I officially joined Alibaba Cloud in 2017 as part of the Media and Integrated Communications Division, focusing on Content Delivery Network (CDN) and Edge Cloud technologies.

I chose City University of Hong Kong because of its outstanding reputation. Ranked 63rd in the QS World University Rankings and 10th in the QS Asia University Rankings, CityUHK showcases its strengths in faculty quality, academic rigor, employer evaluations, research publication standards, and employment outcomes. This aligns perfectly with my pursuit of higher education and knowledge.

Throughout my career, I have noticed that many technical professionals often limit themselves, lacking opportunities for growth and expansion in non-technical fields. I believe that studying in the CityUHK Global EMBA programme will not only enhance my knowledge but also connect me with professors, mentors, and classmates from diverse industries. This environment will facilitate both upward and lateral learning, allowing us to explore business solutions from various sectors.

Currently, my team is focused on internationalisation, yet we encounter significant differences in strategies across different countries. Our progress in terms of platform scale and user base lags behind domestic standards. Many fail to understand why successful Chinese companies struggle when expanding overseas. I believe that policy and cultural factors contribute to this, although the specific differences often remain invisible. I hope to use my time at CityUHK to broaden my perspective, gain a deeper understanding of the world, and realise my potential.

Achieving a balance between work and study is essential for me, and the course schedule is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals like myselfI aim to address two key areas in my professional journey. First, as a technical staff member, I recognise the importance of excelling beyond just technical skills. The strategies that work domestically often do not translate internationally, and I am eager to break this impasse.

On a personal level, I aspire to develop an international outlook. While many employees feel disconnected from market changes, I see the rapid evolution of the internet in China as a precursor to a significant reshuffle in our industry. This shift will impact products, services, technologies, and people. For example, the rise of smartphones left Nokia struggling despite its previous dominance. Similarly, consumers are shifting from prioritising the cheapest options in online shopping to valuing self-operated products that offer better service and faster delivery.

The competitive landscape is evolving, with companies raising their expectations for talent beyond academic qualifications. Organisations are increasingly using various assessment methods to determine suitability, leading to the elimination of those who do not fit.

I am excited about the potential of CityUHK Global EMBA programme to empower me in shaping the future of my industry. Through this programme, I anticipate several key enhancements: improving my global perspective and cross-cultural leadership, gaining insights into future trends, understanding cutting-edge business knowledge, and fostering an innovative spirit. Additionally, I hope to connect with global elites through a robust network that promotes cross-industry collaboration and accelerates practical implementation. By deepening my self-awareness, I aim to enhance my leadership skills and empower others.

I look forward to the transformative experiences that await me at the City University of Hong Kong.