Among the thousands of happy faces at the 16th Congregation in mid-November were one special group of graduates -- the first batch of seven from the Interactive Master of Business Administration (iMBA) programme.

The iMBA programme relies on a flexible study mode that integrates the best of cutting edge telecommunications technology and innovative pedagogy. Launched in 1999, in co-operation with Pacific Century CyberWorks, the programme is delivered through a combination of Internet-based videos, on-line tutorials and a multi-point videoconferencing system, with occasional face-to-face seminars held on campus. Most graduates find the programme's flexible "learn anywhere, at anytime" arrangements work nicely around their hectic work schedule. CityU's iMBA was ranked as No.1 Distance MBA programme by Asiaweek in 2000.

Also graduating were 20 executives -- the third cohort so far -- from the EMBA programme , which features a substantive Chinese business focus in its curriculum. Graduates, who are all senior managers with more than 15 years of work experience, were particularly impressed with a CEO Forum and the special project in Dalian, for which they advised a department store.