The China study trip provided Ivey MBA students with an opportunity to see the other side of the world – literally! Using a combination of speakers, events, and free time students were able to truly develop an understanding of life and business in China and Hong Kong.
Through the effective organization by both faculty and students, a number of speakers presented their views on various opportunities and challenges within China. Affinity Capital principal Anthony Wu, walked through a recent private equity deal in which he, on behalf of investors, purchased the largest dairy farm in the Beijing area because of a growing demand for dairy products. Prof. Zhu Weyi, a law professor, discussed his preference of the Chinese political system over Western world processes controversially sighting increased efficiency in decision making, greater control and recent GDP results. Colliers International sales manager Chris Cuff, provided insight into the incredible growth of not only Shanghai, but also in the more that 140 one million + person cities in China. Many more speakers provided their own unique perspective on a broad range of topics which helped students build out their own understanding of many important issues facing the future of not only China but also the world.
There were a number of events that provided students with even greater insight into both the business and cultural side of China. With respect to business in China, students went to the largest steel manufacture in China, BaoSteel, and heard from senior leadership, with the translation help of Ivey 2014 MBA Sophia Zhao. Students also visited the busiest port in the world in Hong Kong which is responsible for shipping more than 32 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit of cargo capacity) a year. In terms of cultural events, students had the chance to see examples of traditional shows, climb the great wall and tour other amazing sites. In Beijing, students watched a show that included the famous switching of masks while eating traditional Peking duck. Another show, a traditional acrobatic show, featured women spinning plates on the ends of long sticks while walking on each other’s heads! The show finished with five motorcyclists driving in a circular steel cage literally defying gravity. In Hong Kong, students attended the Happy Valley Race track to watch horse races from the exclusive Hong Kong Jockey Club clubhouse.
Although there were many organized events, there was also time for students to explore on their own time. Typically, this involved trips to museums such as the Urban Planning Museum in Shanghai which features a model of the city that is the size of the entire room, even though it is scaled at a ratio of 500 to 1. This time was also used to try local cuisine, such as a traditional Shanghai soup dumplings, duck’s head, and hot pot (think Chinese fondue using soup instead of cheese). As well, some students took day trips to areas just outside the city, for example to the Big Buddha. The Big Buddha statue is the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statue. Of course no trip would be complete without a couple parties. In Hong Kong, this literally occurred in the streets of the LKF area, a neighbourhood with bars on every corner and the ability to walk in the streets between bars with drinks.
The China Study trip showcased both a lifestyle and business world many students, including myself, had no understanding of. Through this trip, students developed the ability to participate in discussions on the region in an informed manor. Students also strengthened the lifelong friendships that have been developed through the MBA program.
I would like the time to recognize the students who volunteered to be senators and make this trip possible: David Gaida, Emilie Zhang, Lee Feng Guo, Sanchit Mittal, and Sophia Zhao. Thank you to these students for all their work to make this such a special trip.
About Zachary:
Zachary graduated from Bishop’s University with a double concentration in International Business and Marketing. Despite a progressive career in financial services, Zachary decided to do his MBA at Ivey to better equip himself with the tools required to solve today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Upon graduation Zachary will be participating in a management rotation program with a Canadian bank.