HSE GSB MBA in Shanghai: Chinese Experience for Russian Executives
The module was organized in collaboration with Fudan University, one of the leading centers of business education in Asia. As one of the top universities in China and across the region, Fudan is widely recognized for academic excellence, high-quality research, and strong international programs in economics and management.
The theoretical part of the module covered key aspects of China’s contemporary economy and business environment. Classes were taught by Fudan University professors — renowned experts and researchers in global and digital economy, fintech, corporate governance, blockchain technologies, big data, and cybersecurity. Many of them are alumni of top global universities, publish in leading academic journals, and serve as consultants to businesses and government agencies. Over the course of the week, they introduced students to the specifics of China’s financial system, discussed challenges to the country's global competitiveness, and compared approaches to digital transformation in China and other countries.
The practical part of the program proved just as valuable. The agenda included site visits to major Chinese companies across key industries. Among them were:
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COSCO Shipping – one of the world’s largest marine logistics operators
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NIO Inc – a developer and manufacturer of smart electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies
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SAIC Motor – a Chinese automotive corporation actively investing in new energy sources and autonomous transport
According to Vladimir Koptsev, Head of the MBA Program at HSE GSB, international modules provide students not only with professional growth but also with the opportunity to see the world’s leading economies in action.
Vladimir Koptsev
Head of the MBA Program, HSE Graduate School of Business:
China today is not just an important player, but one of the world’s leading economies, influencing global processes in business, finance, and technology. It’s essential for our students to go beyond theory and experience this reality first-hand — through company visits, expert discussions, and immersion in the country’s economic environment
The participants’ feedback reflected the program’s impact:
“Shanghai exceeded all expectations — a truly high-tech metropolis. I was especially impressed by the lectures with Chinese professors on how the country became a global tech leader in just 40 years. The number of electric vehicles — about 80% of all cars — was astonishing and made the city surprisingly quiet despite its size. The visit to a robotics company was unforgettable. It was also great to connect with MBA students from other groups. I’d like to thank HSE GSB for organizing the module in such a prestigious university as Fudan and for arranging visits to leading Chinese companies. This experience brought so much new knowledge and emotion — it will stay with me for a long time!”
— Sergey Bespalov, Manufacturing and Operations Consulting Manager, Accenture AG, Zurich, Switzerland
Chinese partners also expressed appreciation for the cooperation:
“We are sincerely glad that HSE GSB students not only visited Fudan University but also gained valuable insights through this intercultural exchange. We hope our program opened new perspectives for the participants, helped strengthen their communication skills, and broadened their horizons. We tried to offer a comprehensive view of China’s economic and cultural features through company visits and lectures. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with HSE GSB and welcoming MBA participants again in the future.”“We are sincerely glad that HSE GSB students not only visited Fudan University but also gained valuable insights through this intercultural exchange. We hope our program opened new perspectives for the participants, helped strengthen their communication skills, and broadened their horizons. We tried to offer a comprehensive view of China’s economic and cultural features through company visits and lectures. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with HSE GSB and welcoming MBA participants again in the future.”
— Shuang Zhang, International Programs Manager, Fudan University
At the end of the module, all MBA participants received an official certificate from Fudan University confirming their participation and academic achievements.