Business School alumni reunite in Shenzhen to explore the AI wave

In the vibrant early summer of Shenzhen, the enduring bond with CUHK brought alumni together once again. On 7 June 2025, the CUHK Business School Alumni Office hosted its annual Shenzhen gathering at the Mandarin Oriental, Shenzhen. The event welcomed more than a hundred alumni for an afternoon of insightful dialogue on AI’s future, valuable connections, and celebratory reunion.

The event featured a dynamic and tightly structured programme, opening with welcome remarks from Professor Zhou Lin, dean of CUHK Business School. Professor Zhou encouraged alumni to remain adaptive and seize emerging opportunities in today’s fast-changing AI landscape.

This was followed by a keynote dialogue between two distinguished speakers: Professor Michael Zhang Xiaoquan, Wei Lun Professor of Business AI at CUHK Business School, and Liu Yuhong [EMBA (Chinese) 2024], Head of Tencent Large Model. Under the theme “The AI Revolution and the Reshaping of the Global Ecosystem”, they exchanged deep insights on the ongoing transformation of the AI industry and its global implications.

Professor Zhou Lin, dean of CUHK Business School, delivered the welcome address to open the event

Professor Zhang outlined a new vision of the global business ecosystem driven by AI, while Liu Yuhong shared the strategic approach to developing large language models. The conversation touched on key topics such as technological empowerment, ethical considerations, and the reliability of AI — including challenges like “AI hallucinations”. Their dialogue, blending academic foresight and practical experience, sparked enthusiastic engagement among attendees.

Liu Yuhong (centre), alumnus of CUHK Business School, and Professor Michael Zhang Xiaoquan (first left) received certificates of appreciation and tokens of gratitude from Professor Zhou Lin (first right), dean of CUHK Business School

Liu Yuhong also presented commemorative gifts to Professor Zhou and Professor Zhang in return

Following the fireside chat, the alumni luncheon commenced. Alumni from different programmes, industries, and graduating cohorts gathered at the tables to reconnect with old friends, meet new peers, and exchange perspectives from their fields. Many remarked that the event was especially meaningful — seamlessly blending professional discourse from the morning session with rekindling the camaraderie of their days at CUHK Business School.

Representatives from CUHK Business School and distinguished guests raised their glasses in celebration of the alumni gathering in Shenzhen

Dr Lin Huangquan, executive director of the CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute and director of the University’s Office for Greater Bay Area Developments, shared the recent updates and future plans for the Institute

A representative from the CUHK Business School Shenzhen Alumni Association also presented an overview of recent initiatives, encouraging fellow alumni to take part in building a stronger alumni community

The event concluded on a high note with a lucky draw, filling the room with laughter and excitement.

This memorable occasion — blending forward-looking perspectives with lasting personal connections — left a vivid mark on Shenzhen’s early summer. We look forward to creating ever more diverse and meaningful opportunities for alumni across regions to connect, keeping the CUHK Business School spirit thriving and enduring. Together, we remain united by our shared legacy, working hand in hand toward an even brighter future.

Relive the highlights of the event:

Check out the full album of the event HERE

Stay connected with our upcoming alumni events as we continue to strengthen the CUHK Business School network and create memorable experiences together.