CEIBS Industry Forum

In this panel discussion participants suggest solutions to some of the challenges facing today’s women. Moderated by CEIBS Professor Byron Lee, speakers were a mix of male and female, Asians and westerners from across various industries. The combination of one keynote speech, three panels and one interactive workshop kept the audience engaged throughout the event. Key takeaways from the forum: each of us has the potential to be a leader, each of us has to take that first step toward achieving our goal, and no one is ever completely ready to move forward so don’t let insecurity hold you back. The forum was organized by the CEIBS MBA Women’s Leadership Network and Global Women Connect.

His Excellency Jianmin Zhang made his first speech in his role as China’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic at the CEIBS-hosted 2nd China-CEE Development Forum in Prague on September 25. He spoke of the need for both countries to work together, especially with the rise of unilateralism and protectionism in some parts of the world. The forum, which took place at historic Prague Castle, was one of five hosted by CEIBS with its partners across Europe. The events are part of the wider CEIBS Insights 2018 initiative, launched to mark the 15th anniversary of the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by observing the role that CEIBS has played and continues to play in fostering Sino-European ties. Prior to the Prague event, CEIBS hosted forums in Munich and London on July 17 and 19, respectively. The last two events were held in Paris on October 19 and Zurich on October 24.

Speaking at the CEIBS-hosted 2nd China-CEE Development Forum in Prague on September 25, Governor of Czech National Bank Jiří Rusnok touched on how both countries can find mutually beneficial way to work together. The forum, which took place at historic Prague Castle, was one of five hosted by CEIBS with its partners across Europe. The events are part of the wider CEIBS Insights 2018 initiative, launched to mark the 15th anniversary of the China-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by observing the role that CEIBS has played and continues to play in fostering Sino-European ties. Prior to the Prague event, CEIBS hosted forums in Munich and London on July 17 and 19, respectively. The last two events were held in Paris on October 19 and Zurich on October 24.

Swiss Centers China CEO Zhen Xiao explains how Sino-Swiss partnerships are well-positioned to leverage future trends in the healthcare sector. He was delivering a keynote speech at the CEIBS-UBS 2nd Sino-Swiss Healthcare Forum in Zurich on October 18, 2017.

The foundations of Sino-Swiss cooperation and the many opportunities for Chinese and Swiss entrepreneurs and enterprises to collaborate in the healthcare sector are discussed by H.E. Yanping Gao, Consul General, the People’s Republic of China in Zurich and the Principality of Liechtenstein. She was delivering a keynote speech at the CEIBS-UBS 2nd Sino-Swiss Healthcare Forum in Zurich on October 18, 2017.

Ms. Jingping Mei, Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Planning Department, Fosun Pharma, explains how European enterprises can benefit from opportunities in China’s healthcare sector. She was delivering a keynote speech at the CEIBS-UBS 2nd Sino-Swiss Healthcare Forum in Zurich on October 18, 2017.

The Founder and Chairman of E-Health Club from CEPS, Center of Prospective and Strategic Studies explains how big data is revolutionizing the healthcare industry. He was delivering a keynote speech at the CEIBS-UBS 2nd Sino-Swiss Healthcare Forum in Zurich on October 18, 2017.

The 2nd Sino-Swiss Healthcare Forum 2017 focused on the topic “Innovation: Path to the New World of Healthcare Management”. Co-organized with UBS, keynote speakers included Consul General, the People’s Republic of China in Zurich and the Principality of Liechtensten H.E. Yanping Gao; Founder and Chairman of E-Health Club from CEPS, Center of Prospective and Strategic Studies Dr. Patrice Cristofini; Founder and CEO of Dacadoo Mr. Peter Ohnemus, Fosun Pharma Vice President and General Manager of Strategic Planning Department Ms. Jingping Mei, and CEO of Swiss Centers China Mr. Zhen Xiao. The forum was held in Zurich on October 18, 2017.

The CEIBS Europe Forums will explore the win-win opportunities for partnerships between Chinese and European companies, as highlighted in these short case studies about Huawei in Poland, and the Geely acquisition of Volvo.

Steve Hoffman (a.k.a. Captain Hoff) is a serial entrepreneur, author, investor, and the Captain and Chairman of Founders Space. During his visit at CEIBS, Hoffman revealed the differences between Chinese & American entrepreneurs and what traits make them successful. He also spoke about what mistakes should be avoided and how to start over again if you fail.

Andrew Wu, LVMH Group President for Greater China, gives his personal insights on whether small or niche brands can achieve big brand status. He also talks about how to stay on top of the luxury industry once you get there.

CEIBS Adjunct Professor of Marketing Michel Gutsatz explains the difference between luxury and the concept of ‘See Now, Buy Now’.

Managing an employee whose family owns the business can be a tough task, according to Alexis Grolin, representative of Mulliez Family. He was speaking at CEIBS 5th Family Heritage Forum on September 24, 2016. He believes it helps if they have learned the business from the ground up, through internships and hard work in and outside of the family business. It also helps if experienced managers mentor them so they can grow into their roles, said Grolin.

Many second-generation entrepreneurs have enjoyed a comfortable life from birth. Nevertheless, unlike other privileged children of the wealthy, these entrepreneurs have spurned cushy jobs or family wealth handed to them on a plate, preferring instead to start a business of their own. The new breed of entrepreneur is no longer content with the established way of doing things. Jamie Lim, a second-generation Singaporean entrepreneur, had a similar struggle. Despite her rebel years and search for her own career in Hollywood, Jamie decided to return to Singapore. “You need to have strong relationship foundation then you’ll build business. It cannot be the other way around”, says Jamie Lim who now works as a Regional Marketing Director for her family-run furniture retail business.

“When you’re a brand, you look at your customers. Your customers are on WeChat; so you have to be there,” says CEIBS Adjunct Professor of Marketing, Michel Gutsatz. He points out that the multi-purpose app takes up 35% of the four hours per day the average Chinese person spends on his phone. Savvy prestige brands, Prof. Gutsatz says, can use the platform as a relationship builder, one that provides an opportunity for interaction at the personal level. “This is the essence of luxury, personalisation. It’s also about having a one-to-one conversation. This is what you, as a customer, require today. So WeChat is a great, great instrument for luxury brands. But they still have to learn how to use it correctly.”

“The change in luxury, not just here in China but globally, has definitely affected our strategy,” says Daegal Ritz, Senior Vice President for Marketing at BSH Home Appliances (China) Co., Ltd. He was speaking on the side lines of the 8th CEIBS Prestige Brands Forum. “[In terms of] digital, we see that China is pretty much in the lead. So for us, China is a hub to learn how to play on this field.” That seems sound strategy, as Chinese are the number one consumers of luxury, accounting for about 29% of global sales. The luxury experience is something that Ritz can relate to. It’s a large part of his company’s marketing strategy for its Gaggenau line which is described as not mere kitchen appliances but a culinary experience – one to be shared with friends. “What we are looking at is how to combine this luxury experience, in a connected world, in order to get interaction,” he says. In China, where he has lived for the past eight years, social media is an important part of their strategy. “We are creating accounts, for example on WeChat, in order to distribute this culinary experience that you are having while you are cooking with Gaggenau, with your friends. It’s also a way to see who else is having the Gaggenau experience – designers, artists, etc.,” Ritz adds.

Michaela Merk, Associate Professor of Luxury Marketing, Retail and Digital Management at University Paris Dauphine, says prestige brands hoping to successfully adapt to – and even thrive in – today’s digital world need to remember that it all comes down to people. “Growing digitalisation drives, and needs, growing humanisation,” said the author of Luxury Sales Management, Winning over the Strategies of your Brand Ambassadors. This means transforming sales teams, already in traditional bricks and mortar stores, into brand ambassadors. “The luxury customer wants to have an exceptional experience, with exceptional people, with an exceptional brand. It’s not [about] management through money, it’s management through emotions!” she explained.

During CEIBS 5th China Family Heritage Forum guests were divided into teams to personally experience the so-called “Lego Serious Play”-- an edutainment game intertwining effective communication and business thinking with the process of assembling Lego pieces. Participants took this opportunity to exchange their reflections on innovation and entrepreneurship, and come up with solutions to problems plaguing family businesses in the process of succession and transformation.

What’s driving the 200B Euro market for fake goods? Global volume of fake goods sold per year is comparable to illegal drugs market. The problem isn’t the suppliers, it’s the buyers ~ Meisterkreis’ Clemens Pflanz at the 7th Prestige Brands Forum 2015, organised by CEIBS in Shanghai.

Leica’s perspective on the definition, history and future of luxury. Watch Dr. Andreas Kaufmann’s presentation at the 7th Prestige Brands Forum 2015, organised by CEIBS in Shanghai.

Renowned economist Professor Wu Jinglian spoke about the deepening reforms expected in China's new round of urbanization at the China New Urbanization Forum 2013, hosted by the China Europe International Business School.

How should commercial banks cope with interest rate liberalization to sustain their huge profits from the traditional deposit-loan business? How should bank executives reconcile profit maximization with risk control? At the critical moment of China's financial development, CEIBS has invited renowned experts to share their insights on innovative management of commercial banks.

CEIBS held the 5th Prestige Brands Forum in Shanghai on April 27th, 2013. The theme was “Prestige Brands – Back to the Roots”. Luxury has entered a new era as tightened purse strings measures force those who provide big-ticket items to find new ways to retain their customer base. At the same time, Chinese brands need to surmount challenges that prevent the “Made in China” brand from being synonymous with quality and craftsmanship.

CEIBS held the 2nd China Int’l Agri-Business Forum in Beijing on May 11th, 2013. The event brought together senior government officials, prominent industry leaders and experts to offer suggestions on China’s agricultural development, which is increasingly reliant on business acumen and the cultivation of talented individuals for the sector.

Highlights from CEIBS Prestige Brands Forum 2012

Mr. Eric Raynaud, CEO for Asia Pacific, BNP Paribas, speaks about why China should adopt a universal banking system as it continues to modernize and internationalize its financial sector. He also offers thoughts on what elements would be essential for a Chinese-style universal banking system. He was speaking, on September 10, 2012, at The 6th Annual China Bankers Forum hosted by CEIBS and Caijing magazine and co-organized by the CEIBS Lujiazui International Finance Research Centre.

Dr. Josep Tapies, IESE Professor of Financial Management and General Management and Holder of the Chair of Family-Owned Business, talks about how important it is to successfully hand over the reins to the next generation. He was speaking, on July 1, at the 1st Annual Family Business & Family Wealth Forum, hosted by CEIBS and Tsinghua Kaifeng Family Heritage Centre.

Dr. Pedro Nueno, CEIBS President and Chengwei Ventures Chair Professor of Entrepreneurship, draws upon real life examples in this discussion about how family businesses can transform themselves. He was speaking at the 1st Annual Family Business & Family Wealth Forum, hosted by CEIBS and Tsinghua Kaifeng Family Heritage Centre on July 1.

Prof. Arthur A. Daemmrich, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School, spoke at the CEIBS 8th Annual China Health Care Forum held at the Beijing Campus on June 9, 2012 during the session on “Challenges Facing the Pharmaceutical Industry”. Here he discusses how global upheavals in the pharmaceutical industry and changes to drug price controls can be opportunities for China.

Christopher Dennis, General Manager, Bupa Consulting (Beijing) Co. Ltd., spoke at the CEIBS 8th Annual China Health Care Forum held at the Beijing Campus on June 9, 2012. During the session on “Reforming the Compensation Mechanism of Public Hospitals” he discussed what insurers can do if they want to become commissioners rather than just payers of services.

Prof. Wynand PMM van de Ven, Professor of Health Insurance at Erasmus University Rotterdam, gave a keynote speech at the CEIBS 8th Annual China Health Care Forum held at the Beijing Campus on June 9, 2012. His topic was “Universal Health Insurance in an International Perspective”. He discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the different healthcare models that have been implemented around the world, and how China can learn from their successes and failures.

On May 26 2012, the CEIBS Agri-Business Forum 2012 brought together a diverse set of stakeholders from across the agrifood sector to share insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing China's agri industry. This podcast is excerpted from a keynote speech entitled “Agribusiness: Feeding the 4 Billion Global Converging Middle Class of 2015”, which was given by Prof. José Luis Nueno, Professor of Marketing at IESE Business School.

Accenture’s Asia-Pacific Managing Director of Risk Management Mr. Phillip Straley and UBS President of Investment Banking, Asia Mr. Rodney Ward share their views on the main areas in which Chinese banks need to innovate. Both men were speaking during the 5th Annual China Bankers Forum hosted by the China Europe International Business School on August 20.

Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver Speaks at The 3rd Prestige Brands Forum April 16, 2011, CEIBS Shanghai Campus “A machine can never give a soul to a product! But man, with his hands, can give birth to soul. And when you have a watch with a soul then you have a piece of art, a piece of tradition, a piece of culture!” – Jean-Claude Biver

Mark Ritson, Associate Professor of Marketing at Melbourne Business School Speaks at The 3rd Prestige Brands Forum at CEIBS Shanghai Campus on April 16, 2011 “Brands begin with a man, and a place and a time and a moment. And once you understand that, we will move forward. But you cannot move forward without first understanding history.” – Prof Mark Ritson.