March 6, 2025. Zurich – The China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Zurich campus proudly marked its 10th anniversary recently, celebrating its role as a key hub for Sino-Swiss business collaboration and management education in Europe. The event also commemorated the 10th Anniversary of the Greater Zurich Area (GZA) Chinese Business Network, highlighting a decade of fostering business ties between China and Switzerland.

Since its establishment ten years ago, the CEIBS Zurich campus has played a pivotal role in bridging East and West, creating opportunities for business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs to engage in high-impact knowledge exchange, leadership development, and market expansion strategies. It has also become a thriving centre for management education, strategic partnerships, and cross-border collaboration between Europe and China.

A decade of impact: Business exchange & thought leadership

The evening opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Robert Straw (CEO, CEIBS Zurich Campus) and Lukas Huber (CEO, Greater Zurich Area), both reflecting on the evolution of the CEIBS Zurich campus over the last ten years and its role in enhancing Sino-Swiss business relations.

The event’s keynote address was delivered by Prof. Eric Bouteiller, who provided deep insights into the phenomenon of "chuhai" – or the globalisation of Chinese businesses - discussing key success strategies for companies looking to expand internationally. His address underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration and the role of Switzerland as a strategic gateway for Chinese enterprises.

The following panel discussion, moderated by Jessica Linsen (Head of Alumni, Partnerships & Custom Executive Programs at the CEIBS Zurich Campus and CEIBS alumna), featured:

• Lukas Huber (CEO, GZA), providing insights on how Switzerland continues to attract and support international businesses.
• Dr. Jimmy Wei (CEO, Chime Biologics), sharing his experience of expanding a Chinese biotech company into Europe and the opportunities in the Swiss healthcare and life sciences ecosystem.
• Prof. Eric Bouteiller, discussing the broader trends of China’s globalisation and its impact on international markets.

This engaging discussion explored the opportunities, challenges, and strategic considerations for businesses expanding between China and Switzerland, reinforcing the CEIBS Zurich campus' role in equipping executives with the knowledge and network to navigate these complexities.

Recognising key Partners & longstanding support

A special appreciation segment, led by Dr. Robert Straw, honoured several key partners who have played an integral role in supporting the CEIBS Zurich campus community and its mission of advancing business education and executive leadership in Europe. Among them were:

• Peter Kammüller (CEO, Bossard AG)
• Christoph Breinlinger (Head of Wealth Management APAC Switzerland, UBS)

Both Peter and Christoph also serve on the CEIBS Zurich Campus Advisory Board, playing a critical role in guiding our initiatives and strengthening our business ecosystem. These partners have contributed significantly to fostering connections between Chinese and European businesses, further strengthening the CEIBS Zurich campus as a centre for impactful learning and business networking.

A celebration of culture & global business connections

Beyond the insights shared during the keynote and panel sessions, the evening also featured a cultural performance, adding a rich, artistic dimension to the celebration. Guests were treated to a chamber music trio, reflecting the importance of cultural exchange as a complement to business collaboration.

The event concluded with a vibrant Chinese buffet and networking session, where attendees engaged in dynamic discussions, built new business relationships, and celebrated a decade of progress in Sino-Swiss business collaboration.

Looking ahead: CEIBS Zurich campus & the future of Europe-China collaboration

As the CEIBS Zurich campus enters its second decade, it remains committed to expanding its role as a global knowledge hub for executives navigating the ever-evolving global business landscape. With a focus on cutting-edge management education, strategic industry partnerships, and fostering innovation across markets, the campus will continue to be a bridge between Europe and China.

This event reinforced CEIBS’ commitment to supporting leaders in making informed, strategic decisions on global expansion, market integration, and business transformation, and serves as a testament to the CEIBS Zurich campus' growing influence in shaping the future of Europe-China business relations and executive leadership.

For more information about CEIBS Zurich Campus and upcoming events, visit www.ceibs.ch.