2025.12.26news
PIA Sports Business Program 5th term: Blue United Award Winner Interview
The Blue United Award was presented at the end of the 5th Term (April – October 2025) of the PIA Sports Business Program (PIA SBP)—a program co-operated by PIA Corporation with and Blue United as the Official Academic Strategy Partner.
The official interview with the winner, Hiroo Ishihara, is now live. It explores the insights he gained over the seven-month program, his vision for the future, and his perspective on Blue United.
The Blue United Award
The Blue United Award honors an outstanding participant who drives the program forward with their energy and dedication, inspiring a strong spirit of collaboration among their peers. Beyond his/her leadership, the recipient must demonstrate a relentless commitment to learning and mastering the core principles of sports business.
Selection Criteria: The winner is determined by a holistic evaluation of peer nominations, academic excellence, and comprehensive survey feedback.
Excerpts from the Interview
Interview Highlights
— Congratulations on completing the 5th Term and winning the Blue United Award. How did you feel the moment your name was announced?
Honestly, I was genuinely surprised. I thought one of the other participants, who all performed outstandingly, would win—so I wasn’t prepared at all. But hearing that I was chosen by votes from both my fellow participants and the instructors made me feel very proud.
— What are your final thoughts on the program?
Being able to master the fundamentals of sports business both systematically and comprehensively was an invaluable experience. Immediately after the program, I attended a volleyball season opener and realized my entire perspective had shifted. I found myself engaging with team members through a different lens, discussing things like “paid attendance rates” and market depth. It reaffirmed for me how immensely valuable this program is. That said, the real challenge starts now: translating that classroom theory into high-impact execution and executing it on the front lines effectively.
— What is your impression of Blue United?
To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with the company before the program (laughs). But seeing how Blue United is deeply integrated into the global sports business while being so committed to talent development is incredibly inspiring. It’s a company I would personally love to collaborate with in the future.
Read the full interview on the official PIA SBP website.
6th Term Enrollment Now Open
Applications for the 6th Term (commencing next April) opened on Thursday, November 6th. Details and information session schedules are available via the link below.
We look forward to your application.
