Steven Ma Graduates With Executive MBA From Peking University At 48
“Others might have used the money I spent on my education on expensive cars or watches, but I don’t believe in wasting money on things like that,' he says.
Hongkong actor Steven Ma, 48, is now an executive MBA (EMBA) holder. He recently completed his two-year course at the prestigious Peking University after submitting his final 30,000-word thesis.
The programme, which is offered by the Peking University HSBC Business School, is known to be notoriously hard to get into. Applicant, who have to be a in managerial-level position, need to submit a 2000-word self introduction essay, along with three recommendation letters — two from seniors who have been previously enrolled with the university, along with one from a professor. Those who make it past the first round will undergo a rigorous writing test and interview.
According to the Hongkong media, the programme's acceptance rate is known to be below 10 per cent.
Hard at work
A quick check on the school’s website showed that EMBA students attend lessons from Thursdays to Sundays, with a typical day consisting of four classes that run from 9am to 5pm.
After his graduation, Steven calculated that he had spent over HK$1mil (S$185,000) on school fees, air tickets (he commutes between Beijing and Hongkong) and accommodation. However, Steven believes that the money is well-spent. “It’s a worthy investment because the knowledge I’ve acquired in the past two years are extremely valuable, " he declared. "Others might have used the money I spent on my education on expensive cars or watches, but I don’t believe in wasting money on things like that.”
Steven's a cafe owner too
He continued, “I realised that those who are younger than me might know more about a subject than I do. It’s not just age and experience that determines your knowledge, and that’s something that I’ve realised after interacting with people from all walks of life.”
Although the COVID-19 pandemic has caused lessons to be pushed back, Steven finished his graduation thesis in advance and has since been given the green light for an early graduation. He shared that he will put the knowledge he has gained into operating his café and other businesses, and that he finally feels that he can be a competent boss.
Photos: PBE Media
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