CUHK EMBA

More than a conference, it was a homecoming.

At the Ritz-Carlton, the CUHK EMBA Annual Conference 2026 proved that while success requires a new formula, our unified network remains the engine for transformation. Under the theme “Innovate to Lead – Agile Leadership in Shaping the Future of Hong Kong and Beyond”, we moved beyond traditional dialogue to define a roadmap for leadership in an era of disruption.

The conference began with a direction. 🧭

The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, shared an inclusive vision, suggesting that inclusivity is not charity but the smartest business strategy available. He highlighted how AI, as an amplifier of human capability, empowers individuals and workforces alike — and urged that the fruits of innovation be broadly shared across society. He closed with a memorable call to action: to "grow the pie together, and make sure we cut it well."

This was echoed by Professor Dennis Lo, SBS, JP, Vice-Chancellor and President of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, shared insights into the journey of his scientific discovery and the commercialisation of research. He illustrated that innovation originates from a specific mindset, the ability to stay alert and identify extraordinary potential within mundane.

From visions, the conversation shifted to the heart of leadership. 🫀

Mr Joe Ngai, JP, Chairman, McKinsey Greater China, built on this macro-optimism with his insights on "The Next China", highlighting that winning in this new era requires an unwavering belief in enduring opportunities.

To navigate this complexity, Dr Malina NGAI, JP, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, presented agility as a rigorous science. She shared a formula highlighting that true agility is achieved by redesigning systems to eliminate drag:

Net Agility 🟰 (Strategic Clarity ✖️ Capability) ➖ Organisational Friction

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The rest of the night was so much more than the strategic formulas.

Looking across the room at over 230 participants, we felt the sheer weight of our shared history. To have our city's leader, our university's heads, and industry titans all anchored in one room, looking toward a collective future, was incredibly profound. It was a vivid reminder that we are the architects responsible for Hong Kong’s next chapter.

Suddenly, the CUHK EMBA legacy felt more alive than ever. 🌱

In the sight of classes of alumni coming back, this community has proven that while industries change, the warmth of our network remains our greatest competitive advantage as we move forward the future.

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A heartfelt thanks to the dedicated Organising Committee, led by Macy Chan and Michael Chan (Class of 2026), for first and foremost demonstrating the agility we discussed. Here’s to a future defined by agile leadership!

A crisis rarely starts with a headline. It starts small.

At our recent EMBA Enrichment Workshop, it was a privilege to host Ms Gilly Wong, former CEO of the Hong Kong Consumer Council. She reminded us that crisis management is about early detection and containment, i.e. refining and limiting the fire before it spreads.

Reputation takes years to build but seconds to lose. It is a quiet asset on the balance sheet 📉, tested only when pressure comes. Leaders must be ready before the alarm rings.

A powerful session on trust, integrity, and why preparedness defines leadership.

Behind the scenes at the Three Gorges Dam... 🚢🏔️

Standing atop the world's largest hydropower project, you quickly realise that leadership at this level is about the balance between human progress and planetary health. 🌏

Recently, our CUHK EMBA cohort traded the lecture hall for the Yangtze River to get a real-world look at Energy, Sustainability, and Green Transformation. Guided by Professor Wilton Chau, we went behind the scenes at the Three Gorges Dam, witnessing engineering marvels like the world's largest ship lift and the monumental 5-level ship lock.

The journey took us deeper.

We were granted rare access to the Aquatic Biodiversity Research Centre and the Rare Plant Research Institute. It was a firsthand look at the "quiet" side of the giant, seeing how China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG), the world's largest hydropower developer, also lead the charge in ecological restoration. 🌱

The immersion reached its peak in Wuhan.

We were deeply honoured that Chairman Li Yinsheng and Director Guan Jielin of China Three Gorges International Limited (CTGI) stepped in as our guest lecturers. They shared the real-world strategic thinking behind a global green portfolio in an era of rapid change.

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We returned to Hong Kong with a sense of what it means to lead a sustainable legacy.

A heartfelt thank you to Chairman Li, Director Guan, and the CTGI team for their incredible hospitality and for opening doors that few ever get to walk through.

Leadership is about the table we share. 🍽️

In recent months, our CUHK EMBA roadshow took us to across the Greater Bay Area and over to Taipei. While our mission was to host Info Sessions and Coffee Chats for the next generation of leaders, the true highlight was the homecoming.

Seeing our alumni, the heartbeat of our programme, reminded us that the CUHK EMBA spirit travels and grows.

The classroom is just the beginning. The network is for life.

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To our alumni who joined us for conversation: thank you for the warmth and the wisdom.

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Next stops: Guangzhou & Shenzhen. Will you be at the table?

Macroeconomics is a living pulse. This night, that pulse was our focus.

The CUHK EMBA community gathered for an Executive Table Dialogue with Wilson Wong (EMBA 2010), who brought a master's perspective from his role as General Manager of Investment Management at Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited.

The atmosphere was electric.

In this era of volatility, our collective intelligence is our most stable asset. This exchange turned complex global shifts into the kind of leadership grit that defines our community.

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A sincere thank you to Wilson Wong for his quiet brilliance and for grounding our outlook in real-world stakes.

Ali Lee 李佳芯 walked into a room of business leaders.

Then came a different kind of leadership lesson.

Last week, CUHK EMBA Alumni Association (CUHK EMBA AA) welcomed the award-winning actress for a fireside chat exploring the art of drama in leadership.

"Are you playing your role, or just reading your scripts?"

Moderated by Alan Lai (EMBA 2017), President of CUHK EMBA AA, the conversation cut straight to what moves people. Storytelling, emotional intelligence, and the courage to be intentional.

Thank you Ali and Alan for an evening of genuine insights.

One evening,
Chris Tung, Group CMO and China CEO of Shangri-La,
joined our Executive Table Dialogue.

A leader who shaped brands at P&G, L'Oréal, VML, and Alibaba. A leader who is named one of the world's most influential CMOs by Forbes. Chris shared his own journey with CUHK EMBA participants.

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The table is set,
but the conversation continues.

Next semester,
Professor Chris Tung will teach our new course:
"Redefine Marketing with Artificial Intelligence".

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We are honoured to have him as CUHK EMBA faculty.

90% disabled workforce.
Minimal governmental help.
No outside donation.
Thriving business.

Our EMBA cohort recently lived this reality during an immersion in Taiwan with Victory Group.

We didn't just hear about social entrepreneurship. Our participants rolled up their sleeves and stepped into the group's frontline operations, from convenience stores to car washes, gaining insights into the business. They also worked alongside employees with disabilities, learning firsthand about effective communication and collaboration in an inclusive workplace.

The highlight? We sat down with CEO Roy Chang, who shared how integrity and innovation are the engine of a self-sustaining business.

Beyond the business model, we sought deeper wisdom. At Zhinan Temple, we explored how the principles of Tao (道) can integrate cultural heritage into business, building sustainable and community-rooted enterprises.

A true leadership lesson that balances heart with hard results.