The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Executive MBA Study Tour began at American University of Sharjah (AUS) today, November 3.

The group consists of 55 Chinese participants who are entrepreneurs and top managers, accompanied by Professor Jitendra Singh, Dean of Business and Management. The goal of the study tour is to enable participants to exchange their experiences on innovation and entrepreneurship in China with their potential UAE partners, and to establish or extend their entrepreneurial businesses together with the UAE business community.

Dr. Robert Grosse, Dean of the School of Business Administration (SBA), introduced the group, which was then addressed by AUS Chancellor, Dr. Björn Kjerfve.

"The Gulf region in general, and the UAE in particular, have become an active hub of business and commerce in today's world. Over the years, there has been a great deal of emphasis by the government to promote and encourage entrepreneurship and commerce. This drive has been matched by the development of world-class facilities and an infrastructure that is second to none," said Dr. Kjerfve.

"Our School of Business Administration has developed partnerships with numerous national and regional business entities as well as to conduct research on the dynamics of trade and commerce in the Gulf. Our areas of focus range from observing the family business model and how it operates here to identifying the constantly evolving business opportunities and challenges present in the region," added Dr. Kjerfve.

Dr. Ali Beba, Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the AUS School of Business Administration and previously faculty member at HKUST, served as program director.

The five-day study tour ends on November 7, 2014.