The arrival of December brings the end of the calendar year, but the beginning of a new Global EMBA cohort’s journey, as the class of 2023 arrived for their official opening ceremony and welcome banquet at the CEIBS Shanghai campus.

Joining the new class of GEMBA 2023 for their special night were six of CEIBS’ top leadership figures, multiple faculty members, and around 60 alumni, spanning GEMBA cohorts spread over the past 20 years, from 2022 right the way back to 2002.

GEMBA 2023 – Global in Mindset and Makeup

Comprising 110 members, the latest class to be inducted into the GEMBA programme are drawn from 21 countries and regions across the world. 41% of the class comes from outside the Chinese mainland, and 29% are fly-in students coming from 30 locations around the world.

The Global EMBA 2023 class is an exceptionally talented, diverse, and driven collection of top executives that hail from a vastly different industries and sectors based in China and beyond, inclduing professional services, pharmaceutical, automotive, and energy. 25% of the new cohort are from Chinese companies, 17 are engaged in entrepreneurialism, and six are PhD holders.

Despite the uncertainties and disruptions of the post-pandemic world (and perhaps also because of them), top-tier executive talents still consistently choose China and CEIBS as the setting for their EMBA studies.

This demonstrates the mentality among non-Chinese executives that China remains a global hub for highly innovative ideas and educational experiences. They know that this is the place to witness world-changing business trends, and to see firsthand how emerging technologies will shape the future of whole sectors and industries.

Equally, this year saw a noticeable portion of students from Chinese private companies joining GEMBA. Just as international executives want to come to CEIBS to learn more about China’s pioneering business culture and landscape, leaders from Chinese firms come to gain the global mindset and cross-culture management capability that will enable them to aid their parent companies in their efforts to ‘go global’.

Words of Wisdom from CEIBS Faculty and Leadership

Representing CEIBS leadership, CEIBS President Wang Hong greeted the new students before describing the three most valuable elements that the school possesses: its brand impact, world-class faculty, and an increasingly strong alumni network. She emphasised how CEIBS has always adhered to internationalisation, openness and innovation, elements that are part of its DNA.

CEIBS President Wang Hong

“After three years of COVID-19, the global economy is facing severe challenges: sluggish growth, intensifying geopolitical conflicts, and numerous obstacles to further globalisation. Despite all that, nearly a third of this class have come from overseas to China to pursue academic excellence through GEMBA," President Wang said.

"This demonstrates not only their desire to pursue knowledge, but also their confidence in globalisation and China's economic development. In this diverse group, we expect everyone to share their experiences and insights, learn together, and grow together," she added.

This was followed by CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin, who assured the group that they had made the right choice in their school and EMBA programme. He encouraged them to always remain tolerant, keep an open mind and stay curious throughout this academic journey.

CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin

“50% of what you are going to learn, hopefully you are going to learn from our faculty. The other 50% you are going to learn from your classmates, because each one of you brings to the class a different experience, a different culture, a different perspective. Without bringing an open mind and a deep sense of curiosity, you’re missing out on vital opportunities to learn. The whole art of teaching is simply the art of awakening the natural curiosity of young minds,” he explained.

Representing the CEIBS faculty at the event was Professor of Marketing and Research Area Director of ESG Wang Yajin. Prof. Wang rightly warned the incoming class of the dangers of ignoring the ‘confirmation bias’ that affects us all, and explained how their academic journey with CEIBS should help to mitigate it.

Professor of Marketing and Research Area Director of ESG Wang Yajin

“With all the information we can access, advanced technology and AI tools we can use, we only see the things we want to see. Your news app, search engine, even your favourite shopping platform, are all constantly learning how to avoid showing you things that make you feel uncomfortable, displeased, or in disagreement. This trend is particularly dangerous for our business leaders. So, you’ve made the right choice to come back to school, to CEIBS, where we have a world-leading group of professors dedicated to helping you see beyond your confirmation bias through engaging lectures, heated case discussions, and real situational learning,” Prof. Wang said.

A fresh chapter, founded in mutual respect and support

GEMBA tradition dictates that every welcoming ceremony includes the addresses of three students – two representing the incoming class and one from the previous year.

Kickstarting this section of the evening’s speeches was Grelia Zhang. Not only is she the Senior Director, Head of Human Resources and Portfolio Management at Elpiscience Biopharma, she’s also the Chief Learning Officer of the Class Committee Team for Class 2, GEMBA 2022, in charge of learning activities. Her address gave the incoming class some invaluable advice.

Grelia Zhang (CEIBS Global EMBA 2022)

“You don’t need to prove how successful you have been, we all know it because otherwise you wouldn't be here. So, empty yourself, and bring only your curiosity and eagerness to learn and to improve. The charm of GEMBA is that it’s not only a classroom education, but a platform with collective wisdom and huge valuable resources and connections. Participate as much as you can to make most from it,” she said.

Then followed GEMBA 2023 class representatives Dedo Kofi, CEO of Niche Expressions, and Kay Geithner, Managing Director at APM Terminals Crane and Engineering Services, sharing inspiring words for their peers.

Dedo Kofi (CEIBS Global EMBA 2023)

“I suspect many of us, like myself, are juggling numerous responsibilities—balancing work, family, and everything in between. The question on your mind might be, "How do I navigate this journey?" My answer is simple: together. We may be questioning how we'll navigate this journey. Nevertheless, we are here because we want to be our best selves, to be changemakers ready to evolve into effective and impactful leaders. So, let's embark on this journey together, inspire one another, and confidently face every challenge head-on.”

Kay Geithner (CEIBS Global EMBA 2023)

“In the next few months, we will be pushed to our limits. We're not just going to study alongside smart people; we're going to challenge each other, and who knows, maybe even start the next company together. Eventually, we will emerge as leaders who will not just witness change, but drive it. So, let's make the GEMBA 2023 cohort one for the history books,” Kay said.

Another new beginning – Launch of GEMBA Circle

As the event’s MC, Professor of Economics, Associate Dean and Director of GEMBA Programme Bala Ramasamy took a moment to acknowledge the incredible achievements of the CEIBS GEMBA community during the past three disruptive years. Not only has GEMBA retained its Financial Times #2 ranking for a fourth consecutive year, the ever-expanding community of students and alumni have managed to maintain their strong links of support, knowledge sharing and friendship despite the difficulties imposed on travel and communication.

With the GEMBA 2023 class being the first to join CEIBS post-pandemic, the professor shared his hopes that they will be able to enjoy their full learning journey in a wholly uninterrupted manner, while drinking in every experience that it has to offer.

Finally, Prof. Ramasamy took this opportune moment to ask a combination of five CEIBS faculty members and five GEMBA alumni to introduce and officially launch GEMBA Circle. 

As CEIBS expands and pursues its mission of being a bridge between China and the World, GEMBA Circle will serve as a new student body that represents the needs, perspectives and priorities of the programme within the wider school community. Additionally, it will represent all GEMBA students and alumni in interactions with other top-tier business schools in China and beyond.

Welcome, Class of GEMBA 2023!

In closing, Prof. Ramasamy congratulated the assembled newcomers on choosing to be at CEIBS and for being chosen from a highly competitive field of global talent.

Professor of Economics, Associate Dean and Director of GEMBA Programme Bala Ramasamy

“As we bring the formal proceedings to a close, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being here tonight. I can already feel the energy and enthusiasm in this room, setting the tone for what promises to be an incredible journey together. Tomorrow morning, bright and early, a new day and exciting chapter awaits GEMBA 2023. Come ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

We wish the students of GEMBA 2023 the very best of luck as they begin this life-changing new chapter.