In September 2025, Cambridge Executive MBA students and alumni visited Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Hengqin/Macau in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Organised by alumni Hilary Wang (Executive MBA 2022), Anyu Gao (Executive MBA 2022) and Amy Xue (Executive MBA 2021), the China Trek combined learning, networking and cultural immersion. Participants explored innovation, financial markets and ecosystems in the region, engaged with influential companies and alumni, and held business discussions, including investor pitches. The trek highlighted the Cambridge community’s role in fostering global connections and inspired several participants to expand into the GBA.
A week of discovery across the Greater Bay Area
The trek featured visits to influential companies and institutions, where participants engaged in candid discussions with industry leaders on electric vehicle innovation, consumer technology, Web3 development, digital ecosystems and inclusive funding models for SMEs.
Michael Robinson (Global Executive MBA 2024) described it as “a transformative experience where business begins with relationships – every meeting revealed how deeply respect, trust and partnership shape success in the East. I came home inspired and deeply curious about how to build and scale a business within China, leveraging the relationships and lessons from this trek. The opportunity to contribute to such a dynamic, forward-thinking ecosystem feels both exciting and inevitable.”
Alice Chen (MBA 2023) shared that the trek reshaped her view of China, highlighting its focus on foresight, collaboration and national purpose. She observed how regulatory, industrial and academic alignment in the Greater Bay Area drives sustainable innovation, with Hong Kong excelling in digital finance and Shenzhen fostering public-private partnerships. She noted, “Across the region, one message resonated clearly: policy continuity and alignment with purpose. Government policy, industrial ambition and academic talent reinforce one another to sustain China’s remarkable growth.”
Lessons from innovation ecosystems
For many, the most powerful learning came from observing how innovation ecosystems operate in practice.
Alli Kirkley (Executive MBA 2022) shared: “Ecosystems matter more than individual breakthroughs. In Shenzhen, policy, capital, entrepreneurs and technology all move in sync. It’s a reminder that scaling tech is about more than technical excellence – it’s about the environment that enables it to leap.”
Babatope Olajide (Executive MBA 2022) echoed this, noting that “Shenzhen is where research labs, investors and policy all align by design – a blueprint for emerging markets like Africa, where innovation is treated as a national mission rather than a corporate project.” Babatope gained a deeper appreciation for how embedding innovation into a nation’s identity can transcend politics, fostering connections and progress even amidst shifting trade dynamics.
Santiago Sanchez Reinoso (Executive MBA 2022) highlighted the region’s diverse perspectives on innovation, from Hong Kong’s financial dynamism to Shenzhen’s industrial speed and Macau’s internationalisation. The unique ecosystem, driven by capital, talent and experimentation, inspired him to rethink his strategy and explore the Bay Area further, recognising its potential to advance innovation in the medical technology sector.
Strengthening bonds: the power of the Cambridge community and beyond
The trek strengthened the Cambridge network through networking evenings in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau, bringing together participants, alumni and industry partners from various sectors in the Greater Bay Area.
Bujinlkham (Buji) Bold (GEMBA 2025) remarked: “What stood out was the spirit of partnership and openness to collaboration. The trek strengthened our Cambridge network and inspired ideas for future exchanges – I’m even exploring a Mongolia trek to connect classmates with opportunities in renewable energy and digital transformation.”
A special mention goes to Qin Min (EMBA Oxford), who graciously welcomed the group in Hong Kong at the iconic Rosewood Hotel and its exclusive bar – an evening that perfectly embodied the spirit of shared learning and friendship across the wider Oxbridge community.
A shared vision for the future
Organisers Hilary Wang, Anyu Gao and Amy Xue see the China Trek as a growing tradition of alumni-led engagement between Cambridge and the Greater Bay Area. Over 18 months, three treks have strengthened business ties and inspired initiatives in regions like Brazil, Iceland and Mongolia.
Hilary Wang appreciated leading a diverse group, highlighting the mutual learning and fresh perspectives on Chinese business and culture. She invites alumni to connect for future visits, offering to share the region’s unique qualities.
Anyu Gao expressed gratitude for participants’ enthusiasm and support, valuing the chance to stay connected to China’s innovation while sharing his expertise with the Cambridge community. He reflected on the rewarding impact of the treks and their role in inspiring global alumni-led initiatives, further expanding Cambridge’s international presence.
Watch a video created by participant Alli Kirkley (Executive MBA 2022) capturing the spirit and energy of the Trek.
Our deepest appreciation to our hosts
We would like to thank all the companies and other institutions for hosting the Cambridge China Trek Group, making the trek a great success:
Hong Kong: Avenir Group, Animoca Brands, SenseTime, Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), HK Science and Technology Park (HKSTP)
Shenzhen: Astribot, Shenzhen Capital Group, Insta360, Alibaba, OPPO, Xiaomi, BYD, Yuehai Enterprises Center/ Yuehai Street Government Office, Longhua International Cooperation Centre, Shenzhen Chinese Overseas Returnees Office
Hengqin: Macau Skylink International Cargo Airlines Co. Ltd., Planning Exhibition Hall of the Hengqin Guangdong–Macau Deep Cooperation Zone, Hengqin Enterprises & Talent Center, Hengqin Cross-Border E-Commerce & Live Streaming Base, Hengqin IFC
Macau: MicroConnect
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