September 7, 2024. Zurich – On a splendid Saturday on September 7, 2024, the CEIBS Zurich Campus was abuzz with excitement and anticipation as alumni, faculty, and esteemed guests gathered to celebrate CEIBS’ 30th Anniversary Celebration and Alumni Reunion. This landmark event commemorated three decades of educational excellence and leadership, showcasing CEIBS' unwavering commitment to innovation and global impact.

The day commenced with heartfelt opening remarks from CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin, who graciously hosted the event. His leadership and dedication set a warm, welcoming tone, paving the way for a series of insightful sessions. This was followed by honorary remarks from Charge D'Affaires ad interim Mr. Mao Jun from the Chinese Embassy in Switzerland, and graceful remarks by CEIBS President Wang Hong, each of whom added a distinguished presence and shared valuable perspectives that underscored the event’s global relevance and the deep connections between CEIBS and the international business community.

Morning Sessions: A Journey Through Global Business Evolution

The event featured a lineup of distinguished speakers, all top leaders in their respective fields, who addressed key global business trends and the evolving role of China in the international market. Dominic Schnider, Managing Director of the UBS Chief Investment Office, discussed the dynamics of global economic shifts. Susanne Conrad, Director of Strategy, Sustainability and Business Transformation at PwC, illuminated sustainable business practices and ESG considerations. Meanwhile, Ralf Buechsenschuss, Analytics, Intelligence & AI Transformation Lead at Microsoft, delved into AI and the future of work. Each speaker brought unique insights, provoking deep thought and lively discussion among attendees.

Afternoon Workshops: Innovating for the Future

The afternoon was dedicated to innovative workshops facilitated by experts Andri Hinnen and Yves Enre from Zense, Markus Iofcea from Future Archaeologist, and Ruggiero Dargenio from PremAI. These sessions were crafted to inspire attendees to envision future challenges and opportunities, focusing on developing the strategic foresight and leadership skills necessary for navigating the complex global business landscape. Workshops encouraged active participation, allowing alumni to engage directly with cutting-edge concepts and tools.

As the day programme drew to a close, President Turpin and CEIBS Zurich Campus CEO Robert Straw led a profound reflection session. They guided attendees through the key inspirations and learnings of the day, emphasising crucial takeaways to carry forward. Highlighting the attributes of Humility, Adaptability, Vision, and Engagement -H.A.V.E. -they underscored essential leadership qualities to cultivate in today’s ever-changing and challenging times.

Lastly, Prof. Eric Cornuel, President of EFMD Global and Vice Chairman of CEIBs, provided closing remarks that encapsulated the day's insights and his vision for the future of management education, reflecting on the morning's deep dive into significant business topics and the innovative afternoon workshops. These sessions, both in content and format, were designed to equip our audience - future leaders of the business world - to "imagine the future together" and "build the skills and competencies necessary to lead with confidence." Prof. Cornuel emphasised the importance of continuous learning and the role of CEIBS in shaping future educational paradigms.

Gala Dinner: An Elegant Night of Celebration

As the sun set, the festivities transitioned to the prestigious Dolder Grand for a gala dinner themed around 'White Summer.' The evening was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Banque Internationale à Luxembourg Suisse, whose support significantly enhanced the ambiance and incredible success of the night. The event celebrated the collective achievements of CEIBS alumni and reaffirmed the network's role in driving forward global business innovation and leadership.

The dinner also provided an opportunity for alumni to reconnect, share experiences, and celebrate the vibrant CEIBS spirit. Each of the seven CEIBS Alumni Chapter heads shared updates and future visions, fostering a sense of community and ongoing engagement.

Lasting Impressions and Future Aspirations

The CEIBS 30th Anniversary Celebration and Alumni Reunion in Zurich was not just a reflection on past achievements but also a forward-looking endeavour that set the stage for the next 30 years. The event highlighted the critical role of ongoing learning, innovation, and community engagement in driving the future of global business education.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all speakers, workshop facilitators, and especially to our sponsor, Banque Internationale à Luxembourg Suisse, for their pivotal role in the gala evening. A special thank you to Jessica Linsen for designing and organising the event, and to the entire CEIBS Zurich team for their relentless dedication and effort in making this event a monumental success.

As we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future, CEIBS remains committed to fostering a global community of leaders equipped to enact positive change. We look forward to many more years of excellence and impact, and we can't wait to see what the next decade brings for CEIBS and its remarkable alumni network.