Herbert Chan transformed 25 years of experience in the fashion industry into a bold new venture through the power of strategic learning and innovation during his time in the CityUHK Global EMBA programme.

After stepping away from his long-standing fashion business, Herbert seized the opportunity to pursue the Global EMBA. The programme’s dynamic environment served as an immediate springboard for creative thinking, allowing him to turn a classroom business proposal into a highly successful commercial reality—the trendy dim sum brand "Dim Sum Icon."

The programme empowered Herbert to pivot seamlessly into an entirely unfamiliar industry by applying strategic brand-building principles to the food and beverage sector. "During my Global EMBA studies at CityUHK, I identified a gap in the market for a modern, stylistic approach to traditional dining," Herbert recalls. "The programme provided the strategic framework and practical environment to test new business models, inspiring me to combine fashion-style licensing and trend forecasting with culinary concepts." By merging cross-industry strategy with executive agility, Herbert introduced world-first IP collaborations to his dining concept, achieving rapid commercial success and building a resilient brand model.

Reflecting on his journey of lifelong learning and entrepreneurship, Herbert emphasises discipline and proactive execution for future leaders: "Success comes from a combination of adaptability, hard work, and self-discipline. Work hard, play hard—when you commit to learning and applying new insights, you can turn any industry challenge into a growth opportunity."