August 28, 2023. Shanghai – Today marked a momentous occasion as CEIBS Shanghai Campus welcomed 120 students from across the globe for the MBA Class of 2025 Opening Ceremony. The corridors resonated with excitement and anticipation, as these young professionals embarked on a unique journey towards mastering business administration.

The ceremony began with a heartfelt welcome from MBA Programme Director and Professor of International Business and Strategy Shameen Prashantham. He expressed his delight at the vibrancy the new students would bring to the campus and introduced distinguished guests and student representatives, including CEIBS Africa Campus Executive Director Mathew Tsamenyi and Zurich Campus CEO Robert Straw.

In a significant tradition, President Wang Hong and President (European) Dominique Turpin were invited to share their thoughts.

“I hope that every MBA2025 student at CEIBS will attain enhanced thinking and superior training, explore their full potential, uphold a spirit of inquiry and transformation, master the integration of business theory and practice, and remain committed to social responsibility. By doing so, I trust you will make increasingly positive contributions to society. Additionally, I look forward to seeing you become a distinguished member of CEIBS' esteemed alumni and play a vital role in the institution's future development. Welcome, MBA2025 cohort!” said Prof. Wang.

CEIBS President Wang Hong offers her opening remarks during the MBA Class of 2025 Opening Ceremony

Prof. Turpin remarked, “At CEIBS, you'll cultivate character, mature, and bolster your confidence. With accumulated 612 years of experience within our incoming class, a substantial part of your learning will be peer-driven. Our programme fosters a sense of responsibility and emphasises the importance of aligning your actions with your personal values. Embrace the opportunity to make courageous decisions; this is a safe space to test and expand your self-confidence.”

CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin speaks in a pre-recorded message during the MBA Class of 2025 Opening Ceremony

In his heartfelt address, Assistant Professor of Accounting Gianfranco Siciliano welcomed the students into the CEIBS family, encouraging them to embrace the journey with pride, excitement, and an open mind. He highlighted the importance of social responsibility, personal integrity, and embracing diverse perspectives.

“I urge you to venture beyond your comfort zones and be proactive, particularly in the initial stages of your journey. By actively embracing diverse cultures and perspectives, you will uncover boundless avenues for growth and comprehension. Embrace this exceptional opportunity, remain steadfast in your aspirations, and cultivate discipline and respect for one another, for within it lies the key to profound knowledge and personal evolution,” he advised.

CEIBS Assistant Professor of Accounting Gianfranco Siciliano addresses the MBA Class of 2025 Opening Ceremony

In keeping with school tradition, a student from the previous class was also welcomed to share advice for the new students. MBA 2024's Chenxi Qu shared insightful reflections on his own journey at CEIBS, highlighting the importance of active engagement, human connections, and resourceful planning.

"No matter what route you want to take, I want to encourage you to be active and plan your own journey because there are abundant resources at CEIBS,” he encouraged.

MBA 2024’s Chenxi Qu shares his reflections with newly-enrolled students during the MBA Class of 2025 Opening Ceremony

The MBA Class of 2025 also heard from one of their own student representatives. Fernanda Rosa from Brazil conveyed her excitement and inspiration to study and work in China, bridging cultures, and focusing on innovation.

“I believe each of us has our own incredible expectations, and that is where magic happens: over 120 brilliant professionals taking time to go back to school, being open to learn new things and to share what they already know,” she said.

She ended her speech with a powerful quote for the influential Brazilian, Paulo Freire: “Education does not change the world. Education changes people. And people change the world.”

MBA Class of 2025 student representative Fernanda Rosa shares her hopes and expectations during the MBA Class of 2025 Opening Ceremony

Leading the closing remarks, CEIBS Administration Director of the MBA Programme Michelle Zhu imparted valuable guidance to set the stage for the students' upcoming journey. She emphasised the exceptional community that the class of 2025 has now become a part of.

"We boast around 28,000 alumni globally, many of whom hold leadership roles in top-tier companies. My advice is to start with connections with your batchmates, who may come from different backgrounds than your own. Then, capitalise on the numerous avenues CEIBS provides for connecting with alumni, ranging from our mentorship programmes to various events. Prioritise building your personal brand, maturing into responsible leaders, and sharpening your networking skills. Remember, by enrolling at CEIBS, you've effectively secured a lifetime membership to the CEIBS community," she said.

CEIBS Administration Director of the MBA Programme Michelle Zhu talks during the MBA Class of 2025 Opening Ceremony

Finally, Prof. Prashantham returned to the stage and shared a very special video: a discussion with three of his predecessors–Juan Fernansez, Chen Shimin, and Lydia Price–discussing the importance of the CEIBS MBA at this time in history.

“CEIBS acts as both a window and a platform, and those who capitalise on the myriad incredible opportunities available will reap the greatest benefits from our programme. Regardless of life's uncertainties, maintain a positive outlook and proactive stance; while we can't control external events, we can choose our own actions and attitudes. And hopefully, by the time you don your graduation robes, you'll feel that joining the CEIBS community was a choice well worth making,” he concluded.

CEIBS MBA Programme Director and Professor of International Business and Strategy Shameen Prashantham gives some final remarks during the MBA Class of 2025 Opening Ceremony

As the ceremony concluded, students were left inspired, driven, and ready to seize the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Here at CEIBS, we firmly believe that the MBA Class of 2025 will write a thrilling new chapter in their personal and professional lives. The world awaits the impact they will make, guided by the wisdom they gain and the friendships they forge at our esteemed institution.