More than 400 alumni and their guests from 29 countries joined Columbia Business School faculty members and prominent business leaders for the School’s inaugural Pan-Asian Reunion in October.
The reunion’s Hong Kong location, along with the School’s many expanded initiatives in the region, underscores the increasingly central role Asia has assumed in the global economy, as well as the importance and value of the School’s strong ties to the region.
With its focus on “Asia and the World Economy,” the reunion provided a timely opportunity for thoughtful discussions about today’s economic challenges. Panel discussions covered such relevant topics as private equity and the capital markets, Asian conglomerates in the world’s economy, the competing roles of India and China, real estate development, global real estate investment and Asia’s shift from investment destination to source of capital.
Alumni reconnected during receptions, at Saturday evening’s gala dinner and on a few leisurely excursions that included an architectural walking tour of Hong Kong, a tour of Hong Kong Island and a day trip to Macau. A group of alumni also took a four-day trip to Beijing, where they visited, among other sights, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
A record number of sponsorships were secured for the Reunion, not only covering all costs, but also demonstrating the significant interest in the School’s thought leadership. That interest is reinforced by the recent launch of the EMBA-Global Asia program.
Mark your calendars now for Reunion 2009: Friday, April 3, through Sunday, April 5, 2009. In the meantime, visit www.gsb.columbia.edu/alumni.
The symposium took place at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, where guests mingled before the opening session.
Alumni catch up during the afternoon Networking Coffee Break.
Groups gathered after Dean Hubbard’s State of the University Address on the second day.
The cocktail reception and gala dinner were held at the InterContinental Hong Kong, which overlooks the city’s famous Victoria Harbor.
Attendees listen to Keynote Speaker Paolo Scaroni ’69, CEO, Eni.