China Immersion Programme

China Immersion Programme (CIP)

The HKU MBA’s dual focus on Asia-Pacific and China business renders it highly relevant to the wider region’s dynamic and ever-evolving business environment. As an MBA programme with a China focus, we offer the unique China Immersion Programme that provides students with the opportunity to learn about the vast diversity of China’s economy as well as the local business practices and culture. Students will get to experience various culture and regional business practices in Mainland China in order to understand one of the biggest and most important economies in the world. They will also have the opportunity to build networks and connections with some of the best known local companies within the major cities.
On completion of their final courses, students will finish their part two China Immersion Programme. The time they spent will enable them to deepen their understanding of the vast diversity of China’s economy as well as the cultural differences between China’s north and south. Through visit tours and cultural events, students will also have the opportunity to learn about the local cultures of each region and the influence these local cultures have on society.

Recap of Class of 2024 China Immersion Programme

Last year, the China Immersion Programme began with experiencing the culture of Hong Kong. The group visited the Chi Lin Nunnery, a serene Buddhist temple complex known for its exquisite architecture and peaceful ambiance, and the Nan Lian Garden adjacent to the it, which showcases traditional Chinese garden design and philosophy. Students also attended hands-on dim sum cooking class, learning the art of making Canton dishes and the region’s culinary traditions.

Over the following months, the group also took on trips to other cities in China, immersing themselves in China’s cultural diversity. The first stop was the vibrant Guanlan Woodblock Print Village in Shenzhen. The experience celebrated the artistry of printmaking, Han-style clothing, and traditional rubbing, fostering appreciation for Chinese cultural heritage.

The journey continued to Shanghai and Beijing, where the group visited iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. A highlight of their time in Beijing was a traditional Peking Opera experience.

Overall, these visits offered a comprehensive blend of cultural, culinary, and historical experiences, providing students with a deeper understanding of China’s rich history and culture, diverse landscape and dynamic growth.

Recap of Class of 2023 China Immersion Programme

Last year’s programme let our students experienced the Chinese culture and the local business practices through a wide range of events, including a virtual walking tour – A Century of Hong Kong Finance, an alumnus sharing: 1 Year MBA Became 18 Years in China, InvestHK’s talk on “An overview of the GBA and InvestHK’s GBA initiatives”, Chinese dim sum cooking class, and more.

Learning outside the classroom through these cultural activities, our students expressed that they could interact very differently with the classmates, and got to know each other from another side, as the events allowed them to discover various work styles and become a more successful and effective team.

Recap of Class of 2022 China Immersion Programme

The programme showcased the best of Chinese culture within Hong Kong, provided an experience to foster academic learning, inspire cultural conversations, and offer some hands-on activities.

The first session was kicked off by an all-day field trip to Lantau Island, one of the largest islands in Hong Kong and steeped in history. Our Full-time students visited Ngong Ping via cable car to witness the majestic outdoor bronze Buddha statue “Big Buddha”, also known as Tian Tan Buddha, followed by a unique Chinese vegetarian lunch from Po Lin Monastery.

Students then embarked on a heritage walk to explore Tai O Fishing Village, which included visits to the Kwan Tai Temple, built in 1488 to honour the God of War and Righteousness, as well as the local market, one of the oldest and most vibrant in Hong Kong, immersing themselves in the local street culture and lifestyle.

Topics that were covered in China Immersion Programme Part I included:

The Job Market in
the Greater Bay Area


Shopee SZCB,
Company Information Session

LinkedIn Premium
Training Session

GBA Alumni Sharing

The GBA-Panel Discussion 1:

Living and Working in the Greater Bay Area

The GBA-Panel Discussion 2:

Economic Development & Talent Mobility in the Greater Bay Area

GBA Seminar Part 1:

Doing businesses in China: the essentials

GBA Seminar Part 2:

Digital RMB in GBA:
(a) Fundamentals of Digital RMB

GBA Seminar Part 2:

Digital RMB in GBA:
(b) Related opportunities in GBA

Topics that were covered in China Immersion Programme Part II included:

Seminar:

Latest Developments from Greater China to GBA and Hong Kong by the CEO - Hong Kong Cyberport

Seminar:

Developments in China’s Innovation and Technology Landscape informed Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund (AEF)’s strategy by Executive Director - Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund

Seminar:

What differs ZA with other corporations as a Hong Kong based company with origins in Mainland China by Co-Head of Retail Banking - ZA Bank

Seminar:

China Digital Currency by the Chair Professor of International Marketing - HKU Business School

Seminar:

What can history tell us about business today by Professor Chen Zhiwu, Director of the Asia Global Institute (AGI), Chair Professor of Finance

Seminar:

Insights into Alternative Investments: A View on China and Beyond by Managing Director - Brookfield Asset Management

Seminar:

An Introduction about the China's New Consumption Market by the Associate Director - Fosun RZ Capital

Seminar:

Quality Management in China – Opportunities & Risks for overseas companies and brands by AVP, Canadian Tire Corporation – Shanghai Office

Presentation:

Unleashing the potential of GBA with Fintech by the Group COO - WeLab

Presentation:

Unleashing the potential of GBA with Fintech by the Group COO - WeLab

Panel Discussion:

China’s Economic and Business Outlook & Market Insights by Managing Director - China Merchants Securities International; Partner - KPMG China; Head of Business Development Services - Greater China of Cushman & Wakefield; Executive Director - Standard Chartered

Panel Discussion:

Operating in China: Experiences from the field by Head of Cross Border Transactions, JD Technology; Investor Relations Associate, Tencent; Operations & Management Senior Manager - SF Express; Shenzhen based Venture Capital Specialist; Marketing Manager - 3M

MBA with a China Focus

Class of 2023 visited the Grand Buddha Hall, learning the monastery's leading role and influence in religious orders and tourism.
Everyone worked together as a team to prepare the traditional Chinese delicacies.
HKU MBA Alumnus Sharing: 1 Year MBA Became 18 Years in China
Visit to Xiqu Centre
Visiting the Great Wall of China

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