On the morning of April 24th, emlyon business school's Asian Campus held the opening ceremony for the 2025 Asian Campus Semester (ACS) Spring intake at the Wenshi Building of East China Normal University.

With the vibrancy of spring in the air, the new semester carries infinite hopes and dreams. Students from three programs — Master in Management – Grande Ecole (PGE), MSc in Health Management and Data Intelligence, and MSc in Global Sales Excellence — gathered together to embark on their new academic journey in China.

Guest Speeches——Embarking on a New Journey Together

At the opening ceremony, several distinguished guests attended in person, offering their heartfelt congratulations and inspiring messages to the students, helping to ignite the first spark of their new chapter.

▲ Associate Dean of emlyon business school, Dean of emlyon business school Asia, French Dean of Asia Europe Business School Prof. William Hua WANG

The event began with a warm welcome speech by Prof. William Hua WANG, Associate Dean of emlyon business school, Dean of emlyon business school Asia, and French Dean of Asia Europe Business School.

Prof. WANG warmly welcomed students from around the world into the emlyon family. He emphasized that emlyon is committed to cultivating future business leaders with global perspectives, innovative mindsets, and strong practical capabilities. Facing an ever-changing global environment, he encouraged students to explore fearlessly, continue learning, and closely connect academic knowledge with real-world experience to shine in their future careers.

▲ Higher Education and Linguistic Project Officer, Cultural and Educational Cooperation Section of Consul General of France, Shanghai Ms. Carla HAID

Following him, Ms. Carla HAID, Higher Education and Linguistic Project Officer at the Cultural and Educational Cooperation Section of the Consulate General of France in Shanghai, delivered a congratulatory speech.

Ms. HAID extended her best wishes for the new semester and highlighted the deep and enduring cooperation between China and France in the field of education.

She encouraged students to make the most of their time at emlyon, immerse themselves in multicultural experiences, enhance their cross-cultural communication skills, and become vital bridges connecting China, France, and the world.

▲ Program Director of MSc in Global Sales Excellence Ms. Marie-Christine COLLIERE

▲ Program Director of MSc in Health Management & Data Intelligence Ms. Shaily MALIK

Next, the two MSc Program Directors, Ms. Marie Christine COLLIERE and Ms. Shaily MALIK, who had traveled to the Asian Campus alongside the students, also addressed the audience. They encouraged students to challenge themselves continuously in their respective fields and to embrace their roles as both learners and doers. They shared exciting upcoming initiatives, including the Individual Consulting Projects (ICP) and company visits, inspiring students to eagerly anticipate the enriching learning journey ahead.

▲ HR Director Greater China, Hermès Mr. Leon LI

The keynote address was then delivered by Mr. Leon LI, HR Director Greater China at Hermès. Drawing on his extensive experience in human resources management, Mr. LI discussed the evolving demands for international talent in today's job market.

He urged students to continuously refine both their professional expertise and soft skills during their time at school, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and personal growth, and inspiring them to discover their unique value in their future careers.

▲ Academic Director, Undergraduate/Graduate programs, Director of International Cooperation, emlyon business School Asia Prof. Nikola ZIVLAK

Prof. Nikola ZIVLAK, Academic Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs and Director of International Cooperation at emlyon business school Asia, also delivered a speech remotely online.

Prof. ZIVLAK encouraged students to break boundaries, to embrace cross-disciplinary exploration, and to make full use of the global learning platform provided by the Asian Campus, laying a solid foundation for their future international careers.

▲ Alumni of PGE, class of 2012, Senior Manager of High-end and Special Projects at Gucci Mr. Alexis HORCHOLLE

The alumni representative, Mr. Alexis HORCHOLLE, PGE 2012 graduate and currently Senior Manager of High-end and Special Projects at Gucci, then took the stage.

Drawing from his personal journey, Mr. HORCHOLLE emphasized the critical role that networking, cross-cultural communication skills, and business sensitivity — nurtured during his time at emlyon — played in his career development. He encouraged students to seize every opportunity for learning and practice and to pursue their dreams with courage and determination.

▲ Senior Operation Manager, emlyon business School Asia Mr. Mason ZHANG

Finally, Mr. Mason ZHANG, Senior Operation Manager at emlyon business school Asia, spoke on behalf of the ACS project operations team.

He introduced the upcoming academic and extracurricular activities, warmly reminding students to fully utilize the school's abundant resources and platforms. As a vital bridge between the school and its students, he assured that the operations team would accompany and support every student throughout their journey at emlyon.

With the heartfelt speeches and blessings of all the distinguished guests, the opening ceremony concluded successfully. Afterward, all students and faculty gathered in front of the Wenshi Building for a group photo, capturing this memorable moment together.

A new semester marks a new beginning

The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but every effort you make will become a cornerstone of your growth.

We hope that in the 2025 Spring Semester at emlyon’s Asian Campus, you will continue to hone your professional skills, expand your global vision, and bravely explore uncharted territories. May your dreams be the sails and your hard work the oars, carrying you to shine brightly on the global stage.

Become true innovators, drivers, and leaders of this era!