On November 18, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) successfully held its 2024 Graduation Ceremony at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The ceremony convened twenty-four CKGSB professors, alongside 1,041 graduates from the Business Scholars Program, EMBA, and MBA programs. Together, they celebrated the students’ journey of hard work and achievements, and looked forward to a promising future.
The ceremony, hosted by TENG Bingsheng, Professor of Strategic Management and Associate Dean for Strategic Research, comprised of inspiring faculty speeches, representative students speaking on behalf of each program, award ceremonies for outstanding achievement, and a performance from the CKGSB Choir.
In his address, CKGSB’s Dean LI Haitao warmly congratulated and extended his sincere blessing to the 1,041 graduates, while shedding light on the school’s innovations, explorations, and aspirations going forward.
Since its establishment 22 years ago, CKGSB has been committed to cultivating world-class business leaders with a global vision, social responsibility, and an innovative spirit. Under the guidance of Founding Dean XIANG Bing, CKGSB has introduced a series of groundbreaking innovations in business management education. Looking ahead, CKGSB will continue to uphold its innovative spirit.
In his speech, Dean Haitao identified five major challenges facing China’s economy in the current global upheaval. Through original research and curriculum innovation, CKGSB aims to help business leaders and entrepreneurs to navigate today’s uncertainty and enhance their business acumen across macro, meso, and micro levels:
We are now experiencing the fourth great industrial revolution—the intelligence revolution. To reshape and strengthen their core competitiveness, Dean Haitao emphasized how businesses must seize two major opportunities. One is the AI-led technological revolution, providing fundamental innovation and driving efficiency and competitiveness. Meanwhile, shifts in domestic and international demand patterns herald significant development potential. Businesses must adapt to new globalization patterns and trends, and transition from cost-effectiveness to quality and value alignment.
Dean Haitao also shared key updates on CKGSB’s development:
We were also honored to welcome MA Weihua, former Executive Director, President, and CEO of China Merchants Bank, as a distinguished guest speaker. In his speech, titled “Adapting to Change, Succeeding Through Innovation,” Mr. Ma drew from two pivotal transformations in his career and shared insights on business strategy, management, and cultural innovation with the graduates. As Mr. Ma highlighted in his keynote address, the interplay of geopolitical tensions, climate change, economic competition, and advancements in AI presents both challenges and opportunities. These dynamics are particularly pronounced in areas such as corporate development, financial markets, and academic research. He emphasized the urgency of embracing transformation in response to these shifts, particularly in tackling two critical challenges of our time: artificial intelligence and green transition. According to Mr. Ma, transformation is not merely an adjustment but a fundamental overhaul requiring us to break free from path dependencies, rethink development trajectories, and align with the times. Innovation, he stressed, is the catalyst for this transformative process—a force of “creative destruction.”
“Change enables progress, and progress sustains longevity. Companies that resist change risk elimination, while individuals who avoid transformation may stagnate,” he said.
Sharing his personal journey from a central bank official to the president of a commercial bank and then to the chairmanship of a public welfare fund, he encouraged CKGSB graduates to view transformation as an extensive and profound process powered by innovation. He reminded them: “Only when social issues are turned into business opportunities can they be truly resolved.”
Since its founding, CKGSB has attracted a world-class faculty of scholars who excel in bridging China and the world. Three such professors shared their reflections and wishes for the graduating class at the ceremony.
CKGSB Dean’s Distinguished Chair Professor of Finance and Senior Associate Dean WANG Neng noted that the school’s growth has always been in sync with the development of China’s economy and enterprises. He underscored how CKGSB’s teaching and research complement business practices, addressing key issues faced by Chinese companies while pursuing academic excellence.
“In today’s challenging global landscape, it is even more crucial to communicate the story of China’s economy and business practices to the world, fostering mutual understanding,” he said. “At the same time, we must humbly learn from world-class enterprises. The more uncertain the international environment, the more vital it is to promote dialogue between the East and West. Through our collective efforts, we hope to help Chinese businesses navigate globalization more steadily and contribute to a better world.”
CKGSB Dean’s Distinguished Chair Professor of Marketing Christopher Hsee reflected on his decision to join CKGSB, citing the institution’s unique ability to combine a global vision with a Chinese perspective, as well as its balanced focus on theoretical research and practical application.
Addressing the graduates, he said: “You are the true practitioners, decision-makers, and leaders of our time—the driving force behind innovation and the integration of theory into practice. I hope to continue learning from you and growing together with you. Beyond building successful businesses, I urge you to pursue meaning in life, contribute to society, and help more people live fulfilling and happy lives.”
CKGSB Dean’s Distinguished Chair Professor of Information Systems Professor SUN Tianshu offered insights from his cutting-edge research on AI and digital transformation. He highlighted that CKGSB entrepreneurs are pillars of innovation within their respective industries and urged them to lead the charge in “next-generation digitalization.” “Business digitalization must be driven by business value, embedding digital tools into next-generation innovations to unlock China’s global competitive edge in industrial digitalization,” he said.
He also wished the graduates to “Stay forever young and never stop evolving. The next 20 years will be pivotal in modern history. While knowledge will not be scarce in the AI era, what will remain rare is the ability to ask great questions, embrace technology, and commit to lifelong learning.”
At the graduation ceremony, representatives from the Business Scholar Program, EMBA, and MBA programs also shared their experiences at CKGSB, including how they engaged in thought-provoking exchanges with globally-acclaimed professors and studied alongside like-minded peers to co-create the future.
Adhering to the school’s emphasis and excellence in research, Professor TENG Bingsheng announced the winners of the 2024 CKGSB Outstanding Thesis Award and the 2024 Dean’s Scholarship, representing impactful research that contributed to addressing societal issues, business practices, and public policy.
One of the highlights of this year’s graduation ceremony was the unveiling of CKGSB’s new Beijing campus, marking a significant milestone in CKGSB’s journey.
As the much-anticipated permanent home for the CKGSB community, the Beijing campus stands as a bridge between the past and future. It celebrates the school’s history of achievements and embodies its vision for the future. Dean Haitao emphasized that CKGSB will carry forward the pioneering and innovative spirit of Founding Dean XIANG Bing, continuing to push boundaries and strive for excellence. He wished every professor and student success in creating an even brighter future on this new campus. He also invited all alumni to revisit often, reminding them that CKGSB will always be their “spiritual home.”
The commencement of degrees marked the pinnacle of the graduation ceremony. Faculty members presented graduation certificates to the 1,041 graduates of the Business Scholars Program, EMBA and MBA graduates.
The world will continue to change and evolve, and our graduates, along with it, will continue to grow and change. During their time at CKGSB, they have gained the tools and insights needed to navigate these twists and turns, these evolutions and disruptions. We hope our graduates will dedicate themselves to continuing to learn and grow, and to making a positive difference in the world.
