CB partners with Nanyang Commercial Bank on leadership programme
City University of Hong Kong’s College of Business (CB) successfully partnered with Nanyang Commercial Bank, Limited (NCB) to host a one-day Executive Leadership Programme on 24 November 2025. Held at the CityUHK Executive Classroom, this initiative aimed to empower bank’s executives with the necessary skills to navigate the digital and AI-driven transformation in the banking sector.
The programme was designed to equip bank’s executives with a strategic mindset and robust change management frameworks. The goal was to encourage a culture of innovation, ensuring NCB maintains a competitive edge in an evolving landscape in financial services. 22 participants were nominated by NCB.
Notable Guests (from left): Prof. Yew Kee Ho and Mr Peter Hu
Mr Peter Hu, Deputy Chief Executive of NCB, delivers the opening remarks, highlighting the importance of transformative leadership in today’s dynamic environment.
Prof. Chris Chan is the instructor of the programme, who leads participants in actively discussing topics in the Executive Leadership Programme.
Insights from Distinguished Instructors
The course was led by Professor Chris Chan Wai-hong, Adjunct Professor of Management, who facilitated engaging interactions, dynamic hands-on exercises, and simulation activities designed to enhance leaders' understanding of contemporary challenges. Notable guests included Mr Peter Hu Peifeng, Deputy Chief Executive of NCB, and Professor Yew Kee Ho, CB Associate Dean of Executive Programmes and Co-Director of Business Innovation Education (Executive Education).
Professor Ho highlighted the collaboration's importance, stating, “In today’s fast-evolving financial landscape, it is crucial for leaders from both academia and industry to embrace an exponential mindset. Programmes like this reinforce our commitment to bridge the gap between theory and practice, enhancing the capabilities of emerging leaders at NCB.”
The programme commenced with a kick-off opening remark by Mr Peter Hu. In his address, Mr Hu emphasised the importance of transformative leadership: “In today’s fast-paced financial landscape, transformative leadership is essential for innovation and adaptation. By embracing change and fostering collaboration, we can navigate challenges and drive our bank’s success.”
Empowering Senior and Mid-Level Leaders
Participant Mr Ken Ho, General Manager of Corporate Business Management Department, shared his experience: “The training provided valuable insights into strategic thinking and practical tools for influencing others. I appreciated the discussions during the Change Management Simulation on how well-considered actions can lead to significant organisational impact. The programme enhanced my business acumen and leadership capabilities. I am grateful to both my company and CityUHK for this opportunity.”
Mr Licky Leung, Head of Segment Development Division, reflected on the importance of the programme: “The NCB Executive Leadership Programme is particularly valuable for managers like myself. This one-day course offers a formal understanding of 'Leadership' concepts that are pivotal for my personal growth. I found the segments on 'T-Shaped Leadership,' 'Disruption, Strategy and Organisation,' and the 'Three-Step Model' especially beneficial, along with the engaging discussions on ‘Grasping Opportunities in Disruption through Innovation.’”
Ms Grace Wong, Manager of Financial Crime Compliance Division, added, “The session on Exponential Mindset and Transformative Leadership was invigorating. The real-world examples and lively discussions simplified complex concepts, making them memorable. The 'Leading Change Simulation' fostered teamwork and showed us how small, strategic actions can yield significant organisational impact. It was both enlightening and enjoyable.”
NCB executives join this one-day Executive Leadership Programme to refresh necessary skills to navigate the digital transformation in the banking sector.
NCB executives are participating enthusiastically in team-based exercises.
Strategic Vision for the Future
As both CityUHK College of Business and NCB continue to navigate the rapidly changing financial landscape, such Executive Leadership Programme play a vital role in developing future-ready leaders. By fostering an environment of exponential thinking and proactive innovation, this collaboration aims to prepare leadership for the challenges posed by digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
The success of this programme underscores the joint commitment of CityUHK and NCB to invest in the growth and development of leaders, ensuring a prosperous future for both the organisation and its stakeholders.