From Theory to Practice: A Hands-on Sustainability Experience

This educational trip provided students with an in-depth exploration of Esquel’s sustainable practices, serving as a practical extension of their academic learning. Through showroom visits and field studies, focusing on complex cotton yarn production, as well as guided factory tours that highlighted advanced smart manufacturing techniques, environmental innovations, and developments in textile circularity and recycling, our MBA students deepened their understanding of Esquel’s corporate philosophy. They learned about AI-powered solutions for garment development, material usage, production, and wastewater recycling and management in textile and apparel production, achieving zero operational wastewater discharge to protect nature.

A highlight of the programme was the opportunity for students to learn about natural dyeing systems. Esquel collaborates with botanical experts to produce high-quality natural dyes on a large scale, revitalizing plant-based dyes and establishing the country’s first natural dye botanic garden. MBA students also had the chance to dye fabric using these colors.

Real-World Case Challenge: Leadership in Action

The programme culminated to an intensive case study competition titled “The Uphill Battle: Navigating the Challenges of Launching Reusable Masks." This exercise was crucial for developing management skills, requiring teams to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application in simulated market conditions. By analyzing real business challenges like supply chain optimisation and consumer adoption barriers, students enhanced their problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills, preparing them for future leadership roles in sustainable industries.

Insights from Esquel’s Integral Project and discussions with industry leaders provided valuable perspectives on contemporary sustainability trends, including corporate strategies and smart technologies. This exposure allowed students to analyze sustainable methodologies in a real-world context. The experience deepened students' understanding of sustainability and improved their analytical skills in resource efficiency and waste minimisation, paving the way for potential careers in sustainable textiles.

Shaping Tomorrow's Sustainable Leaders

This immersive experience exemplifies CityUHK MBA's commitment to bridging academic theory with industry practice. The strategic partnership with Esquel provides unparalleled access to operational realities and C-suite insights in sustainable manufacturing, allowing participants to engage with the entire innovation lifecycle—from sustainability frameworks to implementation in global supply chains.

Students develop enhanced competencies in systems thinking, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making for sustainable innovation. This programme sets a benchmark for cultivating executives capable of driving meaningful change while addressing global sustainability challenges.

Overall, the trip provided powerful experiential education at the intersection of commerce and environmental stewardship. Engaging with Esquel’s leadership, participants gained both technical expertise and strategic perspectives essential for navigating sustainability challenges in the fashion sector. The program effectively prepares our MBA students to lead sustainability initiatives while ensuring commercial viability, equipping them to align ecological responsibility with financial goals.

Download our leaflet, or schedule a one-on-one consultation to learn more.