School News
When culture, commerce, and tech converge to drive change
From Dubai’s global ambitions to the tech surge in India and the creative pulse of London, CUHK Business School alumni are leading the charge to shape the future of global enterprise.
Long Di (FMBA 2021)
Deputy General Manager, Shenzhen Haiyi Oil Technology Ltd.
Dubai, the UAE
Aishwarya Vadgama (MBA 2020)
Manager – Strategy, Indra Shakti Ventures
Mumbai, India
Rahul Oberai (MBA 2014)
Global head of sales, Cirium
London, the UK
Q1. Could you briefly describe your current job scope or responsibilities?
- Di: I support financial operations and market development at a company specialising in marine and energy-related sectors, including positioning solutions, intelligent security engineering, and industrial products for oilfields and maritime use. My key responsibilities include managing cash flow, optimising fund allocation, and maintaining investor relations. Additionally, I lead overseas market expansion efforts, identifying growth opportunities for Chinese companies in global markets.
- Aishwarya: As a core team member at a stealth-mode startup in Mumbai, I am leading the end-to-end launch of two FMCG brands, guiding them from concept to market. My role involves crafting high-impact strategies through financial modelling, business planning, and in-depth market analysis to identify growth opportunities. Additionally, I drive the execution of go-to-market strategies to accelerate market entry, enhance brand positioning, and optimise customer engagement.
- Rahul: As the global head of sales, I manage international sales teams, pre-sales activities, and strategic partnerships in the aviation analytics industry. We serve airlines, airports, travel companies, and aerospace organisations worldwide. Since joining the company in 2018 as the APAC managing director, I have played a key role in driving the company’s revenue growth.
Q2. How is life in the city where you live now?
- Di: Open, diverse, opportunity-rich. Despite its limited oil reserves, Dubai has created a commercial miracle in the desert, transforming into an international metropolis over just a few decades. It serves as a strategic base for businesses seeking to expand across the Gulf region. Similar to Hong Kong, Dubai boasts an open and diverse culture that attracts global talent and enterprises. As Gulf economies continue to flourish, Dubai is brimming with business opportunities. That said, challenges such as strict local regulations, extreme heat, and a high cost of living can pose hurdles to professional endeavours.
- Aishwarya: Mumbai is home, diverse, and unstoppable. The city never sleeps and never stops dreaming. Whether you’re catching a train at 4am or sitting by Marine Drive watching the sea, Mumbai’s warmth and inclusiveness will always make you feel at home. It’s a city where there is space for everyone, no matter who you are or where you’re from. Words can’t fully capture Mumbai’s spirit–it is magic.
- Rahul: Dynamic, fast-paced, and culturally distinctive. London is a city characterised by a highly energetic and competitive professional environment, complemented by a strong cultural identity, notable architecture, and a vibrant social scene.
Q3. Which industry do you see strong business potential in your current location, and why?
- Di: Dubai and other Gulf countries, while affluent and economically strong, still face gaps in infrastructure and industrial technology. This creates substantial demand in sectors such as new energy, light industrial goods, and information technology. Given China’s strength in cost-effective production, high-quality output, and complete supply chains, there is strong potential for cross-border collaboration that supports Dubai’s ongoing development and opens doors for professional advancement.
- Aishwarya: India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, with a projected annual growth of 15% across multiple sectors. This growth is fuelled by government initiatives, digital transformation, unified payments interface adoption, and improved connectivity. Technology is the cornerstone of this growth, with fintech and quick commerce leading the way. The digital payments space has been revolutionised by platforms like Paytm and Razorpay, setting new benchmarks for convenience. Simultaneously, consumer demand for ultra-fast delivery has spurred the rise of quick commerce, a US$2.8 billion market projected to grow to US$1.5 trillion in the next 4 to 5 years, especially in urban areas.
- Rahul: London’s strategic time zone is a powerful asset, as its work hours overlap with many others around the world. This makes it a top choice for global headquarters and reinforces its world-leading status in currency markets and the insurance industry. However, its edge extends beyond finance—London is also rapidly emerging as a hub for AI innovation and tech startups. With its long-established standing as a business hub, diverse talent pool, and thriving support networks, London stands out as a place where new industries can flourish.
Q4. What is the one thing you miss the most during your study at CUHK Business School?
- Di: What I miss most is CUHK’s commitment to East-West cultural exchange, which broadened my horizons and deepened my global understanding. My time there instilled in me the importance of critical thinking, grounding one’s perspective in China while maintaining an international outlook. The university’s mission to cultivate innovative entrepreneurs who dare to venture overseas, explore new frontiers, and explore uncharted fields continues to inspire me. I feel profoundly fortunate and proud to be part of its alumni community.
- Aishwarya: I miss a lot of things! The beautiful CUHK campus in Shatin, rushing to Professor Thomas Bain’s class at 6:45pm, sipping tea with batchmates at the dorm, and the rigorous C-Suite sessions led by Professors Chris Lobello and Haydn Pound. Most of all, I miss the bonding I had with people from all over the world!
- Rahul: I loved my time in CUHK, especially living on campus. We had a pool of talented individuals from around the world with diverse backgrounds, which greatly accelerated our growth and learning. I miss the incredible variety of food in the different canteens, as well as the hours spent in our common rooms – often working on projects last minute!
Thinking of advancing yourself in the next normal? Explore what’s in your future with CUHK Business School’s programmes.
The interviews first appeared in CUHK Business School Alumni Website, abridged with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office.