From Media Mogul to EMBA Graduate: A Transformative Journey
Discover the captivating journey of our esteemed alumni and how HKUST Business School helped shape these visionary leaders and ignite their passion and curiosity for new knowledge. Welcome to HUANG Haibo’s world of innovation and infinite possibilities.
“HKUST Business School's EMBA program has completely transformed my life,” exclaimed HUANG Haibo with delight, “It even motivated me to develop a consistent running habit!”
Originally from Beijing, Haibo, a senior TV producer, currently helms Phoenix Chinese Channel as its Deputy Head. With an educational background in Beijing and Japan, he is fluent in Chinese, English, and Japanese. Haibo joined Phoenix TV in 2002 after working at CCTV, amassing over 20 years of experience in the media industry, where he has managed and produced numerous acclaimed TV specials and judged in various international documentary festivals.
A Whole New World at HKUST Business School
After dedicating decades to his career in the media industry, Haibo was resolute in pursuing both personal and professional growth. He aspired to study for an EMBA degree despite his demanding schedule. However, it wasn't until a guest speaker on one of his TV programs recommended HKUST Business School that Haibo made the decision to enroll.
"My initial goal was simple — to excel in the program," Haibo explained. Having traveled extensively for work, gaining a wealth of life experience, he didn't anticipate the School would unlock a world of opportunities.
Upon arriving on campus, Haibo was captivated. Surrounded by accomplished classmates in their 40s and 50s, he quickly realized that embracing the role of an EMBA student required shedding the senior executive mindset. “This step was crucial — it involved being open to learning from professors and about ourselves. Initially, it felt challenging,” he confessed. “As ‘big bosses’ responsible for thousands of staff, we thought we knew everything. Listening wasn't our forte. So, it took time to readjust to being students again.”
Gradually, Haibo and his classmates settled into the program, approaching classes with humility and a thirst for knowledge. Haibo's cohort also developed strong and lasting bonds, with many classmates becoming lifelong friends. They even motivated him to pursue his desire to run.
Haibo developed lasting bonds with his classmates and had a 10 years anniversary celebration in Chongqing in 2013.
Dedicated professors and an inspiring cohort transformed the EMBA experience into an exhilarating journey for Haibo.
Fulfilling a Thirst for Knowledge
As a former journalist, Haibo possesses a natural curiosity and critical thinking abilities. Yet, the two-year EMBA program was able to quench his thirst for learning and exploring new topics and knowledge. Comprehensive materials, dedicated professors, and an inspiring cohort transformed the EMBA experience into an exhilarating journey for Haibo. He found one particular marketing course led by Professor William BURGERS from the Netherlands, which focused on small businesses, exceptionally impressive.
“Small businesses often face survival challenges when larger enterprises expand and monopolize market shares, eroding the vibrant vitality and distinctive character that small businesses bring to the business sector,” Haibo explained. “However, Professor Burgers enlightened me on how small businesses can flourish through incubation and iteration processes. Our class discussions also encompassed the benefits, incentives, and integrity mechanisms related to development, granting me a renewed understanding of global social and economic progress.”
Gaining Awareness of the Business World
Through the EMBA program, Haibo has gained valuable knowledge and a broader perspective. “It heightened my awareness of business world changes and provided insights for approaching things holistically.”
Haibo's thesis, titled “An Analysis of Phoenix TV's Development and Breakthroughs in the Multimedia Era,” examined the challenges faced by traditional media in the digital landscape. The thesis explored how innovative technology and management are crucial in helping traditional media navigate these challenges through effective content and branding strategies.
In the final business simulation course, Haibo also found inspiration in organizations that prioritize impact over profit and making positive contributions to society. “It expanded my horizon to how we can reflect these values in ourselves and our organizations.”
Haibo's classmates motivated him to pursue his desire to run. They always had regular running practices on the seafront sportsground after class.
