HKU MBA

[Foxdeux]

I know this is off topic but would really appreciate any insights on the MBA program offered by HKU as my brother just got accepted but he's not sure if he should go. A bit of background, he's from Canada but has HKID, he's also in the aerospace industry as a BD guy but he see's China/Asia as the future for aerospace, which is why he wants to get his MBA from HK. The program itself looks pretty good: 14 months long, 1 month in China, 9 months in HK, and 4 months at Columbia in NY. Appreciate any feedback.

[anxiao]

I would rate CEIBS in Shanghai and HKUST (incoming!!) as better known internationally in the world of graduate MBAs. The alumni of CEIBS are a pretty impressive bunch and are working their way up the business and political world of China. HKUST/Kellogg keep getting in the top 10 for MBAs and their science research is often cited.

However from a "different from Toronto" viewpoint I think any would be a worldview improvement. Back in my days of knowing it HKU did have mostly HK residents which made it a bit mono-cultural and lacking in diversity of thought but that was 20 years ago. It could be very different now.

[Foxdeux]

I would rate CEIBS in Shanghai and HKUST (incoming!!) as better known internationally in the world of graduate MBAs. The alumni of CEIBS are a pretty impressive bunch and are working their way up the business and political world of China. HKUST/Kellogg keep getting in the top 10 for MBAs and their science research is often cited.

However from a "different from Toronto" viewpoint I think any would be a worldview improvement. Back in my days of knowing it HKU did have mostly HK residents which made it a bit mono-cultural and lacking in diversity of thought but that was 20 years ago. It could be very different now.

Thank you for the honest opinion, it does appear that HKUST is ranked 1st, followed by HKU. But I think opportunities in Asia would be better compared to Canada. From what I can see, MBA's in Canada are immigration machines since it's a 'foreign direct investment' and bumps up the immigrants points. Most students at top Canadian B school's are Indians.

[anxiao]

If someone wants to use an Asian MBA to get work in China it is a good start, but the big difference would be the language. If after the MBA your brother can go to a Beijing language school for six months total immersion in Putongwa his job prospects will be immeasurably better. I mention Beijing as still there is a dialect issue and you are judged by your accent. Personally I find the northern accent a bit harsh but try getting a job in Beijing as an expat with a Chunking patois...

Agree that a Canadian MBA in China will be competing against many returning Chinese from similar North American schools, so a differentiation is helpful in the job market.

FWIW