Imagine being invited to attend a global networking summit with a very select group of future business leaders from around the world in places like San Francisco, Singapore, London, and Boston. Now imagine the trip being entirely paid for. This collaborating, networking, and socialising event actually exists. This time around for the lucky MBAs, Hong Kong was the chosen destination. The MBA World Summit 2014 in Hong Kong had its inaugural two-day gathering in March and applications are already being accepted for 2015. The event is sponsored by QX-Quarterly Crossing, a global group of leaders who united in 1995. The group’s goal is to support professional connections, idea-sharing, multidisciplinary exchange, and gatherings between all levels of leadership, from students to executives. Additionally, the group is partnered with top-tier companies, offering members superb international career opportunities. Think of an exclusive 1800-member fraternity without the hazing or an international secret society without the intrigue. Sixty students were invited, representing 28 nationalities and 20 top schools for MBAs in Hong Kong . The event started with an upscale meal overlooking the Hong Kong skyline. Keynote speaker Herman Lam (CEO, Cyberport Management Co. Ltd) kicked off the summit the following morning prior to attendees selecting among various sessions to attend. A full day of eighteen workshops and roundtables, led by accomplished student attendees, included topics like private equity, sustainability, leadership, technology, start-ups vs. big business, and entrepreneurship. The summit’s corporate partners included Henkel, Cyberport, multichannel, BASF and investOrbit, some of which concurrently offered recruiting interviews for those interested. Social events and scenic excursions throughout the summit were designed to promote relationship building and lasting global connectivity, as well show off to the MBAs Hong Kong and its unique locale. Summit organisers boasted of the unique opportunity afforded to attendees huddled together on a traditional junk boat cruise around Victoria Harbour, and the tight-quartered opportunity to have thoughtful idea exchange. Attendees agreed – the consistent appraisal is that the friendships and connections created over the course of two-days offer great potential for future partnering and networking. Summit attendees from 2014 are reportedly invited to attend in 2015, in addition to the new crop of students. The application process for the 2015 summit started on May 16th 2014, with a submission deadline of November 30. It will occur at the IESE Business School in Barcelona, Spain. The MBA World Summit 2014 in Hong Kong yielded over 2,500 applicants, 600 of whom moved to round two, a video interview. Only 10% of those were invited to actually attend. Organisers state they are seeking “the most impressive MBA students, with the passion and power for exchange on innovation ideas and mutual inspiration to learn from each other and to grow one another.” Does this sound like you? *Image courtesy of noppasinw / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
