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Disruption of Traditional Industries

Global Unicorn Series
  • 23 - 27 Feb, 2026
  • Sydney, Australia

Disruption of Traditional Industries

February 23 - 27, 2026
English
Sydney, Australia
10,000USD + 10% Australian GST
Early-bird discount until November 15

A joint program by Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business and The University of Sydney

Contact Us Apply now

    Program Overview

    The Global Unicorn Program in Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions, centering on:

    • Addressing global challenges in energy, sustainability, climate change and healthcare;
    • The digital transformation of traditional sectors like mining, agriculture, and services through the utilization of AI and technological advancements, incorporating principles of the circular economy;
    • Scaling up opportunities that involve establishing global partnerships and networks beyond the comparatively limited local market, particularly by capitalizing on the expanding opportunities within the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) area.

    Why Australia

    • 6th largest consumer market in the world
    • One of the lowest tax rates among high-income economies
    • Largest producer of solar energy per capita
    • Top 6 for attracting investment for renewable energy

    Program Highlights

    Program Highlights

    ASEAN-Australia Ties

    Identify market opportunities and strengthen ASEAN-Australia business relationships.

    Innovations and Tech Disruption

    Explore how tech advancements transform traditional sectors, support climate change mitigation, and promote the circular economy.

    Unicorns and Success Stories

    Unpack the impact and achievements of next-gen unicorns across China, ASEAN, and Oceania.

    Company Visits

    Gain valuable insights into Australia's unique research, development, and tech incubation.

    Action Learning

    Practice pitching and further develop your innovative business ideas.

    How You Will Learn

    In addition to case studies, company visits, and expert talks, you’ll engage with leading industry experts, unicorn founders, seasoned investors, and a global network of peers at networking events and the program forum. You’ll apply your insights through action learning and pitch your business ideas to peers, experts, and investors.

    Who Should Attend

    The program is tailored for visionary leaders such as:
    • Founders and C-level executives of unicorn companies, promising startups, and businesses on the cusp of becoming unicorns in Asia, especially those in new energy and the green economy.
    • Investors spanning venture capital, private equity firms, and other investment entities, including corporate venture arms and family offices, who are keen to support the next wave of unicorns.
    • Senior executives from leading organizations committed to utilizing Australia and ASEAN-specific insights to drive impactful, disruptive and sustainable advancements in their fields.
    • Key figures from NGOs, senior government officials, and representatives from the public sector dedicated to nurturing local ecosystems for unicorns in new energy, green economy and other sectors.

    Past Program Participants

    • Typical profiles include: Founder & CEO, Strategic Advisor, VP of Open Innovation & Venturing, Head of Strategy, Head of Digital Innovation, VP of Engineering, Sales Operations Director, Solution Architecture Director, Supply Chain Business Partner, Chief Technology Officer, COO, VP.
    • Typical industries include: retail & consumer goods, finance & insurance, energy, entertainment & media, fashion & beauty, information technology, manufacturing, agrochemicals, engineering, services, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics & supply chain.

    Program Fee Details

    Includes tuition, teaching materials, site visits, program meals and simultaneous interpretation, if applicable.

    CKGSB Faculty

    Prof. XIANG Bing

    Dr. Xiang Bing is the Founding Dean and Dean’s Distinguished Chair Professor of China Business and Globalization at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB). Under his leadership, CKGSB has evolved from a fledgling school to one of the most influential business schools in China with a global reputation since 2002.

    Prof. LI Wei

    Dr. Li is an authority on Chinese economy and business. Before joining CKGSB, Dr. Li was Professor of Business Administration (with tenure) at the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia, where he has served on the faculty since 2000.

    University of Sydney Faculty

    Prof. Wei Li

    Wei Li is a Senior Lecturer in International Business at the University of Sydney Business School and the Program Director for the Master of International Business. Bringing a wealth of expertise in international business and cross-border economic relationships. Wei Li provides strategic leadership and guidance to future leaders in global commerce.

    Prof. Kevin Lowe

    Kevin B. Lowe is Professor in Leadership at the University of Sydney Business School. Specializing in teaching and coaching entrepreneurs, Kevin equips aspiring leaders with the skills to drive change and expand into new market regions—essential competencies for building and scaling unicorn companies.

    Prof. Vikas Kumar

    Vikas Kumar is Professor in International Business at the University of Sydney Business School. Specializing in global strategy and emerging market-focused topics, Vikas imparts critical knowledge on internationalization strategies for firms navigating the dynamic landscapes of China, India, and the RCEP region—key areas for aspiring unicorn companies.

    About the Organizers

    About CKGSB

    Established in Beijing in November 2002, CKGSB is China’s first privately-funded, research-intensive and non-for-profit business school. The school aims to cultivate transformative business leaders with a global vision, sense of social responsibility, innovative mindset, and ability to lead with empathy and compassion. Today, CKGSB stands apart for its full-time, world-class faculty, research excellence, China insights and unparalleled alumni network. More than half of its 40 strong faculty members previously held tenure or senior professorships at top business schools, such as MIT, Wharton, and Yale. CKGSB is also the preferred choice for management education among established business leaders and a new generation of disruptors in China and the wider region. More than half of CKGSB’s 20,000 alumni are at the CEO or Chairman level and, collectively, they lead one fifth of China’s 100 most valuable brands.

    CKGSB is the first business school in China, since 2015, and now globally to offer programs specifically designed for unicorn and soon-to-be-unicorn founders. It aims to build a global ecosystem for the next generation of unicorn and soon-to-be-unicorn companies, with a renewed and enhanced emphasis on global responsibility, social purpose and long-term perspective. Thus far, this ecosystem has developed more than 1,000 founders and co-founders of companies with Series A to more mature start-up companies, including 38 unicorn companies listed on CB Insights (2017-2022).

    About USYD

    The University of Sydney Business School is a globally renowned institution, acclaimed for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and its significant contributions to the world of business education. As part of Australia's oldest university, the Business School is recognized for producing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also industry-ready, equipped with the skills and knowledge to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing global business environment. Its commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and engagement with industry and community partners makes it an exemplary model for business education worldwide. Investing in a partnership with the University of Sydney Business School presents an opportunity to support a leading institution that shapes future business leaders and advances the frontiers of business knowledge and practice.

    The University of Sydney Business School has collaborated with Commonwealth Bank of Australia and launched the first thought leadership report on “Asian Business in Australia report” in March 2022. The report finds that Asian-Australian entrepreneurs are culturally integrated and highly educated and highlights the opportunity to collaborate with Australia’s Asian businesses as they are deeply integrated into the Asia-Pacific value chains.

    Any Questions? Contact our program manager

    Mara Yuan

    Program Manager

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