and assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

She also expressed support for a speedy agreement with the IMF, and called for Lebanon’s political leaders to take urgent action to solve the country’s many challenges.

“She noted that the Lebanese people have significant talent and entrepreneurial skills and the Lebanese business community is competent and well known around the world,” says Ingea. “Despite the current hardships, she remains hopeful and optimistic about the future of Lebanon.”

Ingea says a lively Q&A session followed, where alumni asked the Ambassador about the US role in helping Lebanon procure natural gas from Egypt, whether the US can accelerate the investigation of the Beirut port explosion, why Lebanon’s political process has failed, and what US / Iran relations mean for Lebanon.

During the dinner that followed the Q&A session, Ingea invited to the stage all those who wished to talk directly to the Ambassador.

“More than 20 guests had the opportunity to chat in private and further dwell on the issues raised during her speech,” he says. “Such direct access to the Ambassador was unique and very appreciated by our alumni community.”

Singapore Club To Host Three Faculty Members for GNN Celebration

As part of the HBS Global Networking Night (GNN) 2022 on October 26, the HBS Club of Singapore is hosting a networking and social gathering at the American Club, featuring three special guests: HBS faculty members Sophus Reinert, T.J. Dermot Dunphy Professor in the Business, Government, and the International Economy (BGIE) Unit; Charlotte Robertson, Assistant Professor in the BGIE Unit; and Mattias Fibiger, Assistant Professor in the BGIE unit.

According to Margaret Wells (MBA 2006), who organized the event with Prashant Pundrik (PLDA 9, 2014), the club is excited to present this GNN gathering while the three faculty members are in Singapore, enabling alumni and guests to network with them while enjoying canapes, wine, and conversation. In addition, Professor Fibiger, whose research focuses primarily on the intersection of political economy and international relations in Southeast Asia, will give a brief talk.

“Professor Fibiger will share his perspectives on the current ‘chip wars’ between the United States, China, and Taiwan,” says Wells.

Drawing from a recently completed HBS case, Fibiger will discuss how Taiwan charted its preeminent position in the semiconductor industry; how the US, Europe, and China are attempting to build self-reliance through their own semiconductor industries; and what lies ahead for the future of the global economy. A brief Q&A session will follow.

Guests will then continue networking and have an opportunity to chat face-to-face with the faculty guests.

“We have always had a social gathering for GNN, but this is the first time we're having HBS faculty attend— and the first time we are having a speaker,” says the club’s president, Stan Furman (MBA 2005). “This is the first in-person GNN since 2019, so we're excited to get a large turnout to help us build further momentum as we move out of COVID.”

A historian by training, Professor Fibiger’s work focuses on Asia’s 20th century. Professor Robertson’s research centers on the history of financial markets and political economy. Professor Reinert studies the global histories of business, capitalism, and political economy from the Middle Ages to today’s emerging markets, focusing on international competition and the role played by governments in both economic development and decline.

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