If you’re interested in learning about doing business in China, a Hong Kong MBA is the way to go. Hong Kong’s close proximity to the world’s second largest economy makes it an ideal location for establishing a highly demanded business degree. Several Hong Kong MBA programs are even included in the Financial Times Global MBA Ranking for 2014. While there are some schools on the mainland that offer MBA programs, Hong Kong offers unique advantages for business students. The student body of Hong Kong MBA programs are a mix of students from different backgrounds, which can enrich the overall learning experience. There are Chinese students from the mainland, Hong Kong, and many other international countries. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) says that over 90% of its students are from outside Hong Kong and hail from 25 different countries. Some programs also partner with other institutions around the world for an exchange program of sorts, admitting students from programs in other countries for, say, a semester. Chinese students from the mainland are typically top students with strong English, Chinese, and math skills, and generally have a focus on business in China. Students from Hong Kong usually have a background in financial services and are more familiar with a global view of business. Additionally, students in Hong Kong are more accustomed to speaking up and contributing to discussions in class, and this could benefit their mainland counterparts, who are generally used to listening to lectures from their professors instead of participating in class discussions. Hong Kong also offers great networking opportunities for students, not only among themselves, but also a strong and expanding network of alumni. Proximity to one of the biggest financial centers in the world can also create networking opportunities. Schools like HKUST actively maintain relationships with businesses in Hong Kong for their students and the businesses also benefit from the school’s network. Mainland Chinese students comprise 10 to 25% of the student body at the three major Hong Kong MBA schools and can be potential contacts for students who wish to conduct business in China in the future. While MBA programs in the mainland might provide better direct links to business in China, Hong Kong MBA programs have the advantage of a business environment that understands how to do business with China. Afterall, business is global. Students of Hong Kong MBA programs are also eligible for work visas in Hong Kong so they can gain valuable work experience after graduation. Moreover, most MBA programs are taught in English and as many people in Hong Kong speak English, international students will find it easier to settle into their studies and life in Asia’s World City. Professor Stephen Nason of HKUST remarked that MBA programs in Hong Kong bridge the East and the West, so that students can learn international business in a Western-style approach, but also learn how to apply it to working in China. He adds that while Hong Kong does not have a strong entrepreneurial culture, “Hong Kong traditionally has been very good at adapting best practices of the West to do well in China.” This ability to adapt knowledge is a strong asset to schools teaching people how to do business in China. Negotiation is also a big topic in MBA programs and students would also benefit from learning about the cultural differences that can influence negotiation in Asia. Hong Kong can offer diversity of experience in its student body. It is in close proximity to the second largest economy in the world and a major international financial center in its own right. Hong Kong has looser visa requirements and is an English-speaking city. Prospective students interested in doing business in China and all of Asia would do well to consider a Hong Kong MBA program . *Image courtesy of think4photop / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
