Crossing borders for business excellence
The global development is shining a bright spotlight on the Asia Pacific region, attracting businesses and talent worldwide. Postgraduate students from diverse backgrounds are choosing The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School to gain insights into both Chinese and global business systems, sharpen practical skills and foster strategic connections. They are leveraging the school’s renowned reputation for elite business education and Hong Kong’s unique position as an international financial hub—optimally located at the doorstep of mainland China and the Greater Bay Area (GBA)—to catapult their careers and achieve their ambitions.
Aleksandr Volkov (MiM)
From Russian Fields to Asian Markets
Aleksandr Volkov (MiM), from Russia, belongs to a family of entrepreneurs. As his parents plan to broaden their agricultural business into Asia, particularly mainland China, Aleksandr is positioned to spearhead this strategic pivot. Despite solid experience in economics and a strong foundation in finance, management and sales, he knows he needs to develop more practical proficiency and expand his knowledge of global corporate management. This realisation prompted him to pursue an MSc in Management (MiM) degree at CUHK Business School.
“CUHK is a premier institution offering high-quality business education,” Aleksandr explains. “The MiM programme is designed for people who aspire to careers at multinational corporations. It’s the perfect place for me.” He is certain subjects such as corporate finance will help his company grow internationally while Global Supply Chain Management and New Venture Management courses will equip him with the knowledge he needs to build a flourishing multinational firm. Aleksandr appreciates the interactive teaching style and collaborative environment at CUHK, which encourages idea-sharing among students, stimulates involvement and deepens the learning experience. “Nearly every class involves group tasks, solution presentations and project work,” he says. “It’s ideal for developing practical skills.”
Aleksandr embraces this opportunity to learn about the GBA, recognising its significance as a gateway to comprehending the Chinese market and becoming an expert on its business practices, “The possibilities presented by the GBA are numerous, especially if you can intelligently leverage CUHK’s alumni network. I’ve used social media to contact several alumni who work in the region, and they’ve shared invaluable insights about the local business environment and culture—these perspectives could inform my future business decisions in China.”
Living in Hong Kong has been eye-opening for Aleksandr. “It’s a melting pot of cultures and traditions,” he says. “Learning to interact with people from diverse backgrounds is crucial for my career and essential for understanding international business.”
For now, Aleksandr is thrilled about his studies. He is eager to gain the knowledge and competencies to continue transforming himself into a young professional geared for global business challenges.
Cho Somin (MSc in Finance)
Korean Roots, Global Aspirations
Cho Somin (MSc in Finance) from South Korea is no stranger to China. After completing both her high school and undergraduate studies in Beijing, she was determined to use Hong Kong as a helpful springboard when seeking financial career opportunities in the Asia Pacific region. For Somin, Hong Kong’s role as an intermediary business hub connecting mainland China with the rest of the world, coupled with the city’s distinctive composite of East-meets-West culture, makes it “the best place to learn about and experience the dynamics of both Chinese and international business environments.”
Somin was drawn to CUHK Business School because it enables her to acquire not only “profound knowledge of finance” but also to stay abreast of emerging trends, such as sustainable finance, FinTech and ESG: “The ever-evolving core and elective courses ensure a comprehensive learning experience. I know I’ll gain practical knowledge to apply in my real-world career.”
The school’s field study and exchange opportunities, available even to students in one-year programmes such as Somin, impressed her with their potential for a transformative learning experience. She also looks forward to the support she will receive from the school’s career development programme.
While excited about honing her financial expertise—not to mention making new friends with similar ambitions and goals—Somin acknowledges the inherent challenge of the intensive one-year curriculum. Nonetheless, she is confident that “with proficient professors and tutors, a supportive MSc in Finance team and a well-organised course of study, I’ll complete my journey successfully.”
Tan Wei Yen (MSc in Finance)
Bridging Science and Finance
Tan Wei Yen (MSc in Finance), a Malaysian native who has studied in Singapore since age 14, has always been excited about global exploration and drawn to experiences which expand his perspective. Despite a science-centric background, Wei Yen developed a fervent desire to forge a career in finance. He seized the opportunity to study at CUHK Business School, certain that the MSc in Finance curriculum and the school’s educational environment are ideal for his career transition and professional growth, “The qualifications will facilitate my shift from science to finance. Plus, the programme modules help hone both my qualitative and practical investment analysis skills. It’s just what I need for long-term success in the field of finance.”
Recognising China’s pivotal role in the global economy, Wei Yen is determined to delve into the country’s financial dynamics and bridge the knowledge gap often faced by international investors. He considers CUHK Business School an excellent avenue to achieve this goal. “Hong Kong offers unique exposure to both multinational banks and the Chinese financial system,” he notes. “At CUHK, I can immerse myself in modules like China Finance, while also gaining global perspective through field study courses, including visits to international financial hubs like Frankfurt.”
Wei Yen knows the GBA is a nexus of industry innovation and opportunity. He plans to leverage CUHK Business School’s strong GBA connections to expand his professional network: “The school’s activities—ranging from roadshows and recruitment events to company mixers and industry talks—are fantastic for meeting peers, professors, alumni and industry experts. These connections are bound to open doors to outstanding opportunities in the GBA and beyond.”
Wei Yen is hopeful about his upcoming journey, “I’m excited for a year of growth and continuous learning at CUHK Business School. It’s about more than just career advancement—I know I’ll discover more about myself along the way.”
