Connect with fellow alumni over a casual sandwich lunch. A former surgeon and serial entrepreneur, Dr. Zhen Lei ’07 is Chairman and Co-Founder of RecoveryPlus Health.

Zhen is dedicated to accelerating patient recovery and reducing healthcare costs. Since 2015, he has been the founder and Chairman of RecoveryPlus - the world’s first AI-driven virtual rehab for late stage cardiovascular patients. Previously, he founded BioHermes in 2007, which launched the first room temperature HbA1c test that continues to lead in the global market. Zhen has been an advisory board member of CBS's Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Management Program since 2022.

Cost is HK$ 100 (members) and HK$ 150 (non-members) with sandwich and drink provided. Please RSVP here for the event.

Join the Columbia Business School Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) for an experience sharing session with Frank Au, a banker, entrepreneur, and investor. After his initial banking job at Lehman Brothers, Frank founded a boutique M&A and private placement advisory firm, which was later acquired by Cowen Group. Frank led Cowen Asia and China Renaissance Securities (HK) before turning his attention to investing. Currently, he's spearheading a sports education venture in China that trains elite teens for US college admissions.

Click here to RSVP for the event.

Twelve CBS alumni joined a meditation session led by our co-President Amy Fong ‘96.  Through 60 minutes of guided relaxation, breathing exercises and sound bath meditation with crystal singing bowls, participants learned to forget the past and the future by focusing on the present. It was an evening of awakening and discovery in this peaceful realm. Thanks to Amy for her lesson and sharing her personal journey, Gordon Shaw for providing the venue, and the Speaker Committee for organizing this event.

On March 24, a group of CBS alums led by Joanna Burger ‘16, co-chair of Women’s Committee, joined a family day walk to inspire inclusion and support artistis with disabilities. The day turned out to be unusually sunny and breezy perfect for the outing. Participants made new friends with Berkeley and other alums. Everyone had a fantastic time!

On March 23, 13 CBS alum ranging from the class of the 90s all the way to the class of 2023 gathered for a private dinner in Central. Over fine wine and Chinese cuisine, they shared their best investment ideas for 2024. Bohan ‘23 reaffirmed his conviction on his top investment pick. The group continued their conversation at a post dinner event. A wonderful evening of fine wine, food and exchange of investing intelligence!

Join the CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) for an experience sharing session featuring Francis de la Cruz ‘08 and Haesu Lee ‘16 who recently relocated to New York and Boston. They will discuss job hunting, relocating with young children, and insights on the US economy. The Zoom event will be moderated by Thomas Chow ‘99.

Francis de la Cruz ‘08 lived in Asia for 11 years before moving back to the US in 2023. Francis spent 7 years at BlackRock in Hong Kong where he was most recently the Head of APAC Finance, Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team. Francis also lived in Seoul, Korea for 2 years with his wife Christina Hwang ‘08.

Haesu Lee ’16 is a buyside equity analyst with over 7 years of experience covering various sectors in the Asia Pacific region. She most recently worked at Robeco and Fidelity International in Hong Kong before relocating to Boston to be closer to family.

Please RSVP here for the event.

Twelve alums and friends attended the Brown Bag Lunch by Diana Wu David ‘97 on Feb 23. Diana generously shared her journey and insights about reinventing for the future as well as positioning oneself for board positions. Attendees also received signed copies of her book Future Proof: Reinventing Work in an Age of Acceleration. Thanks to Amy Fong ‘98 and FountainVest for providing the venue and Jibang Chai ‘21 for moderating the event.

The Columbia Business School Alumni Club of Hong Kong’s Social Committee event, Restaurant Hunting, received an overwhelming response. Bohan Xue ‘23 shared his views on the Chinese equity market. Alumni across class years shared their 2024 investment outlook. Thanks to the generous donation of wines and gifts from Amy ‘96, Yuan ‘04, Terry ‘22, Belinda ‘23 and Bohan ‘23, everyone had a great time.

The CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong Women’s Committee kicked off the new year, partnering with NET-A-PORTER to host an event themed “styled and dressed for success”. Fellow alumna Natalie Lee ‘15 and her sophisticated team of personal shoppers delivered a fashion-forward presentation on the latest brands and trends, SS24 collection, mix-and-match and day-to-night transformation tips for professional women. Thanks to co-chairs Esther Ma ‘92 and Ann Cha ‘04 and fellow alumnae for an inspiring 2023 and successful workshop to welcome 2024. Thanks to Amy Fong ‘96 and FountainVest for venue sponsorship.

The Columbia Business School Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) hosted an impromptu Wine Dinner in January, an intimate gathering of 12 people featuring delicious food and a lively discussion spanning a range of current events.

The Brown Bag Lunch Series offers a chance for fellow alumni to meet over a casual sandwich lunch.

This event featured Kevin Chan ‘97, Managing Partner of SEAVI Advent Private Equity. Kevin oversees SEAVI Advent's investment activities, with a focus on technology and communications in China and Hong Kong. Prior to this, he co-founded HSBC's telecom/Internet investment banking practice and worked at Goldman Sachs.

Approximately 50 CBS and CU alumni gathered for a reception and fireside chat with Professor Michael Ewens on Dec 8 at IFC Hong Kong. The event was broadcasted live via Zoom to regional alumni in Asia Pacific.

Professor Ewens shared his plans and outlook for the CBS private equity program that he is developing. He aims to construct four elective courses around the foundation course “PE Finance”, offering students a comprehensive understanding of private equity and its major quantitative methods. Looking to enhance CBS’s global presence and placement in the private equity arena, Professor Ewens envisions the launch of a Private Equity Center that will serve as a hub supporting students, alumni, academics and the practitioners. 

The event's highlight was an insightful panel discussion featuring Professor Ewens and PE practitioners Gordon Shaw ’92 and Amy Fong ’96. The speakers shared their long term optimism on the Greater China PE industry despite short term challenges and Hong Kong’s role as a super connector and a financial hub. In the face of higher interest rates and geopolitical tensions, they shared their views on creating value in PE investing and navigating the macroeconomic volatility.

Following the event, the CBS HK Alumni Club leaders hosted a dinner for Professor Ewens and Edward Chan from the Columbia development office.  

Special thanks to Gordon Shaw for graciously hosting the event at the BPEA office at IFC.

Over 80 CBS alumni and their spouses attended the 8th annual holiday party at the American Country Club at Tai Tam, one of our best attended annual events yet!

In line with this year’s Ye Shanghai (夜上海) theme, the celebration paid tribute to the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai during its heyday. Each table was named after a famous Shanghai street, such as Nanjing West Road. Ladies in qibao and men in dark hats and suits added a touch of glamor to the evening. Over champagne and wine, sumptuous buffet, fun music and lots of laughter, our guests mingled with old friends and made new ones.

Thank you to the MCs for the evening, Belinda ‘23, Olivia ‘22 and Jibang ‘21, as well as the organization committee of the party (Belinda ‘23, Olivia ‘22, Terry ‘22, Jibang ‘21, Nic ‘19, Krystal ‘18, Tyler ‘18, Adrian ‘11, Hahna ‘10, Jessie ‘10, Gene ‘09, Allen ‘08, Chris Ma ‘08, Janet ‘08, Yuan ‘04, Thomas ‘99, Amy ‘96, Esther ’92, Gordon ‘92) who had planned for this massive event over the past six months. Their hard work culminated in this seamless and unforgettable evening.

Another highlight of this evening was the multitude of over 20 raffle gifts valued at over HK$55,000, ranging from collectible wines and whiskey to luxury hotel stays and spa treatments!

Special thanks to the following alumni for their generous donations, Terry ‘22, Nic ‘19, Gene ‘09, Chris Ma ‘08, Janet ‘08, Yuan ‘04, Thomas ‘99, Amy ‘96, Frank Tang ‘94, Helen Sun ‘89, Chris Cheng, as well as to our sponsors, PS Group, Niseko Freedom Inn, Four Seasons Hotel, Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, Royal Garden Hotel, Rosewood Hotel, Bioscor and Venchi.

We look forward to creating more cherished moments together with you in the coming year.

We had the privilege of hearing Chrstina Yuen ’86 share her experience and insights regarding transitioning from being an executive at various Fortune 500 companies to becoming an executive coach. This event was featured as part of a speaker series hosted by the CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) Mentorship Committee, with the goal of supporting members as they navigate through different stages of their careers and in a volatile market. Participants learned how to assess their careers using the 3 Cs: Competency / Compatibility / Chemistry and how to SOAR: Situation – Opportunity – Action – Results. The seminar was moderated by Adrian Aw '11.

We hope to see you in the next Mentorship event!

Story Credit: Adrian Aw, Class of 2011

By popular demand, the Columbia Business School Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) hosted another wine tasting dinner at Sing Kee Seafood Restaurant on September 16th, 2023. The event, which was organized by Terry Chan ‘22 and Yuan Wang ‘04, was geared towards guests who wanted an introduction to a range of old and new world wines, and the art of wine appreciation.

The following wines were selected to accompany the traditional Cantonese meal:

• Chateau Barde Haut 2003 (Bordeaux Red)

• David Duband Cote de Nuits Villages 2019 (Burgundy Red)

• Il Morino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva 2017 (Tuscany Red)

• Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (USA Red)

• Gatinois Ay Grand Cru Tradition Brut NV (Champagne)

• Domaine Jacque Saumaize Sur La Roche Pouilly Fuisse 2016 (Burgundy White)

After being delayed by a T10 and Black Rainstorm in consecutive weeks, Columbia Business School Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) Happy Hour finally returned at Yurakucho on Friday 15 September, 2023.

Have you ever thought about buying New York City real estate?

• How do real estate prices compare in the Big Apple vs. Hong Kong?

• What is it like to own a piece of property in the financial capital of the world?

• What are the nuances of various districts in the city?

• What are capital return and income potentials, and tenant mix if considering an investment?

• What are the upsides, downsides and considerations for self-use or pure investment?

Whether for real asset diversification, purchasing for the next generation or having a second home base in the US, the Speaker Committee’s guest Eric Marrus answered all our questions in this informative webinar. Eric is an experienced real estate agent who lives in the Soho area of NYC.  

The event was moderated by Thomas Chow ‘99, our club co-President and avid real estate investor.

On July 26th 2023, the Columbia Business School Alumni club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) hosted a wine tasting dinner at Lu Lu Wan. Each alum brought a bottle of wine to share with the group. Most of the wines were from the Bordeaux so it was a great opportunity to learn about the region. Yuan Wang ‘04 also invited wine industry expert, Jo Purcell from Farr Vintners, to guide the wine tasting. At the end of the dinner we voted for our favorite wines and they were Vieux Chateau Certan 04, Grand Puy Lacoste 05, and Le Dome 99. We thank Yuan for organizing the event and thank all the participants for bringing such fantastic wines to share!

Passionate about your time at CBS? Come and talk about your experiences with prospective students. Show them what their journey could be with CBS at this info session hosted by the CBS Admission Office for Hong Kong's up-and-coming new classes.

Please WhatsApp Nic Tse '19 on +852 9769 0007 if you're interested in speaking or attending.

CBSACHK Leaders Tour New CBS Manhattanville Campus

The CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) leaders including Linda Ho McAfee ’73, Amy Fong ‘96 and Thomas Chow ’99 toured CBS’s new, glistening, state-of-the-art campus in Manhattanville on June 30, 2023.

Hosted by Ed Chan, Samantha Mihali and Jean Wang ‘09 from the Alumni Relations and Development Office, the group toured the facilities which consisted of Henry Kravis Hall and Geffen Hall. Everyone marveled at the beautiful and functional design that created an airy, bright and expansive space, taking advantage of abundant natural lighting. It was clear that the new buildings were student-centric, designed to facilitate team projects and discussions.  The team also reviewed potential options for a space to be sponsored by CBS Women in Asia, a recent and highly successful fundraising initiative.

The group finished the tour at the lobby cafe, enjoying a coffee and bakery treat courtesy of Linda.  The pistachio muffins were delicious, so much so that more were ordered to-go! The new campus is surrounded by historical eateries like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and The Baylander, an outdoor casual restaurant on a docked ship known for its burgers and lobster rolls.  Nearby, a brand new high rise was being developed for student housing, overlooking the new campus and the vibrant Harlem.

Everyone should plan a visit if you are in NYC!

Credit: Thomas Chow, Class of 1999

An Event to Kick Off the Summer Season in Hong Kong

The CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) celebrated happy hour at HaTo on June 14. There was beer, sake, wine, and cocktails aplenty, and alums wished a fond farewell to beloved friends, Francis and Christina, who relocated back to NYC.

A Fascinating Friday Afternoon Learning About Home Grown Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Alums enjoyed a private tour at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP), the largest innovation hub in Hong Kong with over 1200 tech ventures. The tour began with a visit to the HKSTP Experience Centre, where we explored 11 immersive and interactive exhibition zones showcasing remarkable achievements including AI, robotics, biotech, and construction technology.

Next, we attended an online investment pitching event featuring six startups from diverse industries ranging from logistics, financial services, education, to advanced material manufacturing. The session was very informative, and we had the opportunity to interact with the startup companies during the Q&A.

Following the pitch event, we took a short walk to InnoCell, a sustainable and smart-living complex for HKSTP tenants. The complex is well-designed, providing a comfortable co-living environment for technology professionals and their families - perfect for socializing and exchanging ideas within the community.

The afternoon ended with happy hour drinks at Harbour Grill where alums enjoyed the beautiful sunset over Tolo Harbor.

Credit: Michael Chan, Class of 2008

Valuable Investor Insights Gained From Leading Industry Experts

With the recent Cambrian explosion in the AI space, investors have been on the lookout for the next breakout companies. Have you wondered how you could stay informed about the latest developments beyond chatGPT? Or the regulatory and ethical considerations associated with investing in AI?

The CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) and Columbia University Alumni Association of Hong Kong (CUAAHK) co-hosted a Morningside Salon discussion, with Mr. Arnaud Barthelemy and Ms. Terry Chou, Partners at Alpha Intelligence Capital. Arnaud and Terry shared valuable insights from their successful careers as venture capitalists focusing on the global AI market, their investment philosophies, and how they identified opportunities from pitfalls in a space filled with the novelties.

Approximately 50 guests attended the talk, which was moderated by Thomas Chow ‘99.

Alums From Across Asia Gathered For Dean Maglaras’ Reception in HK

Over 200 alums attended a reception in Hong Kong with Dean Costis Maglaras, an event hosted by the CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK). The room was filled with excitement and felt like a regional reunion, with familiar faces reunited and new connections forged. 

Dean Maglaras gave an overview of the updated curriculum, career statistics, and the school’s priorities. He also moderated a panel discussion with Professor Ciamac C. Moallemi and serial internet entrepreneur Dr. Song Li (MPhil '90, PhD '92) on the evolving role of technology, and the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation in the future of business.

Following the reception, CBSACHK hosted a dinner for visiting alums. It was an unforgettable day, demonstrating the importance of in-person events in establishing deeper connections.

Credit: Yuni Choi, Class of 2016

Luncheon with Dean Maglaras Hosted by HK Women’s Committee

Over 60 alums from a range of backgrounds, generations and geographies attended the Alumni Women’s lunch to celebrate the impact of CBS graduates both regionally and globally, and to support the next generation of female leaders.  

The lunch was the third event organized by the Women’s Committee of the CBS Alumni Club of HK (CBSACHK), and was an impressive showing of friendship and unity across our alumni network. Present at the event kick-off were Amy Fong ’96, CBSACHK Co-President; Ciamic Moallemi, William von Mueffling Professor of Business; Esther Ma ’92, Co-Chair of the Women’s Committee of CBSACHK (via Zoom); Ann Cha ’04, Co-Chair of the Women’s Committee of CBSACHK (via Zoom); and Linda Ho McAfee ’73, Board of Overseers. Committee chairwomen, Esther Ma and Ann Cha, welcomed Dean Maglaras to Hong Kong. 

The Women’s Committee’s campaign to raise $250,000 to name a conference room for CBS Women in Asia was announced, forming a part of the larger Manhattanville Women’s Initiative. The initial fundraising target was achieved through the support of the alumni community in Asia, however, the Committee continues to encourage participation to exceed this target.

Story Credit: Charlotte Guan, Class of 2022

Good wine, good company, cheers!

The Social Committee of the CBS Alumni Club of HK (CBSACHK) organized their first happy hour event of the year. Attendees tasted wine from Chateau La Providence 2011, Pomerol, France. Alums also brought their favorite wines to share at the wine tasting event.

An Inspirational Discussion on Building a Personal Board and Mastering Reinvention

The Mentorship Committee of the CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) partnered with the Columbia EMBA-Global Asia program to host a kick off event for this year’s Mentorship program. The event included a fireside chat with Charles Li (former Executive Director and Chief Executive of HKEX, Columbia University JD ‘91) and moderator Amy Fong (COO of FountainVest, CBS ’96), followed by a networking session.

The event, which was hosted in-person and via Zoom, also provided the opportunity for alumni to enrol as mentors / mentees / peers in this year’s Mentorship program.

Key points discussed during fireside chat with Charles Li:

• Career path, significant milestones, and major turning points

• What is some of the best advice you have received? Do you have a personal board?

• How have you leveraged your relationships throughout your career to help solve personal and business challenges, or to pivot to new ventures?

• What are some best practices to identify your personal board members, and how do you nurture and maintain these relationships - both professionally and personally?

An Enlightening Discussion on Managing Personal, Family and Business Wealth

The Women’s Committee of the CBS Alumni Club of Hong Kong (CBSACHK) hosted a panel discussion on "Enriching Your Personal Financial Wellness: What We Didn't Learn at CBS". The event, which was hosted in-person and via Zoom, featured CBS adjunct professors Maria Brisbane and Alex Zachary from Merrill Private Wealth Management.

Discussion topics included:

• The optimal legacy plan to allot financial resources to my successors of entrepreneurs

• Criteria and legal procedures to set up a family foundation

• Managing finances with your spouse

• Trends in the well-being of business women

• Objective measures of financial wellness

CBS Holiday Party 2021 was a night to remember for those of you who were there last year. And guess what - this year's party is only going to be bigger and better! We have great things planned for you this year, and trust us, you don't want to miss it.

We have already started planning for our biggest event of the year. If you are interested helping us out, please email us at cbsalumhk@gmail.com.