Why did ACROBiosystems pursue a global-first strategy from the outset? What has driven its international success? And what lessons can it offer to other Chinese companies eyeing overseas expansion? In this article, CEIBS alumnus Mike Chen Yiding (Global EMBA 2021) – founder, chairman, and CEO of ACROBiosystems – reflects on his journey from ground zero to global reach, sharing insights for fellow pioneers looking to take Chinese innovation to the world.

The journey is structured to include a wide range of challenges that enhance the participants’ crisis management skills, as well as their ability to plan, bond, and operate as a team.

Drawn from five diverse industries, each of the alums has a unique perspective on Middle Eastern business culture, market conditions, regulatory landscapes and other crucial considerations that any company eyeing the region must address before making their move.

In the first session of our new GEMBA Impact series, three CEIBS Global EMBA alumni — Theresa Cai, Simon Zhang, and Kay Geithner — share how the programme helped them transform their careers, rediscover purpose, and lead with impact across borders and industries.

Daisuke Suga (GEMBA 2021) is helping global shipping giant NYK Group chart new territory—space. With 16 years of experience across operations, finance, and logistics, he is now leading a joint R&D project with Japan’s space agency JAXA to develop next-generation reusable rockets. These rockets can be caught and recovered at sea, reducing costs and enabling scalable, sustainable space exploration. Drawing on his CEIBS GEMBA education and NYK’s maritime expertise, Daisuke envisions sea-based rocket recovery as a game-changer. His story highlights how cross-industry innovation and bold thinking can unlock future growth—even beyond Earth’s orbit.

This #InternationalWomensDay, we celebrate five incredible CEIBS GEMBA alumnae redefining leadership! From breaking barriers to balancing career & life, their journeys inspire resilience, innovation & impact.

Serial entrepreneur, leader of an international packaging brand, and franchisee of a social enterprise, Cynthia Huang is a highly versatile leader capable of founding, building, maintaining and expanding all manner of businesses. Currently a student of the CEIBS Global EMBA 2023 class, Cynthia is committed to embedding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) into every part of her professional life. For her, “doing well” and “doing good” in business can and should go hand in hand.

For Marco Kiefer, Global EMBA 2022 alumni and current Senior Manager Carline Controlling at Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service, understanding the nature of this change (and its subsequent impact) needs constant consideration. Discussing his work, his deepening roots in China and his broader reflections on the auto industry.

China and Southeast Asia (SEA) are at a pivotal stage in their relationship. Providing these insight “windows” today are five of CEIBS’ Global EMBA alumni, all from the class of 2022. While they have diverse professional backgrounds, they all have experience working and living in both China and at least one SEA country. Across a series of short interviews, all five alums shared their thoughts on the China-SEA relationship and its relevance to their current role and career path.