Wharton Impact Tour: Hong Kong 2024
Senior Vice Dean João Gomes Joins Dean Erika James in Hong Kong
A celebratory atmosphere filled the Rosewood Hong Kong on March 12, as 175 members of the Wharton community gathered for a night of learning and networking. Attendees were surrounded by breathtaking waterfront views, as Chief Advancement Officer Bill Bole delivered welcoming remarks, igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Kenny Lam, W’96, chair of the Executive Board for Asia, introduced Dean Erika James to the stage. Dean James thanked Lam and recognized the influence Wharton’s Hong Kong alumni population has on the city’s key industries, such as tourism and financial services.
“Powered by your Wharton education,” Dean James said, “you have become a driving force in the city’s economic growth.”
Then, the dean told attendees that, despite how challenging the past few months have been for the University of Pennsylvania and higher education as a whole, the first few weeks of 2024 showcase the resiliency of the School.
“Interest in our degree programs has not waned,” Dean James said. “That tells me the best and brightest students still want to come to Penn and Wharton.”
Dean James highlighted Wharton’s MBA and undergraduate programs continuing their reign as the best in the world, according to the Financial Times.
Senior Vice Dean João Gomes joined Dean James on stage for an engaging conversation. Gomes shared his experiences as an educator and a leader, and he talked about Wharton’s competitiveness among other schools. He said Wharton stays at the forefront of business education because in the classroom, students learn from the news instead of models.
In addition to that, Gomes said the diversity in Wharton classes amplifies the learning experience for students.
“Classrooms where there is no dominant nationality makes for interesting conversations,” Gomes said.
After Dean James and Gomes answered the audience’s questions, Wharton alumni, faculty, and friends enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and wonderful company.
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