Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) has been named a winner of the Community Excellence Award (Rural Development Track) at the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China’s 2025 Sustainable Business Awards (SBA). CKGSB was recognized for its long-term commitment to rural development, social responsibility, inclusive leadership development, and positive community impact.
Since 2022, CKGSB has been running the Rural Revitalization Program—the initiative recognized by the European Chamber with this award—to empower entrepreneurs in underserved communities across China with cutting-edge business knowledge and market opportunities. Through this full-scholarship program, CKGSB and its corporate partners, including Douyin, Alibaba Foundation, and the One Foundation, have contributed RMB 27 million in resources to support more than 150 rural entrepreneurs from 20 provinces across China. As part of the Alibaba–One Foundation collaboration, eight participating enterprises achieved growth of over 30 percent within six months, while more than 50 collaborations were formed among students, mentors, and industry partners.
“For a philanthropic initiative to take root and create lasting impact, innovation is essential. By moving beyond traditional models and integrating new approaches such as social enterprises and impact investing, we can combine public good with commercial sustainability to generate enduring social value,” said Li Haitao, Dean of CKGSB. “The CKGSB Rural Revitalization Program is one example of how multi-stakeholder collaboration can cultivate rural economic leaders and advance rural revitalization.”
The award was presented at the European Chamber Shanghai Chapter’s ninth Sustainable Business Awards Conference and Ceremony, held under the theme *“ESG Governance: Short-term Compliance or Long-term Strategy?”* The annual awards recognize organizations that demonstrate leadership and best practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and China’s long-term social and environmental priorities.
CKGSB was recognized alongside leading multinational organizations, including AkzoNobel China, Bosch Automotive Products (Suzhou) Co., Ltd., and TE Connectivity, for its sustained efforts to empower rural business leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities through education, research, and practical engagement.
Launched in 2017, the European Chamber’s Sustainable Business Awards have become a key platform for showcasing organizations that are advancing ESG practices and contributing to China’s green and inclusive transition.
Since its establishment, CKGSB has integrated sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility into its degree and non-degree programs, while actively fostering dialogue around these topics. The School continues to serve as a platform for cross-sector collaboration, knowledge exchange, and talent development in support of a more inclusive and sustainable future.
