Gobi 21 | Soaring across the sands: CUHK Business School warriors return in glory

As the winds swept across the desert, the purple flag of CUHK Business School flew proudly over the Gobi once again.

The 21st Xuanzang Road Business School Gobi Challenge concluded successfully on 4 October. This year’s event brought together 115 teams, all taking on one of the most demanding tests of physical endurance and mental resilience. Representing CUHK Business School, the FMBA & MBA and EMBA teams fielded more than 100 participants. Throughout the race, shifting sands, dramatic temperature changes, and challenging terrain tested the endurance, resilience and determination of every participant. Some were forced to slow their pace to adapt to the demanding conditions, while others pushed through physical limits to reach the finish line. Even when exhausted, many runners continued to support and encourage their teammates along the way. Their resilience, teamwork, and determination culminated in a series of impressive achievements for CUHK Business School.

Both the FMBA & MBA and EMBA teams comprised Team A+, Team A, Team B, and Team C. Marking a first for both delegations, Team A+ competed alongside Team A at the forefront of competition. While Team B members demonstrated remarkable teamwork and determination on the course, Team C played a vital supporting role, providing logistical assistance and cheering on their teammates throughout the race.

FMBA & MBA Team

A total of 75 participants joined the FMBA & MBA delegation, making it the largest contingent in the School’s history to take part in the Gobi Challenge. Together, they completed the Gobi 21 course and earned four awards. Team A rose from eighth place on the opening day to finish sixth overall in the MBA category. Team B secured second place in the MBA B Team Overall Rankings with an impressive total of 59 gold, silver and bronze markers. Meanwhile, the School’s first five-member Team A+ successfully completed the demanding 100-kilometre single-day challenge, with all team members crossing the finish line safely.

List of Awards:

• Succession Excellence Award
• Double Stars Sparkling Award
• Endeavour Award
• Shackleton Award

EMBA Team

The EMBA team, comprising 37 participants, proudly crossed the finish line of Gobi 21. Team A embraced the journey itself, sharing the unforgettable experience of crossing the desert alongside one another. Team B overcame numerous challenges and achieved a 100 per cent completion rate, while Team C provided steadfast support throughout the event.

List of Awards:

• Shackleton Award
• Double Stars Sparkling Award

Professor Zhou Lin, dean of CUHK Business School, congratulated all participants on completing the Gobi 21 challenge and expressed his gratitude to the coaches, faculties, volunteers and supporters who contributed behind the scenes.

“Faced with the desert’s relentless winds, dramatic temperature swings, and demanding race conditions, you did not take on these challenges alone. Instead, you lifted one another up and crossed the finish line together. We are immensely proud of the unity and resilience demonstrated throughout the journey. This spirit of solidarity remains one of the defining strengths of the CUHK Business School community. May you carry forward the confidence and bonds forged in the Gobi Desert as you embrace future challenges and reach even greater heights.”

This year, Professor Gu Chaoyang, Dr Francisco Cisternas, Professor Robert Li Xiang and Professor Nelson Wong Chi-fai (from left to right) also took to the course and successfully completed the challenge, demonstrating their support for participating students and alumni through action. Notably, Professor Gu completed the race for the seventh time, exemplifying the resilience, leadership and dedication that define the CUHK Business School community.

While Gobi 21 has come to a close, the lessons and friendships forged along the way will continue to inspire future journeys. We warmly invite more CUHK Business School alumni to join future Gobi Challenges and experience this unique and unforgettable journey for themselves.

Alumni who are interested in participating in the next Gobi Challenge are welcome to contact the Alumni Office (WeChat ID: CUHKBSchoolAlumniCN) and stay tuned for the latest updates.