Laura Sivula has been appointed as Aalto EE’s Director of Academic Affairs and International Business.
In her new role, she will lead Aalto EE’s operations in Singapore, which are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Sivula will oversee Aalto EE’s international sales and continue as a member of the leadership team.
Aalto EE’s Singapore office was established 25 years ago following the expansion of Nokia. Singapore is a now key business hub in Southeast Asia, and Asia-Pacific, alongside Europe, is a central geographical region in terms of Aalto EE’s international business and growth strategy.
In 2025, Aalto EE will also mark another milestone: its 30th year of collaboration with the South Korean business school aSSIST.
"Considering how small Finland is, our education brand is absolutely incredible worldwide. It’s important that we maximize this potential."
The two institutions have trained approximately 4,700 Korean leaders through their joint Executive MBA program, with companies like LG and Samsung regularly sending their leaders for Finnish leadership training.
Sivula explains that, while Finnish universities may not compete with global brands like Harvard Business School, Aalto’s unique approach and teaching methods offer a competitive advantage.
"For example, Koreans are interested in our innovation management teaching. We employ a truly multidisciplinary and diverse pedagogical approach to management and business phenomena," says Sivula.
In many Asian countries, leadership culture remains hierarchical, and there is a growing interest in alternatives that do not stem from the American culture of overachievement but rather from the Finnish culture of balancing work and leisure.
“Considering how small Finland is, our education brand is absolutely incredible”
Sivula is committed to promoting Finnish expertise globally, whether in leadership, green transition, social responsibility, or design.
"Considering how small Finland is, our education brand is absolutely incredible worldwide. It’s important that we maximize this potential," she says.
The Finnish education system is internationally renowned, and there is significant interest in Finnish universities and their approach to innovation.
Sivula has noticed that people overseas are interested in Finnish innovation management and sustainability, among other topics.
Finnish companies are seen as responsible and sustainable, making their expertise highly appreciated globally.
"The challenge is that we often don’t promote ourselves enough. There is a market, but we need to be bold and showcase what we have to offer."
International education doesn’t require professors to travel to the other side of the globe
Sivula aims to ensure that Aalto EE is recognized globally for its top-level education, not just for leaders but also for experts and professionals in various fields.
She emphasizes that international education doesn’t always require professors to travel to the other side of the globe. Instead, Aalto EE’s growth goals focus on digital learning and new service offerings.
“It’s crucial that we provide effective learning solutions globally from Finland. Various learning platforms and online programs make this possible.”
“It’s crucial that we provide effective learning solutions globally from Finland. Various learning platforms and online programs make this possible.”
Sivula values authentic leadership, ensuring her leadership style aligns with her values.
“When this is the case, you can turn off your laptop and work phone with a clear conscience at the end of the day,” she says.
For her, cooking is the best way to unwind, and she believes in enjoying good food with good wine and company.
