"At the time when I was considering a Global EMBA, I already had a Master's Degree in Management from one of the prestigious British universities. But after almost a decade in the work environment, I began to have a feeling that I was, perhaps, no longer up to date with cutting-edge management theory and practice. So part of my motivation to pursue a GEMBA was the desire to refresh my knowledge of the latest management thought.

I also felt that incessant work made it difficult to retain the necessary level of energy and perspective. I was hoping that a GEMBA would allow me to distance myself from my daily tasks, reenergise and take a broader view of the environment and my company within it.

Besides, I felt the need to expand my network in the region, particularly among senior Chinese executives who increasingly occupy key posts not only in Chinese enterprises but also multinationals operating in the region. For a Westerner, even one with years of China experience and relatively good knowledge of Mandarin, this cannot easily be done through the usual networking events. An intense experience such as a top-level Global EMBA and associated activities, offers a unique opportunity to be included in the inner circle of Chinese senior management professionals. 

For me the pursuit of a GEMBA was also part of a process of transitioning from a local position to a role with regional and global responsibilities. However, the desire to refresh my knowledge, regain perspective, re-energise and expand my network were the primary drivers behind my decision to pursue a GEMBA.

Within Greater China, CEIBS has a reputation as the prime choice for management learning. When selecting CEIBS I mostly considered its top-tier ranking, faculty profile and the breadth of its alumni network. Favourable recommendations from friends and business associates who graduated from CEIBS also played an important role in my decision-making process. 

Moreover, the unique CEIBS setup which consists of four days of intense learning, once a month, followed by three weeks of pre and post readings and assignments, which can be completed in one's own time, appealed to me as, with my extensive traveling schedule, I would have been unable to commit to weekly class attendance. 

The commitment in time outweighs the commitment in money, especially since most of the Global EMBA students continue to work during their studies. Hence the opportunity cost, which tends to be the larger part of the cost of management education, does not apply."