Focus on leadership and soft skills
CUHK’s Full-time MBA program is built with holistic development in mind. The curriculum pays special attention to instilling in students leadership qualities and soft skills such as adaptability and cross-cultural management.
Professionals in the program have access to leadership workshops, executive coaching, and cultural immersion activities. These experiences help them navigate complex business challenges in their future careers and develop a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Cultural and social enrichment
CUHK’s lush campus in the New Territories offers more than just a backdrop for learning; it provides plenty of cultural and social enrichment. The university makes it clear for students that they can freely engage in extracurricular activities, from sports to community service. Some of the student-led clubs at the Full-time MBA program include the Asia-Europe Business Club, the Women in Business Club, the Rowing Club, and the Startup Club. This balance between studies and personal development adds to the fulfilling MBA journey.
For internationals, this is also an opportunity to experience the richness of Chinese culture firsthand and get to know Hong Kong as a place to live. As MBA alumnus Mattia Palesa shares: “[Moving to Hong Kong] was a life-changing experience. I wanted to be out of my comfort zone and [I] also wanted to be closer to the financial hub and the multi-ethnical city […]. I also wanted to be closer to a tech area, and Hong Kong is the perfect area to be in [the] early stage of your career.”
CUHK organizes events celebrating traditional festivals like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, giving participants an immersive cultural experience.
Humanistic spirit
The university describes its culture as one with a “humanistic spirit” and emphasizes the holistic development of individuals. It recognizes people’s potential for personal growth, empathy, and ethical awareness. The collegiate system of the institution also plays a crucial role in sustaining this focus. Comprising nine colleges, each operates as a close-knit community, providing whole-person education and support.
When a new president was appointed at CUHK in 2024, he reaffirmed the importance of this value at the institution: “CUHK will continue to embrace the humanistic spirit and dedicate itself to nurturing generations of well-rounded ‘CUHKers’ with integrity and capability […],” Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming said as the new Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK.
This approach creates well-rounded MBA graduates who gain not only business acumen but also develop a deep understanding of cultural and societal contexts.
Commitment to ethical conduct and sustainability
As stated before and related to its humanistic spirit, CUHK is especially focused on ethical leadership, guided by its motto, “åšæ–‡ç´„禮” (“Through learning and temperance to virtue”). This principle shows the university’s dedication to instilling in leaders the integrity and social responsibility, necessary for the modern workplace.
Sustainable development is just as important within the Full-time MBA program with the aim to promote social responsibility and inspire class participants to seek impact over profit. One of the ways the school has been integrating these topics into its teaching, research, and community engagement is through the Centre for Business Sustainability at CUHK. “Besides introducing a required course in business sustainability for all undergraduates at the Business School, our Centre also focuses on conducting meaningful research as a way to establish the theoretical and empirical frameworks for a more informed understanding and systematic application of CSR by regional businesses,” according to the school.
Global business through an Asian lens
As a global business hub and gateway to Mainland China, Hong Kong – and CUHK in particular – offers MBA students unparalleled exposure to both Asian and Western markets. Graduates exit the program with the skills to operate effectively across cultures and economies.
The MBA curriculum uses case studies and industry insights from across Asia, helping participants grasp the nuances of doing business in economies like China, India, and Southeast Asia. French executive Renaud Poli, MBA Class of 2020, further underlines the enriching and welcoming experience of studying at CUHK: “I have lived in Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Wuxi, cities of different sizes and backgrounds. It has been a pleasure to live in and explore all these places as the experience has been smooth, pleasant and transformative.”
At the same time, students can also benefit from study tours and exchange programs with leading institutions worldwide. These experiences provide firsthand knowledge of global business practices while grounding students in Asian market realities.
Through its focus on leadership, cultural immersion, humanistic values, ethical conduct, and sustainability, CUHK equips its MBA students with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to thrive in the modern business world. Whether it’s through hands-on exposure to Asian markets, the embrace of ethical practices, or the opportunity to grow in a multicultural environment, professionals step out of the program well-rounded and prepared to lead.
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