On May 15, in Seville, Spain, AMBA & BGA Global Conference for Deans and Directors was held, gathering over 400 participants from business schools worldwide. Prof. Chen Fangruo, Dean of Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, delivered a keynote speech on “MBA Education in China: The Past, Present and Future” in the plenary session of the conference. The conference will last three days, and seeks to explore a number of themes, such as: Brand new technology including ChatGPT, Sustainability and climate change, Best practices in major markets etc., sharing rich insights and practical advice with delegates.

Beginning with an introduction to the history and development of the MBA degree in China, Prof. Chen offered insights into the country’s MBA market today, encompassing MBA programme portfolios in China, international joint MBA models and various MBA program providers.

Using MBA programmes available at Antai College of Economics and Management, Shanghai Jiao Tong University as a case study, Prof. Chen then reviewed recent innovations and strategies applied by business schools in China. The presentation also focused on the impact of Covid-19 on international partnerships and how business schools in China are adapting in the post-Covid era to improve themselves. The presentation aimed to help academic institutions from outside China to better understand and welcome partnerships with business schools in China for both now and in the future.

For over 50 years, the Association of MBAs (AMBA) has been spearheading excellence and trailblazing innovation. As the impartial authority on postgraduate management education, its impact is visible across the globe. As a respected organization, AMBA is committed to raising the profile and quality standards of business education internationally, for the benefit of Business Schools, MBA students and graduates and alumni, employers, communities and society. Antai College of Economics and Management was awarded the initial AMBA accreditation in 2008, and has maintained the crown for 15 years. As of April 2023, 42 business schools in the Chinese mainland received AMBA accreditations.