Leadership is not merely about navigating the present; it is about anticipating the future. This week, the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) proudly welcomed a distinguished new group of senior executives to our campus, marking the official commencement of the Global EMBA 2026 cohort’s transformative journey.

The Orientation Day was meticulously curated to reflect the core values of our Global EMBA program: academic excellence, profound experiential learning, and top-tier networking.

Setting the Stage for Success

The morning commenced with an official welcome and comprehensive program briefing conducted by Programme Co-Directors, Professor Xiuyu Hua and Professor Vivian Zheng. Their opening remarks set a tone of ambition and academic rigor. However, the true highlight of the morning was the student self-introductions. Hearing the diverse backgrounds, industry expertise, and driving motivations of our incoming executives reaffirmed the exceptional caliber of the 2026 cohort.

Following the morning sessions, the students enjoyed a networking lunch at the CityUHK Chinese restaurant. Over exquisite cuisine, the initial seeds of lifelong professional bonds and friendships were planted.

Navigating Ambiguity: Dialogue in the Dark

In the afternoon, the cohort transitioned from the boardroom to a highly unconventional learning environment: the Dialogue in the Dark experiential workshop. For senior executives accustomed to having complete visibility and control over their organizations, stepping into total darkness was a profound exercise in navigating ambiguity. The workshop required the cohort to rely entirely on non-visual communication, active listening, and implicit trust to solve complex tasks. It was a masterclass in empathetic leadership and team synergy.

An Evening of Elegance and Insight

The day culminated in the grand Orientation Dinner 2026, held at the Grand Salon of the Harbour Grand Kowloon. The evening was a true celebration, bringing together our new cohort with esteemed professors, accomplished alumni, and special guests.

The pinnacle of the gala was a captivating keynote address delivered by the Honourable Jasper Tsang (曾鈺成), GBM, GBS, JP, Former President of the Legislative Council, HKSAR. Speaking on the topic, “Maintaining Hong Kong’s uniqueness while integrating into the National Development Strategy,” Mr. Tsang provided a masterful macroeconomic analysis. His insights offered our executives a critical framework for understanding Hong Kong's strategic positioning—a vital perspective for leaders steering organizations in an increasingly interconnected global market.

Looking Ahead

Orientation Day is just the beginning. To the Global EMBA Class of 2026: we are thrilled to have you join the CityUHK family. Over the coming months, you will be challenged, inspired, and transformed. We look forward to seeing how you will leverage this platform to redefine leadership in your respective industries.

Welcome to the journey!