China Mobile president addresses EMBA students

Dr Wang Jianzhou, President of China Mobile Communications Corporation and Executive Director, Chairman, CEO of China Mobile Limited, shared his valuable experience with students and teachers during his address on “Branding and Soft Power” at the CEO Forum organised by the Faculty of Business EMBA programme at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) on 7 May.

Dr Wang was also appointed to be a Faculty of Business adjunct professor. Professor Richard Ho Yan-ki, Acting President of CityU, and Professor Wei Kwok-kee, Dean of the Faculty of Business, presented the appointment certificate to Dr Wang. Professor Wei said the Faculty of Business focused oncombining theory and practice and the appointment was another example of the

ways in which students could benefit from the expertise of the business elite. “We will continue to collaborate with excellent entrepreneurs and renowned tertiary institutions, and to offer advanced management executive programmes to CityU students,” Professor Wei said.

Professor Zhou Nan, Head of the Department of Marketing, said Dr Wang was a great leader at China Mobile. China Mobile had been entrenched for seven years in the Fortune Global 500 compiled by Fortune magazine. Its most recent ranking was 180th on the table that ranked the top 500 corporations worldwide as measured by revenue. Dr Wang was also recognised by Business Week magazine as one of the world’s leading CEOs.

Dr Wang said he looked forward to working hard in the role of adjunct professor. Being the leader of the world’s largest telecommunications operator, Dr Wang said that apart from building a unique brand, soft power was an essential component in sustaining competitive power, especially during difficult times. He used China Mobile as a model to analyse the three factors influencing soft power, namely management ability, internationalisation and corporate social responsibility.

Students attending the forum were excited to learn more about the corporate culture, management philosophy and internet influence of China Mobile. Dr Wang said a successful corporation should balance the benefits of consumers and shareholders.

The Faculty of Business EMBA programme at CityU has organised the CEO Forum since 1997, providing a platform for EMBA students to meet prominent CEOs and benefit from their leadership and managerial skills. The upcoming forum, scheduled for 21 May, will be addressed by Mr Benjamin Hung, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong).