March 18, 2023. Shanghai – The CEIBS-CATL EMBA (CCEMBA) – a custom degree programme jointly developed by CEIBS and Chinese battery producer Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) – was inaugurated at CEIBS Shanghai Campus today, with representatives from both institutions attending the opening ceremony.

The new initiative is part of a broader effort to promote the integration of industry, academia and research – one which aims to help companies cultivate high-caliber talent and build talent pools in a more systematic and well-rounded manner.

The first CCEMBA cohort is made up with of 56 professionals with an average of nearly 20 years of working experience and 14 years of management experience.

During the ceremony, CEIBS President Wang Hong noted that while CEIBS aspires to become the world’s most respected business school combining Chinese and western education and business practice, CATL is a home-grown technology innovation leader embracing global culture.

“A shared mission and vision is what is driving this bilateral cooperation,” President Wang said, adding that the inaugural programme provides a strategic platform for the continuous training of talent.

“CEIBS faculty and alumni are our biggest asset, and the programme participants are the backbone of CATL and possess solid disciplinary backgrounds and insights on many issues. I hope that the learning journey at CEIBS can help them recharge and reflect, and better integrate theory with practice,” Prof. Wang continued.

CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin also joined the opening ceremony online. He noted that CEIBS will do its utmost to provide the best learning environment possible.

“This newly launched programme is a great opportunity to demonstrate the pioneering spirit of these two institutions and to embark on a new venture,” Prof. Turpin said.

“While Chinese companies need the world to grow, the world also needs China to develop quality products and technologies,” he added.

Prof. Turpin added that in order to achieve success in today’s world, businesses need a humble mindset, cultural sensitivity, and to engage with employees and different stakeholders through extensive communication.

CEIBS Associate Dean (Europe) and CCEMBA Programme Director Katherine Xin then spoke about the CCEMBA’s design and features. The curriculum will be based on the CEIBS EMBA curriculum framework, with additional elective modules on technology and innovation. It will be conducted in three locations: CATL and CEIBS’ Shanghai and Switzerland campuses.

“CEIBS will adhere to the standards of world-class business schools, make detailed arrangements in course curriculum, and bring in top faculty to create an enabling academic and learning experience,” she said.

CEIBS EMBA alum and Vice Chairman of CATL Li Ping also gave a speech during the event.

“This great opportunity allows us to get away from work and immerse ourselves in learning at CEIBS. As a CEIBS EMBA alum, I hope that we can continue to enrich ourselves by combining our business practices with CEIBS’ academic theories,” he said, adding that the tailored course will bring new impetus for the development of CATL.

CEIBS Associate Professor of Strategy Chen Weiru “previewed” some of the major features of the programme, including case studies and analysis through CEIBS’ Real Situation Learning Method (RSLM), action learning projects, and courses on strategic simulation and behavioral reflection.

“CEIBS puts great emphasis on combining academic theory and real-life practice. I hope that all students can make good use of the school’s resources and make a giant leap forward during their time at CEIBS,” Prof. Chen said.

CATL Quality Department Vice Head Li Wei also shared his experiences with the class as a student representative, and highlighted that he expected to increase business management knowledge, broaden his international mindset, and hone his management thinking more systematically through the CCEMBA programme to contribute to CATL’s business operations.