Overview
Background and Objectives
This Mini-MBA in Innovation Leadership is an intensive, two-month, multi-modular, non-credit bearing programme specially designed to help you transform your career and revolutionise how you work. You will quickly develop MBA critical thinking, tactical behaviour and innovate dynamic strategies which really work in practise. This is the knowledge that will immediately benefit your personal and professional development, as well as improve your performance in the workplace.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain valuable skills: This course will increase your confidence and managerial abilities, particularly in terms of strategic change management, leadership, digital innovation, creativity, customer relationship, financial management and team development.
- Turn theory into practise: You will learn how to apply theories and best practises in your current role through simulations, role playing, case studies and discussions.
Target Participants
Managers with technical, scientific or specialist background or entrepreneurs of leading companies and organisations who need to refresh and develop their business knowledge to support their future career.
Teaching Language
Cantonese (Module 3 is taught in Mandarin)
Mode of Delivery
Face to face
Programme Duration
2 months (Total 30 hours)
Graduation Requirement
All modules are compulsory. To pass the modules, participants have to achieve at least 80% class attendance for each module.
Content
This programme consists of five compulsory modules. Participants may enrol in all five modules at once, or register for any individual module separately based on their personal interests and schedule.
Module List
| Module 1 | Leader as an Enabler: Developing a Dialogic Leadership Style |
| Module 2 | Emerging Tech & Business Innovation |
| Module 3 | Data-Driven Leadership: Leveraging Data and AI for Competitive Advantage |
| Module 4 | Sustainable Finance |
| Module 5 | Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making |
Speaker
Dr. Gilbert Cheung
Honorary Institute Fellow, The Asia-Pacific Institute of Business
Dr. Toa Charm
Associate Professor of Practice in Management, CUHK Business School
Director of Business Development, The Asia-Pacific Institute of Business
Prof. Ming Liao
Professor of Practice in Business Analytics, Department of Decisions, Operations and Technology, CUHK Business School
Director of Research Development, The Asia-Pacific Institute of Business, CUHK
Dr. Stan Ho
Honorary Institute Fellow, The Asia-Pacific Institute of Business
The CUHK Chief Representative of SynTao Green Finance International Limited
Prof. Dominic Chan
Associate Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship
Director, MSc in Aviation Management
Associate Director, EMBA Programme
Associate Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship
Dates & Fees
Recent Curriculum
| Date(s) | Module |
|---|---|
| 22 October 2026 (Thu) | Leader as an Enabler: Developing a Dialogic Leadership Style |
| 27 October 2026 (Tue) | Emerging Tech & Business Innovation |
| 6 November 2026 (Fri) | Data-Driven Leadership: Leveraging Data and AI for Competitive Advantage |
| 11 November 2026 (Wed) | Sustainable Finance |
| 18 November 2026 (Wed) | Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making |
Application Deadline
30 December 2026
Programme Fees
HK$52,500 (Total 5 modules)
Special Offers
- Early Bird offer: HK$46,200 (by 31 July 2026)
- “Learn together” offer: HK$46,200 (enrol in the same programme with friends)
*Remarks: Two applicants must enrol together at the same time in the same programme. Therefore, this offer does not apply when enrolment of two participants at different times or for different programmes. - Alumni rate: CUHK/CUSCS/APIB Alumni at HK$44,625
- Corporate rate: Please contact our education professionals for details
Note: The fee includes:
- Design, development and delivery of the programme conducted at CUHK
- Tuition, teaching materials and refreshment
- The use of fully equipped executive education classroom and breakout rooms during the programme
- Certification of attendance awarded by The Asia-Pacific Institute of Business, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
FAQs
Course Concept & Core Advantages
Open Programmes are designed for executives and experienced managers across various industries who need to step away from day-to-day responsibilities to refresh their skills. It focuses on high-level peer interaction and gaining a global business perspective to navigate fast-changing environments. Examples include short seminars and leadership or management executive courses.
Open Programmes stand apart from Professional Certificate Programmes primarily in their academic credit structure, flexibility, and ultimate learning goals. Open Programmes are non-credit, short-term courses designed for active executives and senior managers who need rapid, practical insights to navigate changing business landscapes. They focus heavily on high-level networking, peer interaction, and immediate strategic refreshment without the pressure of formal assessments.
When compared to traditional degree programmes, such as a full Master’s or MBA, both Open and Professional Certificate options are significantly more bite-sized and agile. Traditional programmes demand a long-term, multi-year academic commitment to cover a broad, foundational curriculum, whereas Open Programmes offer immediate executive updates and Professional Certificates provide targeted, stackable skill sets designed for rapid career advancement.
Types of Open Programmes Available:
- Face-to-Face Programme:
- Executive Short Courses & Seminars: Rapid, highly interactive sessions (such as the Fintech Seminar Series)
- Mini-MBA / Comprehensive Executive Tracks: Broad-scope management courses (like the Mini-MBA) that compress essential leadership and business elements into a short, non-credit format.
- Online Programmes: Flexible, digital alternatives designed to provide the same global business perspectives remotely.
Topics Covered:
Leadership & Decision Making, Financial Management, Sustainability & ESG, Innovation & Strategy, Marketing & Customer Experience
Admission & Learning Mode
Yes, you can absolutely apply! In fact, Open Programmes are specifically designed to welcome professionals who do not have a formal background in the subject matter.
The primary criteria for these programs is usually your level of professional experience rather than your academic history, as the learning relies heavily on senior-level peer discussions and sharing real-world business challenges.
The schedules and formats for Open Programmes are intentionally flexible to accommodate the demanding lives of senior professionals. Because these are standalone, short-term courses, there is no single “one-size-fits-all” schedule.
Most programs are short, 1- or 2-day modular courses delivered in person on campus.
Cantonese, English or Putonghua.
Fees & Application
Fees for Open Programmes vary significantly depending on the depth, duration, and specific topic of the course.
We provide an Early Bird offer, a ‘Learn Together’ offer, and an Alumni rate (for CUHK, CUSCS, and APIB alumni).
The application process for Open Programmes is streamlined and completed entirely online. Applicants start by navigating to their desired course page and filling out a digital registration form detailing their professional background and current job title. During submission, candidates arrange payment and indicate any eligible savings—such as Early Bird, Alumni, or “Learn Together” discounts—before the admissions committee conducts a quick profile review to ensure a strong mix of executive peers. Because enrolment operates on a rolling basis, spots are secured upon payment confirmation, making early application ideal before registration closes a couple of weeks prior to the course start date.
Support & Contact
For any programme enquiries, please contact:
Tel: (852) 3943 4413 / 3943 7438
Email: apib@cuhk.edu.hk