The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For the new cohort of future leaders and innovators, that journey commenced at the immersive and inspiring CityUHK MBA Orientation on August 30th and 31st, 2025.
The two-day event was meticulously designed to welcome our newest students, integrate them into the vibrant CityUHK community, and equip them with essential tools to begin their transformational journey.
Day 1: Foundations and First Connections
The orientation commenced in the heart of academic life: the CityUHK MBA classroom. Here, amidst an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement, students gathered for the first time as a cohort.
The session began with a warm welcome from the MBA leadership team. Professor Zhankun SUN, Kevin, MBA Programme Director, officially inaugurated the programme, outlining his vision for a journey of rigorous academic challenge and profound personal growth. He was joined by Professor HP CHANG and Professor Mike Leung, Associate Directors of the programme, who each shared their enthusiasm for the year ahead.
The dedicated MBA support staff were introduced to the new students. This team will be their guiding resource for everything from academic advising and course selection to student engagement activities and support on campus life, including catering, sports facilities, and IT services.
Following the morning’s administrative groundwork, the cohort transitioned to the elegant setting of the Kerry Hotel. Over a delightful lunch, the initial nerves melted away as conversations began to flow. A series of fun ice-breaking activities helped everyone get to know each other, quickly forging the first bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
The afternoon was dedicated to self-development, kicking off with the first workshop: "Personal Brand." This interactive session provided students with frameworks to articulate their unique value proposition, a critical skill for navigating their future careers.
The day culminated in a highlight event: the Networking Session and Welcome Dinner Banquet. The grand ballroom was filled with the energy of connection as the new cohort mingled with an esteemed gathering of guests. We were honoured to host the Dean of the College of Business, Professor Shum, and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, alongside faculty professors, key industry partners, dedicated mentors, and a strong showing of successful alumni.
The evening featured heartfelt welcome speeches from Professor Sun and Dean Shum, who both emphasized the rich legacy and exciting future of the CityUHK MBA. The inspiration continued with powerful, personal sharing from two distinguished alumni, who recounted their own MBA journeys and the tangible impact it had on their careers and perspectives. Over a wonderful dinner, the room buzzed with animated conversation, setting the foundation for a powerful professional network.
Day 2: Sharpening Skills and Building the Future
The second day focused on equipping the cohort with practical, immediate skills for success. The morning was spent in two engaging workshops:
"Presentation Skills": This session equipped students with the tools to deliver powerful presentations, covering essential elements like confident posture, effective deck formatting, and techniques to engage and persuade an audience.
"Effective Networking": Moving beyond simple mingling, this workshop taught strategic approaches to building their profile and on how to develop genuine, lasting professional relationships.
The enthusiasm in the workshops was palpable. Students were engaged, participatory, and eager to apply these new skills to their upcoming classes and careers.
The orientation concluded on a high note with the Mentorship Pairing Session. This cornerstone of the MBA experience allowed students to connect one-on-one with industry professionals from their fields of interest. The conversations were insightful and forward-looking, with many groups unable to stop chatting long after the formal session had ended, a true testament to the immediate synergy and value created.
The CityUHK MBA Orientation 2025 was more than just an introduction; it was the successful launch of a transformative journey. We extend our warmest welcome to the Class of 2025 and look forward to supporting them as they learn, grow, and lead together.
Welcome to the CityUHK MBA family!
