Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), in partnership with the University of Sydney Business School, successfully hosted the “Opportunities in the Disruption of Traditional Industries” program from February 24 to 27, 2026. Bringing together a distinguished cohort of business leaders from across China and Australia, the four-day program provided deep insights into navigating industrial transformation and seizing innovative opportunities within a shifting global landscape.
“Traditional industries are undergoing unprecedented disruption, which brings immense transformative opportunities—especially within mining, new energy, and biomedicine,” said Prof. LI Wei, Academic Director from CKGSB. “This program is a testament to our shared commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders who can drive sustainable development. The diverse perspectives and rich industry experience brought by our participants made this a truly impactful learning journey.”
Building on the success of the joint Australia Unicorn Program initiated in 2025, the curriculum blended rigorous academic theory with real-world applications. The program featured sessions from a world-class faculty, including Professor XING Bing, Founding Dean of CKGSB; Professor David J. Reilly, an internationally recognized quantum physicist with joint roles at Microsoft and the University of Sydney; and Professor Wei XIANG, Director and Chief Scientist of the Australian Centre for AI in Medical Innovation (ACAMI). These interactive sessions explored critical topics such as disruptive innovation strategies, digital transformation pathways, and the integration of sustainability into core business models, with a specific focus on the dynamic RCEP and Asia-Pacific markets.
Beyond the classroom, participants engaged in exclusive field visits to organizations at the heart of Australia’s innovation ecosystem, including Atlassian, Cochlear, FPA Group, and the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). These visits provided firsthand exposure to local best practices and created a platform for future cross-border collaboration.
Professor LI Wei, Academic Director from USYD, added: “Australia’s expertise in sustainable mining and biomedical advancements complements China’s robust industrial foundation. By visiting institutions like Cochlear and Atlassian, participants saw these concepts in action, creating a valuable platform for Sino-Australian leaders to connect and collaborate. We look forward to building on this momentum.”
The program received high praise for its blend of strategic vision and networking. Mr. Eddie Xie, an executive with Commonwealth Bank Australia, noted: “Visiting leaders like Cochlear showcased how R&D builds long-term market leadership. It reshaped my understanding of the growth opportunities available in energy and biomedicine under the waves of AI.”
Ms. Alina Li, a senior executive participant, reflected on the value of the peer network: “The most precious takeaway was connecting with outstanding peers. The ‘unicorn’ spirit is about a group of people who continuously evolve together. This program has laid a strong foundation for future cross-border collaboration.”
The successful delivery of this program underscores the growing synergy between China and Australia, paving the way for deeper economic ties and collaborative ventures in the years to come.
