MBA Scholarships Entice Overseas Chinese to Return for Business Prospects

By Pavel Kantorek Updated May 03, 2016

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Introduction
China emerges in the global financial crisis’ wake
Living in China, more than just good business sense
China superpower… and beyond

Learn more about Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business MBA program

This article is sponsored by the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.

Learn more about its MBA program.

The global financial crisis has intensified the spotlight on emerging markets. Increasingly, the world looks east, to what looks like green fields rolling beyond the Western rubble.

Following the burst bubbles and market crashes, some voices in Wall Street have gone so far as to claim the entire US economy is a giant Ponzi system, destined to demise, wired to survival by a quantitative easing life-support machine.

One phenomenon arising from the ongoing 2008 global financial crisis hangover is Chinese nationals returning to their native homeland. The Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) in Beijing has committed 5 million RMB in MBA scholarships to helping these returnees to reach their full potential in China’s booming marketplace.

The business school “appreciates the considerable talent and expertise in the overseas Chinese community”, and is investing in MBA scholarships for ‘outstanding overseas Chinese professionals’ to attract individuals of Chinese heritage to study in China.

According to the university, China offers many career opportunities but “many overseas Chinese find it difficult to fully access the market because they have lost touch with the business community and environment” in the country.

CKGSB’s mission is to develop existing and aspiring business leaders “for a new era of global business both in China and beyond” – a statement which reflects the nation’s present-day positivity and optimism for the future.

China emerges in the global financial crisis’ wake

Han Tao, who graduated from CKGSB’s 2011 MBA class, says: “I came back to China in 2011 when the eurozone crisis was at its peak and the U.S struggled with high unemployment. The Western economy was on the brink of collapse. In contrast, China had active and healthy economic growth. One can sense the exciting change everywhere in this great nation, and you want to be part of it.

“The transformation of the nation’s economic growth pattern has delivered reforms in many industries. Yet, the growth potential for China’s economy is still huge due to the enormous population, undeveloped market potential, booming internet businesses and the financial system. “

Martin Zhu, assistant director of CKGSB MBA’s Career Management Center, says: “Companies in China are eager to hire overseas Chinese with graduate level skills. Bilingual or multilingual language proficiency, cross-cultural experience, and professional skills are assets for companies, both in China and globally.”

Living in China, more than just good business sense

Barry Chien graduated from CKGSB in 2010 and describes living in China: “I originally came to China in 2008 for vacation. I had just left my post at Deutsche Bank and booked a ticket for one month in Shanghai. One thing led to another and I fell in love with my new lifestyle.

“I was playing basketball at XuJiaHui in Shanghai, eating authentic Chinese food and enjoying the amazing nightlife. It wasn’t until months later that I began looking for a job.

“Shanghai has a vibrant atmosphere and is an exciting place for someone in their 20’s: the fast-paced lifestyle, delicious food, beautiful people, heterogeneous international business environment and the big city.”

China superpower… and beyond

In addition to the bright lights of China’s city playgrounds, Chien affirms the prosperity of China today – even before the anticipated China superpower of tomorrow: “There are clearly more jobs – and competition – in China [than in the U.S], but the fact that you don’t need a US sponsor, don’t need to deal with a racial glass ceiling, and are using your mother tongue increases your chances of getting a job in China.

“As a safety net, I’ve learned that wealthy overseas Chinese are now investing in a US$500,000 EB-5 project (investments that must create 10 jobs in the US) just to get a green card and be able to stay in the US. The less fortunate are forced to return to China and find jobs.

“Having a network in China helps facilitate doing business since you’ll have a solid base of alumni to grow together with for your entire career. I’ve found that networking with the FMBAs (finance MBAs) has been valuable since they are in mid-level positions, which allows us to see eye-to-eye and can provide great insights into what types of deals they are looking to invest in.”

With more than 70% of CKGSB MBA alumni holding executive rank positions and over half of the school’s alumni at a CEO or Chairman level, there is a lot of value to be found in CKGSB’s alumni network. Collectively, they lead one-fifth of China’s most valuable brands, shaping over $1 trillion in annual revenue. Nine of the 25 individuals voted as the Most Influential Business Leaders of China by China Entrepreneur Magazine in 2013 were CKGSB alumni, demonstrating the impact and influence of the institution.

“Mingling with the EMBAs can be a heady experience,” he adds, in conclusion, “since they dine with the likes of Fosun’s CEO. I’ve not yet arrived but am continuing to work towards my career objectives. Stay tuned!”

This article is sponsored by the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business.

Written by

Pavel Kantorek

Mansoor is a contributor to and former editor of TopMBA.com. He is a higher and business education specialist, who has been published in media outlets around the world. He studied English literature at BA and MA level and has a background in consumer journalism.