August 25, 2025. Shanghai —China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) today hosted the Opening Ceremony for its MBA Class of 2027 on the school’s Shanghai campus, gathering participants full of passion and drive to embark on a transformative journey from ambitious professionals to future business leaders. 

The ceremony was attended by CEIBS leadership and distinguished faculty, including CEIBS President Wang Hong; CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin; CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois; Associate Professor of Marketing, Associate Dean, and MBA Programme Director Zhang Lingling; and Associate Professor of Management Byron Lee. 

Opening Remarks: Navigating Global Change with Knowledge, Values, and Responsible Leadership

CEIBS President Wang Hong

In her address, President Wang welcomed the incoming class and underscored CEIBS’ mission at a time of global transformation. She asserted that “the world is undergoing systemic change, from the rise of AI to the restructuring of global supply chains, and from climate challenges to new opportunities in green and digital economies,” adding that ”for future leaders, lifelong learning, boundary-crossing thinking, and a global mindset are no longer optional, but essential. Looking to the future, she concluded with encouraging remarks to the new cohort: “At CEIBS, we provide not just knowledge, but the vision and responsibility to turn knowledge into action; together, let us push with knowledge as our sail and values as our compass, and navigate toward a wider world.”

CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin

In his own address, President Turpin applauded the Class of 2027 for joining one of the world’s most international MBA cohorts and reminded them of the principles that define true leadership.

“Leadership is not about making life easy, but about embracing challenges. At CEIBS, if you are not being tested, then we are not doing our job,” he said” Offering the new MBA participants advice in their future professional journey, he emphasised that “success in your careers will depend not only on intelligence and technical skills, but also on three essential traits: responsibility, to lead with respect and impact beyond yourself; personal values, the compass that distinguishes great leaders; and curiosity, a lifelong openness to learning from professors, peers, and the world’s many cultures. This MBA is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Use it to the fullest.”
 

“Among many things, leadership is about embracing challenges. At CEIBS, if you are not being challenged and pushed out of your comfort zone, then we are not doing our job,” he said” Offering the new MBA participants advice in their future professional journey, he emphasised that “success in your careers will depend not only on intelligence and technical skills, but also on three essential traits: Firstly, a strong sense of responsibility (vis à vis yourself; your team and society at large), secondly solid personal values (this is the compass that distinguishes great leaders); and thirdly a strong sense of curiosity (since there is no good learning without curiosity).

Faculty Address: Learn, Lead, and Last

Representing CEIBS’ esteemed faculty, Prof. Byron Lee urged students to approach their MBA experience with a global mindset, saying that “an MBA is not simply about attending classes or networking events. It is about asking yourself: how will I make this knowledge useful? A successful student at CEIBS is defined by three Ls: Learn, with reflection and critical thinking; Lead, by discovering who you are and why others would follow you even without authority; and Last, by building lifelong friendships and a legacy within the CEIBS community. From day one, start learning, start leading, and build something that lasts far beyond your 16 months here.”

Student Voices: Embracing Change, Defining Your Journey

The ceremony also featured heartfelt reflections from current and incoming CEIBS MBA participants.

CEIBS MBA Class of 2026 student representative Fan Jincai

Speaking on behalf of the MBA Class of 2026, Fan Jincai described his MBA journey as one of pressing pause, recalibrating, and rediscovering joy:

“If I had to sum up my MBA in one word, it would be FUN — Find yourself, Unlock yourself, and Never be afraid,” he said. “This programme is a rare chance to pause, reflect, and reset your internal compass. It is a safe harbour to experiment, to step outside your comfort zone, and even to fail, because each failure here is a step toward growth. Above all, action is the antidote to fear. Don’t overthink. Just take the first step, and trust that you will figure it out along the way.”

Incoming MBA 2027 student representative Sarah Tagliarol

Speaking on behalf of the incoming cohort, MBA Class of 2027 participant Sarah Tagliarol from France reflected on the diversity and aspirations of her peers and shared her own personal mission.

“We are here not because we are satisfied with where we are, but because we refuse to remain unchanged; this MBA is not only an academic journey, but a meeting place for talents, ideas, and projects, a place where we push our limits and shape the leaders of tomorrow,” she said. “My mission is to make a positive impact through finance by supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs. We must each ‘be the change you want to see for the world’. Together, as members of the CEIBS family, let us embrace the challenges ahead.”

Remarks from the MBA Programme Director: Break Boundaries, Shape the Future 

Associate Professor of Marketing, Associate Dean, and MBA Programme Director Zhang Lingling

Prof. Zhang Lingling, Associate Dean and MBA Programme Director, addressed the new cohort with three words that she believes define the essence of an MBA journey: Transformation, Learning, and Value. “Each of you has chosen CEIBS to seek a transformation, to broaden your horizons beyond China, bring international experience into China, or redefine your career path,” Prof. Zhang said. “At CEIBS, transformation is not just an aspiration but an action, beginning with a commitment to lifelong learning. Learning extends beyond classrooms to projects, companies, and, most importantly, each other. But knowledge alone is not enough. The real question is: what value will you create in a world in transition? Over the next 16 months, I encourage you to keep learning, transform into a better self, and define the value that will shape both your future and that of those around you.”

A Global Family: Celebrating Diversity, Building Connection
A highlight of the special afternoon was a unique lighting ceremony: as the auditorium dimmed, a world map lit up each of the 22 countries and regions of the world represented by the CEIBS MBA Class of 2027: Brazil, Canada, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, France, Thailand, and Greater China. The ceremony concluded with all students rising together and celebrating a powerful moment of unity. From all corners of the world, this moment represented a community ready to embark on a shared journey of learning and transformation.

Closing Remarks: Leadership through Listening and Connection

CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Frank Bournois used Captain Matthew Webb’s historic swim across the English Channel 150 years ago — a feat of resilience, imagination, and disciplined preparation — as a metaphor for the new cohort’s upcoming MBA journey, and highlighted CEIBS’ unique mission to bridge China, Europe and the world through dialogue and cross-cultural connection. He encouraged students to cultivate the art of listening, whether to professors, peers, the wider world, or themselves.

“Listening is very active,” he noted. “It is the foundation of leadership, enabling wise and sensitive action in a complex global environment. CEIBS is more than a place of study; it is a community. What you invest in each other will shape your journey as much as any classroom experience.”

As applause echoed around the hall and group photos were captured, the CEIBS MBA Class of 2027 Opening Ceremony came to a close. For these ambitious young professionals, a new chapter has begun, and a new journey is underway. We wish each new participant a fulfilling and successful journey as they strive toward a future defined by excellence and impact.