AmCham China Panel Discussion: The latest developments in Executive Education in China

Over the last few years, the demand for Executive MBA programs in China has soared, as senior managers and executives seek to expand their professional horizons, develop a rich network of business peers and gain international work experience. On the 16th of June, the American Chamber of Commerce in China organized a panel discussion to address these developments in Executive Education. Panelists at the event included experts and senior directors from six of the most prestigious Executive MBA programs in China - Guanghua School of Management, Peking University, Robert H Smith School of Business, the University of Maryland, Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, Tsinghua-UNC EMBA Education Center, Tsinghua University and China Europe International Business School. Elodie Xu, Director of HEC Paris Executive Education China programs, chaired the discussion. 

During the discussion, many important questions were raised by the audience, such as -

  • How has the participant profile of Executive MBA programs changed? 
  • Is there an age limit for participants of Executive MBA programs?
  • What are the selection criteria for admission? 
  • What kinds of programs are currently offered in executive education? 
  • In what ways are the curriculums relevant to the market in China? 
  • What are the objectives and values of your school's Executive MBA program? 
  • How can you measure the impact of executive education and calculate the return on investment? 
  • What do organizations expect when they consider hiring an Executive MBA graduate? 

Each of the panelists answered these questions with specific reference to the programs offered at their respective schools, and shared their thoughts on the evolutions taking place within the executive education sector in China. 

Looking towards the future of executive education in China 

Panelists also discussed predicted trends in Executive Education in China for the next 3 - 5 years. They concluded that the development of executive education in China was directly related to growth in the private economy, and that the increased demand for Executive MBA degrees will lead to the development of more specialized programs. In comparison with the executive education sector in China 5 - 10 years ago, the market has become significantly more competitive - the average age of EMBA participants is lower, and candidates have more specific objectives when they enroll in the programs. 

The Executive MBA is a journey taken to reach the next level in your career. Participants can enroll on programs that are tailored to their personal goals and that enable them to realize their professional ambitions.

- Elodie Xu, Director of HEC Paris Executive Education China programs

Members of the audience included prospective applicants of Executive MBA programs and representatives of companies interested in hiring executive education graduates.