MBA Industry On-Site Workshop: A Day Inside Global Finance
In Feb, our MBA students traded lecture halls for trading floors and boardrooms, participating in an immersive Industry On-Site Workshop focused on the dynamic world of banking. This exclusive journey provided an unparalleled, behind-the-scenes look at the ecosystem of modern finance, from high-stakes investment strategy to the engines of commercial banking.
Designed to bridge theory with practice, the workshop connected our students directly with senior leadership, facilitating a dialogue between aspiring and established leaders. They gained an insider’s perspective on the strategy, leadership, and operational realities of steering finance's most prestigious institutions.
The Expedition: A Day of High-Stakes Learning
The workshop was a carefully sequenced journey through the financial ecosystem:
1. Visit at Morgan Stanley
Our first stop set the tone for excellence; students received candid insights from the senior executives and an overview of the Morgan Stanley business.
Key Takeaway: The paramount importance of integrated, client-centric thinking in top-tier customers, requiring deep expertise and seamless collaboration.
2. The Engine of Markets: A Tour of HKEX
At the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, students walked through the history and evolution of Asia’s premier marketplace. This session contextualized the vital role of exchanges in global capital formation, liquidity and economic development.
Key Takeaway: How infrastructure and innovation drive market growth and international finance.
3. Commercial & Investment Banking in Action: Bank of China (HK)
At BOCHK, the dialogue centered on connectivity. Judy Chan, Executive Director and Market Head of Client Relationship Management, delivered a compelling analysis of how an investment bank orchestrates relationships across clients, retail networks, and regulators. The session was enriched by Edmund Kam, General Manager of Private Banking and a proud alumnus of our own EMBA programme, who provided a powerful bridge between our academic community and industry leadership.
Key Takeaway: In banking, success is measured not just in transactions, but in the strength and strategic depth of your relationships.
4. Intimate Mentorship: Roundtables at BNY
The workshop culminated in an unmatched opportunity at BNY: a series of intimate roundtables with four senior executives. Students engaged in dynamic, candid dialogues with Ms. Sharon Ko (Investment Management), Mr. Joseph Yu (Global Payments & Trade), Ms. Ripple Chan (Global Finance), and Ms. Iris Liu (Operations). This was not a presentation, but a dynamic dialogue. Students asked probing questions about career paths, industry challenges, and leadership philosophies, gaining personalized advice from seasoned experts.
Key Takeaway: The path to leadership is multifaceted, and wisdom comes from understanding the interconnected gears of a global organization.
The Lasting Impact: More Than a Day on the Calendar
This workshop was about active learning and personal development. Students didn't just listen; they engaged, questioned, and connected. They gained:
- Practical Understanding: A clear, on-the-ground view of the distinct and interconnected roles within the banking industry.
- A Professional Network: Building direct connections with influential leaders and potential mentors.
- Career Clarity: Real-world insights to help refine their own career aspirations and strategies.
- Professional Confidence: The experience of navigating high-level professional environments and conversations.
This On-Site Workshop exemplifies our MBA programme's commitment to providing experiential learning at the highest level. We believe that true understanding comes from engaging with the industry's leading minds and spaces.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Morgan Stanley, HKEX, Bank of China (HK), and BNY for their generosity in opening their doors and sharing their expertise with the next generation of leaders.
Are you ready to see your future up close? Explore how our MBA programme connects classroom rigor with real-world impact.
