The First Expert Council Meeting of the Center for Asian Business and Management Research was held at the HSE Graduate School of Business.

In a world where economic power is steadily shifting toward the East, Russia’s ties with Asian countries are becoming strategically important. HSE Graduate School of Business is taking an important step in this direction. On February 17, 2026, the first meeting of the Expert Council of the Center for Asian Business and Management Research (CABMR) was held. The event marked the start of building an interdisciplinary platform that brings together research, education and business to study Asia in a comprehensive way.

The Center for Asian Business and Management Research was established in September 2025. Its mission is to fill the gap in Russian expertise on Asian business. Traditionally, Asian studies in Russia have focused mostly on history and philology. Meanwhile, leading global business schools — Harvard, INSEAD, and Cambridge — have long developed specialized centers dedicated to Asia (for example, the APR Research Center or the China Initiative), combining research, educational programs and business practice. The trend is evident: Russia’s cooperation with countries in Asia is growing, companies from the region are actively expanding their presence in the Russian market, and there is a shortage of professionals who can work effectively in the region’s business environment. HSE Business School, with its strong expertise in international business and management, provides an ideal foundation for developing such a center.

The CABMR Expert Council brings together representatives from academiс, business and government institutions. The Council is chaired by Alexey Maslov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor, Director of the Institute of the Asian and African Studies of Moscow State University — a well-known expert in Asian studies.

Members of the Council include:

• Anton Belyakov, Managing Director of TechnoNICOL-ASIA;
• Natalia Belyashova, Development Director at Belyov Pastila Manufacture;
• Liudmila Veselova, PhD in History, Associate Professor, Director of the Center for Asian Business and Management Research at the HSE Graduate School of Business;
• Natalia Vozianova, Partner, Head of Services for Asian Markets at the Technologies of Trust;
• Alisia Nikitina, General Director of the REC’s Export School;
• Ivan Prostakov, PhD in Economics, Professor, Programme Academic Supervisor of the Master’s Program in International Management at HSE Graduate School of Business;
• Svetlana Prusova, Director for International Cooperation and GR at FESCO Transport Group;
• Xiong Wei, CEO of Mindray Medical Russia;
• Giedrius Sapoka, Head of New Business and Brand Development at New Business and Brand Development at EkoNivaTekhnika-Holding.

This composition ensures a balance between academic expertise and practical business experience — from export and logistics to medical technology and agribusiness.

During the first meeting, council members discussed CABMR development plans for 2026–2028. The discussion focused on integrating academia and business, addressing the talent shortage, building partnerships, and launching applied projects. The Center is expected to become a bridge between Russia and Asia, helping develop professional skills and generate knowledge that businesses actually need. Asia is not a challenge — it’s an opportunity when handled with deep expertise.

Liudmila S. Veselova

Director, Centre for Asian Business and Management Research

In today’s world, it’s not enough to simply study our Asian partners. We need to analyze trends and anticipate changes so that Russian businesses can stay ahead. This first meeting of the Expert Council is a step toward turning knowledge into a competitive advantage for Russia in the global economy.

Join us: follow the CABMR Telegram channel, attend our lectures, and share your ideas.