Dive into the International Field Project in Spain! HKU Part-time MBA students developed market-entry and growth strategies for a naturally fermented ginger beverage.
- Policy & European Markets
Understanding this macro environment proved crucial before diving into local innovation hubs and fintech ecosystems. Prof. Pol Morillas Bassedas (Director of CIDOB, Barcelona Centre for International Affairs) and Prof. Luca Del Viva (Professor in Finance at ESADE Business & Law School) provided insights into Spain’s and Europe’s geopolitics, central banking, EU policy, and Spain’s Eurozone role.
- Finance, Innovation & Sustainability
Visits to Barcelona Finance Hub by Aticco, Cloud 9 + IAAC, and Laboratories ESTEVE, partially with Prof. Roni Michaely (Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurialship at HKU), highlighted how startups, corporates, and investors drive innovation across fintech, sustainable finance, and pharma. Students also visited Estrella Damm to learn from its production, sustainability, and global marketing practices.
- Real Business Challenges to Solve
In Madrid, students developed market-entry and growth strategies for Minuman by La Verabat S.L. – a Spanish social enterprise producing a naturally fermented ginger, under the guidance from Elysa Rapoport (Director of Programme at HKU-TLV Innovation Hub). In just 1.5 days, teams analysed five regions, with winning proposals identifying Malaysia for Southeast Asia and Taiwan for North Asia expansion.
From cooking authentic Spanish dishes in the Gothic Quarter to exploring the Sagrada Familia, visiting Poble Espanyol, and enjoying a flamenco show offered students a rich immersion into Spanish culture.
Sincere thanks to the HKU‑TLV Innovation Hub, partners, guest professors, speakers, and company hosts for organising this exceptional international field experience for HKU Part‑Time MBA students.
