Eleven students from Brigham Young University–Hawaii returned to Laie forever changed after the second annual Asia Sourcing & Entrepreneurship Experience (ASEE). Held from April 18–30, 2025, this immersive trip took students and faculty to Vietnam, the Philippines, and South Korea as they explored steel mills, organic pharmaceutical farms, international supply chains, sourcing operations, and real-world leadership.
The trip, led by assistant professor PJ Rogers from the Faculty of Business & Government and Willes Center manager Brooks Benson brought students face-to-face with entrepreneurs, CEOs, and manufacturing veterans. The experience, Rogers said, was designed with one purpose in mind: “The ultimate benefit for students.”
“This trip wasn’t just about learning business, it was about learning how to be a better person,” said Ken Caburnay, a senior from the Philippines majoring in business management with an emphasis in supply chain and human resources. “I saw that real success is not just in profits but in how you lift others.”
Vietnam: Learning Global Supply Chains from the Ground Up
The first four days of the trip, the group toured seven factories in Vietnam, including OSUNO and DV Motor, observing the details of high-precision engineering, electric motorcycle production, and painting manufacturing. They learned how packaging weight, vibration testing, and material sourcing impact business costs and customer satisfaction.
“Before this trip, I thought business was just about making products and selling fast,” Caburnay said. “At OSUNO, I saw how every detail matters. I realized how better planning and strong relationships can help businesses grow bigger and reach international markets.”
The message of servant leadership left a lasting impression, especially during a moment that stood out to Gianna Zia Martinez, a junior from the Philippines majoring in computer and information science.
“Our bus had to go off-road to reach a site, and Mr. Hai, the owner of OSUNO, didn’t hesitate to help move rocks with his workers,” Martinez said. “That’s hands-on leadership. That’s humility in action.”
An Vu, a junior from Vietnam majoring in business management with an emphasis in supply chain and finance, echoed the same sentiment. “Despite different cultures, the leaders we met shared a common message: ‘Treat your people well. Be kind. Always find ways to add value,’” Vu said. “This trip showed me that international business isn’t just logistics—it’s people-driven.”
The Philippines: Innovation and Sustainability in Vision
From April 23–26, the students visited five companies in the Philippines, including Bauertek, Ecopack, Hansa Creation, Seoknam Inc. (SNI), and VCTP. Each stop provided insight into sourcing, production efficiency, government partnerships, and sustainability.
At Hansa Creation, a company that produces toy stuffed animals, Martinez learned what it means to persist through adversity. “Their eco-friendly toys were initially rejected by U.S. customs,” she said. “But they didn’t give up. They educated and advocated for their product until they were accepted. That perseverance showed me how belief in your vision can move mountains.”
An Hsieh, a senior from Taiwan majoring in business management with an emphasis in supply chain and human resources, discovered how sourcing strategies vary by context.
“Bauertek, one of the country’s food supplement manufacturers, does everything locally, while VCTP—a company that imports raw materials like metal—does so based on client needs,” she said. “That contrast helped me understand how flexible and tailored supply chain planning must be.”
Hsieh was also moved by a business leader’s simple yet powerful motto: “Believe in what you are doing.” She now plans to apply these lessons in her future role as a supply chain planner, using tools like Power BI and Excel to manage projects and relationships more effectively.
Elijah Ebert, a senior from Virginia majoring in political science, appreciated how the companies prioritized relationships before profit. “They get to know you as a person first, and only then as a business partner,” he said. “The power of small acts of kindness in business and life cannot be understated.”
South Korea: Building Dreams and Global Empires
In the final leg of the trip, students explored major operations in South Korea. They toured Coupang, a Fortune 500 e-commerce company; Posco, a world-leading steel manufacturer; and EcoWorld Pharm, a leader in Asian personal care products. They also visited Korean developers who brought Wingstop and Subway to the Korean market.
“We saw how Posco’s leaders turned vision into reality,” Vu said. “Now, I look at businesses differently. I think about what they do well and what they can improve.”
The group was hosted by Peter Jasinski at Coupang, who was impressed by the students’ character and professionalism. “The students’ visits will remain one of the highlights of my experience at Coupang,” Jasinski said. “What an amazing group of young adults. Their energy, enthusiasm, and spirit are rare to see in a professional setting.”
Beyond the Trip
For many, the ASEE experience is already opening doors. According to Professor Rogers, twelve companies from the trip have since offered internships or job opportunities, including some to BYU–Hawaii students who didn’t even attend the trip.
“That’s the main reason all of the time, effort, and relationships go into this trip,” Rogers said. “It’s all for the ultimate benefit of the students.”
Rogers added that this year’s trip was especially meaningful because it was documented by a videographer, who helped students capture personalized content to showcase their skills and insights during future job interviews.
“We created personal videos for each student and shared footage with the companies as well,” he said. “It’s not just a trip—it’s a portfolio-building experience.”
Beyond business, Rogers emphasized the spiritual dimension of the journey. The group prayed daily and often tied business lessons to gospel principles. One local host, who picked the students up at a train station in Korea, remarked on their unique spirit.
“He told his friend, ‘Ever since I picked them up, I had a good feeling,’” Rogers recalled. “‘And when they left, that good feeling left with them.’”
Serving through Entrepreneurship
For Caburnay, the experience confirmed his desire to become an entrepreneur and a leader who serves. “I want to build partnerships based on trust and service,” he said. “And I want to share what I’ve learned with others in the Philippines.”
Martinez said she now views leadership differently. “It’s not about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about humility, innovation, and standing by your values,” she said.
Vu summed up the impact of the experience: “This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who made this journey possible.”
Applications Open for 2026
The Asia Sourcing & Entrepreneurship Experience will continue in 2026, and full-time BYU–Hawaii students from all majors are eligible to apply. With every trip, the program grows—not just in scale, but in the lives it transforms.
“We’re excited for this to continue for many years to come,” Rogers said. “It’s already changing lives—and building the next generation of global, Christlike leaders.”