In 2024, Finland’s education system continues to excel with Phenomenon-Based Learning (PBL) at its core. PBL has evolved to emphasize digital skills, sustainability, and peer learning while embracing authentic assessments. Challenges persist, including the need for teacher training and resource flexibility. The recent 11th SYMPO 2024 conference and available PBL learning resources further underscore its significance. With ongoing discussions on integration and inclusivity, PBL remains a crucial innovation shaping Finnish education for the 21st century.
Business
Amer Experience Business Consulting is an international business development and cross-cultural consulting initiative led by Finnish economist Lassi Pensikkala from the Pacific Coast of Ecuador.
With more than four decades of international experience across Europe and Latin America, Amer Experience helps companies, entrepreneurs, and organizations build trusted business connections between the Nordic countries, Latin America, and global markets.
The consulting combines practical business intelligence, multilingual communication, international marketing, strategic networking, and deep cross-cultural understanding. Clients benefit from real-world experience in international trade, tourism, market development, export promotion, business matchmaking, and relationship building across different cultures and business environments.
Based between Scandinavia and Latin America, Amer Experience supports companies with:
• International business development and market entry
• Cross-cultural communication and strategic networking
• Business matchmaking and partnership building
• Marketing insights and multilingual visibility
• Trade promotion between Latin America and Northern Europe
• Tourism, hospitality, and destination development expertise
• Executive-level international communication and positioning
The strength of Amer Experience lies in combining Nordic professionalism, international experience, multilingual communication, and practical business understanding with modern AI-powered solutions and global networks.
Read here our international business articles and insights,
News and Headlines – Amer Experience
Lassi Pensikkala, an international travel influencer, seasoned golfer, and business expert, curates and provides multilingual news content on his platform, AmerExperience.com. With over 10,000 articles exploring travel, golf, and international business sectors, Pensikkala uses his extensive knowledge from various lived experiences and education to enrich his readers’ understanding. Fluent in five languages, he effectively communicates with diverse readers, helping them stay informed and inspired. His insights and expertise, framed by a background in economics, psychology, and sociology, make the platform an informative and thought-provoking resource.
Finland’s incredible education system | The listening post as Lassi Pensikkala, economist from Finland
The Finnish education system focuses on building critical thinkers prepared for the AI-driven future. The emphasis on media literacy empowers students to analyze information across disciplines, fostering adaptability, responsible AI engagement, and trust in AI. Finland’s investment in basic education and media literacy not only navigates present information overload but also shapes responsible and proactive participants in the AI-driven world. As an economist, I value Finland’s media literacy program for its societal impact and hope other countries will follow suit to prepare for the challenges of the 21st century.
Finland in Latin America: Stepping into new opportunities with cultural savvy – Case study Ecuador
Finnish businesses eyeing Latin America encounter a dynamic terrain blending diverse cultures, business landscapes, and regulatory nuances. With over 650 million people and a $6 trillion GDP, the region offers ample potential for sectors like cleantech, renewable energy, forestry, infrastructure, and digital solutions. However, navigating this realm demands a keen understanding of cultural and business intricacies. Building successful cross-cultural partnerships in countries like Ecuador requires adapting to local communication styles, embracing flexibility, and investing in long-term commitment. Leveraging local expertise and tailored business programs can assist Finnish companies in navigating Latin America’s complexities with confidence.
AmerExperience.com: Navigating the Global Landscape of Travel, Golf, and Lifestyle
AmerExperience.com, founded by Lassi Pensikkala, is a multifaceted platform catering to a global and diverse audience with interests in travel, golf, and lifestyle. It is distinct in its multilingual content, bridging language barriers, and its offering of travel guides, golf resources, and business consulting services. Further expanding into the realms of fashion and health, it provides insights and access to international products and services. The platform also highlights Nordic heritage and culture. Moreover, it offers promotions, daily deals, and free, curated magazines to keep users informed and engaged, thereby establishing itself as a comprehensive digital oasis.
Researchers in Finland develop sustainable alternative to leather and synthetic leather
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed sustainable mycelium leather with properties similar to animal leather, providing a robust, visually appealing alternative. This bio-based material doesn’t require additional support materials, and it can be colored and patterned. Using common bioreactors and fermentation technology, the patent-pending production process ensures scalability and constant quality while minimizing waste. This makes mycelium leather suitable for large-scale, roll-to-roll industrial processes, significantly reducing fashion industry’s ecological footprint. Although challenges like enhancing tear strength and abrasion resistance remain, VTT continues refining the leather to meet the fashion industry’s rigorous standards.
Why Many Brilliant People Aren’t Rich
Economist Lassi Pensikkala challenges the belief that high IQ guarantees wealth, emphasizing the importance of qualities beyond intelligence in economic success. The analysis investigated varying factors such as luck, personality dynamics, social skills, economic backgrounds, motivations, and professional interactions. It revealed that brilliance doesn’t necessarily lead to affluence and that lack of charisma, social outsider status, humble backgrounds, and disinterest in money-making potentially hinder financial advancement. A highlighted view from Daniel Latter indicated intelligence’s influence on income is smaller than commonly perceived. Thus, the study urges the reconsideration of diverse factors impacting an individual’s financial journey.
Is the symbiotic partnership of AI and human writers the key to crafting quality content?
The evolving field of content creation benefits from a dynamic partnership between AI and human writers. AI’s abilities in text generation, research, and automation are invaluable, but cannot replace the authentic storytelling or emotional resonance of a human writer. A symbiotic relationship, where AI handles the computational aspects and human writers focus on creativity and audience engagement, can produce effective and impactful content. This blend of AI’s capabilities and human creativity is already shaping the digital content creation landscape.
Navigating the Latin American business landscape: A blueprint for European success, with a focus on Ecuador
Lassi Pensikkala, an expert economist, offers European businesses a tailored blueprint for success in Latin America, focusing on the vibrant market of Ecuador. He highlights the importance of understanding cultural nuances, adapting strategies, and building strong alliances. By delving into success stories and addressing challenges as opportunities, Pensikkala guides European entrepreneurs to position themselves for success in this dynamic and promising market.
Andrés Guschmer: The new Sports Minister of Ecuador, avid golfer and versatile leader
Ecuador’s new Minister of Sport, Andrés Guschmer Tamariz, is uniquely positioned to transform the nation’s sporting landscape. With a career spanning sports journalism, politics, and social responsibility, Guschmer brings diverse experiences to his new role. His past efforts include serving as a Guayaquil city councilor, running for a prefecture office, and supporting multiple charitable foundations.