In a splendid ceremony marking the culmination of a rigorous academic journey and personal growth, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) this past weekend celebrated the graduation of the MBA Class of 2024. This year's graduation not only signifies the end of an educational chapter for the students but also heralds the beginning of their new roles as global business leaders, armed with a deep understanding of both the Chinese and international business landscapes. 

The MBA Class of 2024, comprising 120 students from 14 different countries, gathered one final time at the CEIBS Shanghai Campus, the very place where their journey began back in October 2022. The air was filled with a mixture of excitement, nostalgia, and anticipation as the new graduates looked forward to the next chapter in their lives. 

A Day of Reflection and Looking Forward 

The graduation ceremony was graced by more than 20 CEIBS faculty, senior leadership, and mentors, who joined the students in celebrating this momentous occasion. MBA Programme Director and Professor of International Business and Strategy Shameen Prashantham served as host, welcoming the graduates and their guests to the ceremony. He introduced the speakers, paving the way for a series of inspiring messages from the school's Presidents, Vice Presidents, and distinguished guest speakers.  

Wisdom from the Speeches 

The ceremony was enriched by the insights and experiences shared by esteemed guest speakers, each offering their unique perspective to inspire the graduates.  

 CEIBS President Wang Hong 

CEIBS President Wang Hong reflected on the resilience and adaptability required in today's world, stating that faced with objective reality, we must have our own independent and profound thoughts, rather than simply echoing others.  

In her address, President Wang Hong mentioned that CEIBS is approaching its 30th anniversary. She reflected on the splendid achievements of CEIBS and emphasized the school's leadership in the field of global education. She proudly noted that to date, CEIBS has cultivated over 30,000 alumni who are spread across 91 countries and regions, holding significant managerial positions in their respective fields.  

These achievements are due to CEIBS's enduring commitment to innovation and the pursuit of excellence. Throughout their time at CEIBS, the Class of 2024 have faced challenges with team spirit and substantial support from the school, fully demonstrating their resilience and confidence. 

She stated, “You have graduated, my students, and now carry a greater mission. In the face of a rapidly changing global landscape, intense market competition, and complex transformations, we must have the courage and confidence. Such courage and confidence come from the learning accumulated at CEIBS and from the recovery of the Chinese economy. Students should dare to face the present, applying the wisdom and knowledge gained from the CEIBS classroom to our future career expansion." 

 CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin 

In his speech, CEIBS President (European) Dominique Turpin shared insights into the profound responsibilities awaiting the new graduates. His words underscored a core philosophy of the MBA programme: leadership extends beyond business success and deeply into societal impact. He eloquently captured this ethos, stating: "Natural talent, intelligence, great education – these help, but none of them will guarantee success for all your career. Something else is needed: a sense of responsibility toward society at large and the ability to touch the hearts and minds of people!" 

 Executive Vice President and International and China President of AstraZeneca, Leon Wang 

Mr Leon Wang, Executive Vice President and International and China President of AstraZeneca, and a distinguished alum of CEIBS, was invited as a VIP guest to deliver a keynote speech at the ceremony. His address diverged from a traditional narrative to share a candid, impromptu reflection on his career and insights into the pragmatic realities of professional life. 

In his speech, Leon emphasized the essential role of willpower and vision, remarking, "If I want to do something, I promise first, even if I don't know what I can achieve. This attitude, much like committing in marriage to love forever, is about having the right starting point." He shared a personal story from his early days at AstraZeneca, where he set an ambitious target, supporting partners to buildmore nebulization centers for children with asthma, using the ubiquity of fast-food outlets as a stark contrast to highlight his goals. He candidly discussed overcoming personal setbacks, such as his initial rejection and emotional journey to gaining admission to CEIBS, and the lessons learned from persistence. Leon also stressed the importance of passion for one's work, team, and consumers, asserting that genuine care for these elements is crucial to success in any field. His parting advice to the graduates was to embrace leadership roles not for the prestige or salary, but for the love of the team and the work, reflecting his philosophy on the interplay between personal values and professional success. 

 Professor Zhang Lingling, Assistant Professor of Marketing 

Professor Zhang Lingling then shared her philosophy for a fulfilling life and career: "Remember, the key is to stick to your values, with intention and commitment, fast or slow, but never late. That is the essence of building a fulfilling career, and most importantly, a happy life.” 

 Kate Mou 

Kate Mou from the Class of 2024 next took the stage and shared, “Many of you were surprised when my MBTI test result revealed that I am an INTJ, often perceived as reserved. But this MBA journey taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone, engaging more openly and initiating conversations that have enriched my experience and that of my peers. It has been a journey of transformation—not just in terms of professional knowledge, but in personal growth and understanding. We've learned to embrace the unknown with courage and to harness our collective strengths. As we embark on new paths, I am confident in our ability to face future challenges with the same resilience and spirit. Thank you and congratulations, Class of MBA 2024! We did it!” 

 Will Hubbard 

Building upon Kate’s reflections, Will Hubbard then added his perspective, “After innumerable case studies, company visits, exams, group meetings, presentations, internships, job searches, club events, karaoke nights, impromptu concerts, and more, what was the point of this exhausting exercise that is our MBA journey? I offer three answers: regardless of what we learned and retained, we have unquestionably developed our capacity to learn. Furthermore, we have increased our awareness of the knowledge that is waiting for us out there. Finally, it is our relationships with others that give our lives meaning—and the relationships that were formed and deepened here will be invaluable as we venture out into a changing world.” 

Award Winners: A Testament to Excellence 

The graduation ceremony also provided a moment to celebrate the exceptional achievements of several graduates, recognising their outstanding contributions and academic excellence throughout the MBA programme. The awards presented underscored the diverse talents and unwavering dedication of the students. 

The deserving winners of the awards this year were as follows: 

MBA Office Special Recognition Award:

• Elva Guo, Nicholas Hu, Gene Jiwachotkamjon, Ruoming Li, Alvina Li, Serena Li, Kate Mou, Xiaobo Qiu, Aggeliki Shi, Chengcheng Wang, Adebelle Zhang, Sabrina Zhou. 

MBA2024 Student Leader Award:

• Alvina Li, Chenxi Qu, Adebelle Zhang. 

Outstanding Graduate Award (Dean’s List):

• Jack Hou, Will Hubbard, Ellis Li, Pablo Martínez Pallarés, Chenxi Qu, Ray Tu, Stanley Xu, Angelina Ye, Carolina Pereira Maciel, Jing Gu. 

Class Gift Recognition:

• Aggeliki Shi, Linda Zhang. 

Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois and MBA Administration Director Michelle Zhu present awards

Embarking on a New Journey 

After hearing from their professors, peers, and guest speakers, the time came to conclude the formal proceedings and welcome the Class of 2024 into the CEIBS alumni community. Before the transition, Prof. Prashantham offered some final words of wisdom to the graduates, poised to receive their degrees. 

MBA Programme Director and Professor of International Business and Strategy Shameen Prashantham 

"Think big, persevere, and harness business as a force for good," he eloquently advised. He stressed the critical importance of aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals to find greater purpose amidst the challenges and opportunities of the decade ahead. "This is precisely the time, in this dangerous decade of action, that aligning yourself with one or more of the SDGs can give your life a greater sense of purpose and meaning," he explained. 

After a fantastic student performance, Michelle Zhu, Executive Director of the MBA Programme Department, extended congratulations to the students of the MBA Class of 2024 and welcomed their families. 

MBA Administration Director Michelle Zhu 

Finally, the professors individually handed out graduation certificates to the graduates, with Vice President and Dean Professor Frank Bournois announcing the tassel-turning ceremony. This moment marked the graduates' official transition from CEIBS students to alumni and represented a new starting point in their careers. 

CEIBS Vice President and Dean Frank Bournois announcing the tassel-turning ceremony 

As the newly minted alumni embark on their post-MBA careers, they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills honed at CEIBS but also the memories, friendships, and networks that will continue to grow and strengthen in the years to come. 

Congratulations to the CEIBS MBA Class of 2024 

We celebrate the achievements of the CEIBS MBA Class of 2024 and wish them the very best in their future endeavours. As they step into a world filled with challenges and opportunities, we remind them that CEIBS will always be their home and support network, eager to witness and contribute to their continued success. 

About the CEIBS MBA Programme 

The CEIBS MBA programme, conducted in English over 12 or 16 months, is a transformative journey that combines academic rigour with experiential learning, focusing on personal transformation. Embodying the school’s motto of ‘China Depth, Global Breadth,’ the programme prepares students for leadership roles by offering a comprehensive understanding of global business practices while delving deep into China's complex and dynamic business environment.