Business Schools Join Forces For China’s 'One Belt, One Road' Initiative

A new joint Executive MBA program will prepare professionals for opportunities created by China's huge infrastructure development plan

Hong Kong’s HKUST Business School and Russia’s Moscow School of Management SKOLKOVO have joined forces to launch a new Executive MBA program for Eurasia.

HKUST has a rich history of successful partnerships globally—its joint EMBA with Kellogg School of Management is ranked number one in the world by the Financial Times.

This new program is breaking new ground however, representing a major step forwards for HKUST in opening up new markets. It will focus on business within the framework of the One Belt One Road Initiative proposed by China’s Xi Jinping—a massive infrastructure development project along the old Silk Road trade route.

This collaboration between a Russian and Chinese school can be seen as a direct result of China’s growing global influence and economy, and efforts to play a larger role in global affairs and to develop a China-centred trading network.

Professor Tam Kar Yan, dean of HKUST, wants the new Executive MBA program to prepare students for new opportunities:

“The new partnership program seeks to develop business leaders for Eurasia, meeting the needs of the growth in the region and supporting the development along the Belt and Road countries,” he said.

The new EMBA—due to commence in winter 2018—will be offered as a part-time course over a period of 17 months. It will be taught in English and will cover six international modules in the US, China, Israel, Kazakhstan, Switzerland and Russia.

With business education not as popularly sought in the Eastern European region as it is in the US or Asia, it is hoped that these new business opportunities around the Belt and Road Initiative will draw people to the program.

Associate dean of HKUST, Prof Steven DeKrey—who has experience in the US, China and Eastern Europe as the founding director of the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program and chairman of the international academic council at SKOLKOVO—said: “The new program aims to provide advanced education in leadership and management to corporate leaders and entrepreneurs targeting or doing business in Eurasia.

“The program will leverage on the strengths and experience of HKUST by placing students at the cutting-edge of knowledge, underpinned by Eurasia, innovation and leadership, to prepare them to undertake a transformational journey.”

With America stepping back from leading global trade under Trump, there is an opportunity for China to step into the void. If the One Belt One Road Initiative is a success, then participants on the new joint Executive MBA program will be uniquely placed to reap the benefits.

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HKUST Business School

Mohammed

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28/07/2023

On Campus

Excellent Supporting Staff

HKUST campus is a very scenic place. However, the best part of the university is the professors and administrators. I have had numerous instances where I have approached them outside their office hours and asked them for help. I have always received full support, and they have helped me escape some very tricky situations. I will miss the faculty and especially the UG Hall 5 Residence Master. I am grateful for his help during my undergraduate program. I will recommend people choose HKUST for their bachelor, master, or Ph.D. studies. Do experience the hall life and you will never regret it.

Student

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10/06/2022

On Campus

Stressful university

Vibe Students in HKUST is really competitive, they study really hard. Environment Nice sea view and modern campus Teaching Many professors are from mainland, whose accent are difficult to understand sometimes. Harsh grading from most of the professors from my department Opportunities HKUST provides many opportunities and guidance for students on careers and extracurricular activities

Student

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29/04/2023

On Campus

Hard working and motivational

Major selection activities are very competitive. 1st/2nd year students work hard to get into popular majors they want. If you enjoy working in a competitive environment, this is a great place. Great ocean view with sports facilities and activities ready for you. Many programmes and social clubs available to boost your cv, learn practical skills for future jobs and interviews.

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2/05/2022

Blended

Good for academics but not that good for student life

Professors and teaching staffs definitely know what they are teaching and have strong knowledge in their discipline; Academics can be quite tough and stressful for students as everyone works very hard and course grades are rather competitive; Student societies exist but are not extensive. Activities are also mostly non-existent.