Alumni Stories

In addition to the knowledge and skills I have gained, the programme has also provided me with valuable friendships and networks. The diverse range of classmates and professors has allowed me to learn from different perspectives and cultures. The connections I have made will be invaluable to me in my future endeavors, and I am grateful for the lifelong friendships I have formed.

The programme covers a range of topics, including venture capital, private equity, mergers and acquisitions, finance, marketing, branding, accounting, and more. The lectures and case studies have provided me with a new appreciation for the importance of these areas in today's business environment.

Overall, the CityUHK Global EMBA programme has been an incredible experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from outstanding professors and learning partners, and I am confident that the skills, knowledge, friendships, and networks I have gained will serve me well in my future endeavors. I also hope that this knowledge becomes a blessing for this era, especially for the youth.

Thank you to the CityUHK Global EMBA programme for providing me with this incredible opportunity.

My career path has been shaped by a lifelong passion for learning and a drive for professional development. After completing my Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Economics at the University of New South Wales, I furthered my education with a Master of Funds Management.

Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working in diverse roles within the finance and real estate sectors. My experience at Big Four auditing firms in Hong Kong and Sydney provided a strong foundation in accounting and financial analysis. Subsequently, I held senior positions at Taubman Asia, a US-based retail mall in the US and APAC, where I was responsible for acquisition, design, leasing, and operations. When I left the company, I held the role of Chief Administrative Officer and Head of Finance – Asia. Currently, I serve as the General Manager, Financial Controller, Financial Services, Analytics, and Compliance at Wheelock Properties, a top five residential property developer in Hong Kong.

Despite my successes, I felt a desire to expand my knowledge and skills beyond my current role. I recognised the value of an EMBA in enhancing my leadership, management, and decision-making abilities. The programme's focus on new fintech trends and emerging technologies aligned with my professional goals.

I selected the CityUHK EMBA programme for several reasons. First, the programme's duration and location were ideal for balancing my work and family commitments – I am a mother and travel sometimes twice a month for work. Second, its reputation for academic excellence and focus on practical applications aligned with my learning objectives, with each module inviting current market leaders to share their knowledge on current and useful topics. It gave me insight into areas outside of my industry, such as new tech, SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company), loan syndication, eRMB, digital currency and tokenisation; and companies like Open Rice, Deliveroo, and Esquel.

The EMBA programme was a transformative experience. The rigorous coursework challenged me to think critically and apply my knowledge to real-world scenarios. The diverse cohort of students from various industries provided valuable insights and perspectives.

One of the most memorable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to collaborate with classmates on case studies and projects. The Open Rice case study, in which we proposed new business ventures such as "Open Wine," "Open Club," "Open Ride," and "Open Sleep," was particularly insightful.

For those considering an EMBA, I recommend doing thorough research and understanding your specific goals. Reflect on your career aspirations and identify areas where an EMBA can add value. Additionally, networking with alumni can provide valuable insights into the programme and its benefits.

Inspired by one of the EMBA modules on Family Business, I am currently pursuing a DBA. I believe that further studies will enhance my understanding of business strategy and leadership, enabling me to contribute more effectively to my further career development and inspiration.

In conclusion, my EMBA journey has been a valuable experience that has enriched my professional and personal life. It has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in my career and make a meaningful impact and beyond.

In 2021, I had the opportunity to reconnect with Prof. Michael Wong at CityUHK and joined a masterclass module on Strategic Issues in Fintech and Financial Services as a visiting student. This experience was eye-opening and sparked my interest in fintech’s growing role in transforming the financial services industry. It motivated me to explore the strategies needed to lead this transformation and ultimately encouraged me to pursue the CityUHK EMBA programme. My aim was not only to deepen my understanding of the fintech landscape but also to broaden my perspective on financial markets, gain valuable market insights, and connect with a professional network of experienced business leaders and learning partners.

The CityUHK EMBA programme provided exactly what I was looking for. It helped me stay updated on the latest technological and financial market trends while also fostering a collaborative learning environment. One of the most memorable aspects of my EMBA journey was the exchange of ideas with my learning partners, which included not just classmates but also course leaders, distinguished guest speakers, and alumni from the EMBA and DBA programmes. These individuals brought diverse professional expertise from various industries, making every discussion during the master class modules dynamic and insightful.

The programme’s interactive learning environment pushed me to think critically and adapt to new business frameworks. Whether it was exploring topics like crypto assets, fintech strategies, industrial automation, strategic marketing, or advanced corporate finance, the curriculum equipped me with the tools to stay relevant in an ever-changing industry.

For those considering pursuing an EMBA, my advice would be to explore the hybrid masterclass module format (i.e. Residential Course) offered at CityUHK. This format combines the flexibility of online learning with the immersive experience of on-campus residency, making it suitable for C-level business leaders with demanding schedules. Additionally, I encourage future EMBA candidates to come prepared to transform themselves. The programme challenges you to move beyond traditional business practices and adapt to modern approaches that cater to evolving industries.

For now, I’m focusing on applying the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to make meaningful contributions to the financial services sector.

Reflecting on my journey, the CityUHK EMBA programme has been an invaluable experience. It has not only broadened my horizons but also enabled me to connect with a network of forward-thinking professionals and equipped me with the strategies I need to lead in a rapidly transforming industry. For anyone looking to grow as a leader and stay ahead in their field, I highly recommend this programme.

I began my professional journey in banking and finance, starting as a trainee at HSBC. The comprehensive training and development opportunities provided by HSBC equipped me with a strong foundation in banking and finance, ultimately leading me to a role as a Relationship Manager.

Over the years, I specialised in Private Banking, working with high-net-worth clients on their wealth management strategies. Recognising the need to expand my knowledge beyond banking and finance, I decided to pursue an EMBA.

My goal with the EMBA was to broaden my understanding of various industries and improve my communication skills. I believed that a deeper understanding of different business contexts would enable me to better connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I was eager to explore the latest trends and developments in the fast-paced business world.

I enrolled in the CityUHK EMBA programme in 2018. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme delivered high-quality education through a combination of in-person and online classes. The dedicated and professional professors ensured a seamless learning experience.

The two-year EMBA programme was a memorable journey that broadened my horizons and challenged me in new ways. I gained valuable insights into information systems, business analysis, and other relevant fields. The programme's focus on practical application helped me develop my analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.

The EMBA experience continued after graduation. CityUHK's commitment to its alumni provided me with opportunities to continue learning and networking through study tours worldwide. These experiences helped me expand my professional network and gain valuable insights into different cultures and business practices.

Two study tours stand out as particularly memorable: the Guangzhou project and the Yale study tour. Despite their differences in terms of academic focus and experience level, both tours provided valuable learning opportunities and cultural insights.

For those considering pursuing an EMBA, I recommend doing thorough research and understanding your priorities. Consider factors such as the course offerings, alumni network, and study fees when making your decision. Additionally, reaching out to alumni can provide valuable insights into the programme structure and your potential fit.

When I started the EMBA programme, my aim was clear: I wanted a structured education in business administration, with a specific focus on financial and strategic management. Coming from an engineering background, I wanted to broaden my understanding of these areas.

The CityUHK EMBA programme turned out to be much more than I had expected. It not only helped me achieve my original goals, but also introduced me to new perspectives that I had not anticipated. While I gained valuable knowledge in financial and strategic management, I was especially inspired by the courses on Service Management and Leadership. These topics, which were relatively new to me, opened my eyes to the importance of managing people, processes, and customer experiences – skills that are crucial for leading a business.

One of the highlights of the programme was the opportunity to learn from my 30 learning partners, who came from diverse business disciplines and backgrounds. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and insights among us was invaluable. Beyond academics, the friendships and professional relationships I built during the programme remain some of the most treasured aspects of my CityUHK experience.

If I were to pick the single most memorable moment of my EMBA journey, it would undoubtedly be the Residential Trip. We traveled to Dalian City for nine days to provide consultancy services to a well-known retail chain at the time. It was an intense and challenging experience that required our team members – each with differing opinions and approaches – to work together to deliver results. The process involved countless arguments, compromises, and moments of tolerance and acceptance. Looking back, it was not just a test of our skills but also a powerful lesson in teamwork and collaboration.

For anyone considering pursuing an EMBA, my advice is simple: do it now. Don’t let your busy schedule hold you back, because time management is a skill every senior executive must master. Once you commit to the programme, you won’t regret it. The knowledge, experiences, and networks you gain will be invaluable for your personal and professional growth. The EMBA was not just an academic programme—it was a transformative experience that equipped me with the tools to navigate the complexities of business leadership and gave me a broader perspective on how to create value in a competitive world.