Students from the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) had a unique opportunity on June 9 to discuss economic development issues with the Vice President of Taiwan on a study trip organised by the College of Business.

Vice President Vincent C. Siew

discussed aspects of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and the enhancement of regional economic ties with two dozen CityU teachers and EMBA students participating on the field trip. ECFA is the proposed economic agreement between Taiwan and mainland China.

During the discussions, Mr Siew said Taiwan and the mainland should try to explore new directions for development such as investing in research and technology to develop the high-end market and create a common market for the Greater China region.

He also explained how Taiwan’s government was helping local corporations overcome difficulties arising from today’s global financial challenges.

The tour, which lasts from 9-12 June, was led by Chair Professor Wei Kwok-kee, Dean of College of Business; Chair Professor Eden Yu Siu-hung, Associate Dean; Chair Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki; Chair Professor Oliver Yau Hon-ming; and Dr John Leung Wai-keung, Director of the EMBA programme.

In addition to the meeting with Mr Siew, the EMBA students visited government offices, technology research institutions, universities, financial corporations and the creative cultural industries.

The itinerary included the Legislative Yuan, National Taiwan University, National Chiao Tung University, Chang Gung University, Hsinchu Science Park, National Palace Museum, Fubon Financial and Yuanta Securities.

“Although the tour only lasts four days, it will be a very fruitful trip,” Dr Leung said. “The students will learn about Taiwan’s macro analysis of the Greater China region and become more familiar with the Taiwanese legal system. They will also find out more about the application of technologies developed by leading corporations in Taiwan and their operation models. Also, after reviewing the successes of Hong Kong and the strengths of the Greater China region, they can consider how to make use of the advantages.”

Dr Leung also praised the scholarship and the quality of teaching on the business programmes at the universities that the field trip visited. He said the CityU students had learned a great deal through their interactions with the local students.

The EMBA study tour underscores the emphasis that the College of Business places on the integration of theory and practice plus its commitment to providing high-quality management education through collaborations with prominent corporations and leading universities in Hong Kong and overseas.