Doing Business with China 2.0
Gain strategic insight into China's innovation, policy, and business landscape through HKU's four-city executive programme for global leaders.
HKU Business School Executive Programme
Doing Business
with China
2.0
Strategic Perspective
Why China, Why Now?
China has undergone a fundamental shift, and so must your approach to doing business with China.
Once known primarily as the “world’s factory”, China is now reshaping its role in the global economy through technological advancement, industrial transformation, evolving economic priorities and changing geopolitical dynamics. Its growing influence extends across industries and markets, creating new opportunities while presenting new strategic questions for businesses operating in or engaging with China.
For global executives, understanding China today requires more than headlines or second-hand perspectives.
It calls for direct exposure, expert insight and meaningful engagement with the business, policy and innovation ecosystems shaping China’s next chapter.
It means going beyond conventional assumptions to understand how China is changing, what is driving that change, and what it means for businesses, industries and global leaders.
See the Transformation
Explore the economic, technological and industrial forces reshaping China.
Read the Signals
Examine policy, geopolitics and strategic priorities influencing China’s direction.
Engage the Ecosystem
Meet business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and institutions shaping China’s development.
Broaden Your Perspective
Encounter the people, culture and diverse perspectives that shape contemporary China.
Our Strengths
Why HKU Business School
Deeply Rooted in Hong Kong. Fully Engaged with China. Truly International.
HKU Business School combines academic expertise and institutional reach with first-hand engagement across four cities, creating an executive experience that is rigorous, connected and grounded in contemporary China.
A Distinctive Vantage Point
Located at the intersection of China and the global economy, Hong Kong offers a distinctive vantage point from which to understand China’s transformation.
Connected Across China
HKU’s faculty, campuses and centres, alumni and networks connect participants with business leaders, policymakers and institutions across Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland.
Rigorous and Grounded
HKU Business School brings internationally recognised faculty expertise, research-led teaching and the academic standing of a leading global university to the study of China and international business.
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Discover HKU Business SchoolDiscover HKU Business School
The Journey
Four Cities. Four Perspectives. One China.
Travel across China and see the country from the inside — through the places shaping its future. Each city offers a distinctive lens on contemporary China, together revealing the interplay between its global role, innovation ecosystem, economic transformation, policy and strategic direction.
Connect with China
Hong Kong
Where China and the world connect.
Explore Hong Kong’s distinctive role at the intersection of China and the global economy. Examine its business and financial ecosystem, cross-border connectivity, capital flows, and strategic position within the Greater Bay Area.
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Faculty sessions on China’s economic outlook and Hong Kong’s evolving role as a global connector
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Insights into the Greater Bay Area, capital markets, governance, and cross-border investment flows
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Exploration of how businesses use Hong Kong to connect with China and international markets
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Industry conversations with market practitioners, financial institutions, and business leaders
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Networking opportunities with HKU Business School alumni and fellow executives
Explore China’s Innovation Ecosystem
Shenzhen
Where innovation moves at scale.
Step into one of China’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems. Discover how technology, policies and talent come together in a city renowned for rapid innovation and the emergence of new business models.
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Exploration of Shenzhen's evolution into a leading global innovation hub
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Insights into digital platforms, new business models and China's global leadership in green energy and EV
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Faculty-led sessions on data-driven operations, digital economy, and technology strategy
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Visits to leading innovation companies including tech giants and EV leaders
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Conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders
Experience China’s Transformation
Shanghai
Where advanced industries drive transformation.
Explore how China is reshaping its economy and industries in its largest metropolis. From AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing to industrial innovation and global competitiveness, explore the forces transforming Shanghai and shaping China’s next phase of growth.
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Faculty sessions on automation, intelligent production and next-generation manufacturing
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Insights into how China's national initiatives and technology are driving industrial transformation
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Explore how China's digital integration is reshaping business models and strengthening China’s global competitiveness
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Gain a holistic view of how industrial ecosystems, technology and AI are transforming manufacturing at scale
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Connect with industry experts while enjoying Shanghai's historic Bund and modern skyline
Understand China’s Direction
Beijing
Where policy, technology and global affairs converge.
Go beyond the headlines to examine the forces shaping China’s next chapter. Explore national priorities, regional development, emerging technologies, geopolitics and China’s evolving role in the world, while experiencing the cultural richness of the country’s capital.
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Dialogue on China’s policy priorities, governance frameworks and global positioning
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Faculty insights into geopolitics, regional development and China’s evolving role in the world
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Explore China’s technology priorities and the pathways from research to strategic capability
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Cultural and networking experiences offering deeper context on China’s capital
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Strategic reflection on what China’s evolving direction means for global business and investment
Explore the Journey
Four-City or Two-City Journeys
Choose the full four-city immersion for the complete China experience, or choose one or both of our curated two-city journeys for a focused week-long immersion with a dedicated cohort.
The Full China Journey
Hong Kong · Shenzhen · Shanghai · Beijing
15–27 March 2027
Experience China as a connected journey across four strategic cities, from global connectivity and innovation to economic transformation, culture, policy and China’s place in the world.
Enjoy a preferential programme fee for the complete four-city journey and receive an HKU Business School certificate upon completion.
Four-city sequence
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Hong Kong · 15–17 March 2027
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Shenzhen · 18–20 March 2027
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Break & Travel · 21 March 2027
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Shanghai · 22–24 March 2027
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Beijing · 25–27 March 2027
Flexible options are also available. Individual city modules may be selected within the four-city journey.
Two-City Journey
Shenzhen + Hong Kong
Innovation & Connectivity
Shenzhen · 11–13 January 2027
Hong Kong · 14–16 January 2027
Explore Shenzhen’s innovation ecosystem and Hong Kong’s distinctive role at the intersection of China and the global economy, connecting technology, finance and international business.
Two-City Journey
Shanghai + Beijing
Transformation & Direction
Shanghai · 13–15 June 2027
Travel by bullet train · 16 June 2027
Beijing · 17-19 June 2027
Explore China’s economic and industrial transformation, and examine the policies, technologies, geopolitical forces and national priorities shaping its next chapter.
The Journey Continues Between Cities
Participants continuing from November to January reconnect through curated online touchpoints that support reflection, connect insights across cities and prepare the cohort for the next stage.
Reflect → Reconnect → Prepare
Complete both two-city journeys to experience all four cities across two periods. Enjoy a preferential programme fee for the four-city journey and receive an HKU Business School certificate upon completion.
The Experience
360° Immersion in China
Learn. Engage. Experience. Connect
Designed as an executive immersion across China’s most dynamic economic, innovation and business hubs, the programme moves between classrooms, company visits, executive dialogue, cultural experiences and informal exchanges, offering different perspectives on China and connecting insights along the way.
Audience
Senior executives and decision-makers engaging with China.
Format
Faculty-led, immersive executive learning across China.
Duration
One week per two-city journey or two weeks for the full journey.
Language
English, with simultaneous interpretation for occasional Chinese-language sessions.
Develop the contextual judgment to lead in, with and around China, connecting first-hand experience with what it means for business, strategy and global leadership.
Faculty-Led Learning
Learn from HKU faculty and leading experts examining China’s economy, innovation, technology, policy and global business environment.
Company & Ecosystem Visits
Go behind the scenes of leading companies, innovation hubs and institutions to see China’s transformation in action.
Executive Dialogue
Engage with business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and other experts working at the forefront of China’s development.
Peer Exchange
Travel and learn alongside an international cohort of senior executives, bringing diverse industries, markets and perspectives into the conversation.
Cultural Experiences
Encounter China’s culture and traditions through curated cultural activities, performances, local encounters and iconic places.
Reflection & Synthesis
Connect insights across cities and translate first-hand observations into implications for your organisation and strategy.
The Cohort
A Global Community of Executives
Different Regions. Diverse Industries. Shared Curiosity About China.
Meet executives from diverse regions, industries and professional backgrounds, bringing different perspectives and experiences to a shared exploration of China.
The connections built across the journey extend beyond the programme itself. Participants join a growing community connected through HKU Business School, with opportunities to stay engaged with fellow participants, HKU faculty, alumni and the wider China business ecosystem.
Who joined us in August 2026
30
Participants
18
Nationalities
15
Countries of residence
5
Regions represented
77%
C-suite / Partner / Head
Voices of Experience
Discover the Experience
Explore the experiences and perspectives of our August 2026 cohort.
Programme Video
Photo Highlights
What Our Participants Say
Perspectives from the Journey
The programme was full of eye-opening experiences for me, and I strongly recommend it without hesitation. It offers invaluable exposure to China and provides a unique, inside perspective on how the country works, how it thinks, and how it is shaping its future.
Mohamed Al Lawati
Head of Private Markets
Oman National Investments Development Company
Oman
My experience of the programme has been beyond expectations. The classroom learning has been exceptional, and the professors explained the concepts so clearly, providing frameworks that we could use to anchor all our learning. On top of that, we had incredible interactions with local business leaders. The programme has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Alexandra Joanna Russell
Chief Risk Officer
Petro Rabigh
Saudi Arabia
The programme was a great opportunity to get back on the ground in China and update my understanding of its rapidly evolving business landscape. Visiting companies and seeing how new ecosystems are built firsthand makes a huge difference. You simply cannot understand China’s role in the global economy from the outside. HKU Business School provides an excellent gateway to experiencing China firsthand.
Jochen Haug
Senior Advisor and Director in Insurance
Singapore
Singapore
The programme has been an incredible experience. One of my biggest takeaways was seeing how China approaches innovation and turns disruption into opportunity. I am very happy I made the decision to join, and I would absolutely recommend the programme to others.
Carlos CalderĂłn
Founding Partner and Director, Data, AI and Computer Science Academy
UTEC
Peru
The programme has been an amazing experience. Having first visited China 20 years ago, it was fascinating to see how dramatically the country has transformed and how it is now pushing the frontiers of innovation and technology. The opportunity to learn from professors, business leaders and fellow participants, and to experience China beyond a typical business trip, gave me a much more complete perspective. I would highly recommend the programme to other business leaders.
Lucas Lopez Lince
President
Grupo ALV
Colombia
This has been a formative journey, giving me a more complete view of China, from finance and technology to industrial development and policy. Learning from Chinese professors and experiencing China firsthand has given me a new perspective that is essential for anyone working in business and technology today.
Bente Sollid
CEO
Digital Hverdag
Norway
Explore the Programme
Find Out More
Want to learn more before applying? Download the programme brochure, join an upcoming information session, or speak with our team about which journey may be right for you.
Download the Brochure
Review the programme structure, journey choices and learning experience.
Join an Info Session
Hear from the programme team and faculty, explore the journey and ask questions live.
Speak with Our Team
Discuss which journey may be right for your priorities, interests and schedule.
A Simple Four-Step Process
Application Process
01
Choose Your Journey
Select the full four-city experience or one or both two-city journeys.
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Submit Your Application
Share your background, interests and objectives for engaging with China.
03
Discuss Your Fit
The team will review your application and conduct interviews with selected candidates before an admissions decision is made.
04
Confirm Your Place
Receive confirmation and prepare for the journey ahead.
Rolling Admissions
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early — seats are limited.
Upcoming China Journeys
Applications Now Open
Choose the journey and timing that work best for you.
Shenzhen + Hong Kong
11–16 January 2027
Full China Journey
15–27 March 2027
Shanghai + Beijing
13-19 June 2027
Planning Further Ahead?
Register your interest for upcoming journeys.
Full China Journey
· 8–20 November 2027
(tentative)
Shenzhen + Hong Kong
· 14–19 June 2027
Shanghai + Beijing
· 19–25 September 2027
Investment
Fees & Scholarships
Programme Fees
Four-City Journey
HK$198,000
Programme fee for the complete four-city journey. The same preferential full-programme fee applies when participants complete both two-city journeys.
Two-City Journey
HK$108,900
Per two-city journey. Complete both two-city journeys to receive the preferential full-programme fee of HK$198,000.
Individual City Module
HK$54,450
Per city; available only within the full four-city journey.
What the Programme Fee Includes
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Faculty-led sessions and programme materials
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Curated company visits, expert engagements and cultural activities
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Ground transportation for all official programme activities
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Refreshments, lunches and selected dinner receptions
Scholarships & Financial Support
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A limited number of scholarships and programme incentives are available.
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Scholarships, where available, are awarded based on participants’ profiles, taking into consideration both merit and financial need. Early applications may receive priority.
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Early-bird incentive: Save 10% when you apply by the following deadlines:
January intake — Shenzhen & Hong Kong
Programme dates: 11–16 January 2027
Early-bird deadline: 15 November 2026
March intake — Four cities
Programme dates: 15–27 March 2027
Early-bird deadline: 1 December 2026
June intake — Shanghai & Beijing
Programme dates: 13-19 June 2027
Early-bird deadline: 5 April 2027
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Additional incentives are available for referrals, group enrolment and HKU alumni. Please contact us for details.
Customisation
Customisable Programme
We develop customised executive programmes for organisations seeking to deepen their understanding of China’s markets, industries, innovation ecosystems and business environment.
Select specific cities and tailor the programme around the sectors and priorities most relevant to your organisation. Our team would be pleased to work with you to design an executive learning experience aligned with your organisation’s strategic priorities.
Questions
Ready to explore?
Get in touch.
Whether you are considering a specific journey, exploring programme fit, or seeking more information on fees, scholarships or customised experiences, our team would be pleased to speak with you.