Developing New Business Models and Expanding the Jewelry Industry through EMBA Studies

Full Article in Chinese

• President & CEO, Thousand Million Jewelry Manufacturing Ltd
• Master of Business Administration (Executive)

During the pandemic, various industries were affected to different extents. Jesse Yau, the President and CEO of a jewellery manufacturing company, seized the opportunity to pursue an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). This decision not only enhanced her management expertise but also broadened her international perspective, supporting business innovation.

The pandemic's disruption of business activities allowed Jesse to further her studies in corporate management. The EMBA program covers a wide range of topics, helping Jesse grasp diverse business and management knowledge and cultivate strategic thinking. The learning model allowed her to gain valuable experience from industry veterans and exchange knowledge with classmates and mentors from various industries, expanding her network. This enables her to manage the company's operations more effectively while conceptualizing and implementing competitive new businesses. "The program offers overseas exchanges. The most unforgettable experience was the exchange trip to Israel, to understand how high technology is integrated into daily life. Additionally, the exchange at Yale University was truly eye-opening."

Regarding her profession, Jesse said "Jewelry has a long history and cultural heritage in different countries, and it has become a symbol of fashion today. This unique charm greatly attracts me." Obtaining a professional qualification in gemology is highly challenging and requires strong interest and persistence. While studying various gemology courses, she had to memorise different types and properties of gemstones. Some courses spanned three years, and she had to complete exams under high pressure.

Reflecting on her 20-years in the industry, Jesse admitted that expanding the market and business is not easy. She recalled that travelling abroad to meet clients in harsh winter conditions. Jesse believes that the management must have a deep understanding of the target customer group and be sensitive to the economic environment. "During the pandemic, many thought that reduced social interactions and business activities would lead to a decline in jewellery sales. However, we noticed an increase in overseas marriage rates, as the pandemic made people want to cherish their loved ones more. Jewellery serves as an important medium for couples to express their love, turning a crisis into an opportunity.

Apart from developing her career, Jesse is also passionate about charity work. She is the Honorary President for Life of the Lions Kidney Educational Centre and Research Foundation (LKEC). "The passing of my beloved one due to kidney disease made me more concerned about kidney patients. I hope to bring more support to them, such as collaborating with the government to establish more dialysis centers to provide hemodialysis services for grassroots patients, reducing the impact of kidney disease on their lives."

During the pandemic, it was difficult to meet with CityUHK classmates, making Jesse cherish the precious friendships even more. As a part of her alma mater, she has always been enthusiastic about supporting CityUHK's development and has served as the Chairman of the CityU EMBA Alumni Association since this year. "Besides planning various activities to enhance alumni's sense of belonging, we also plan to organise seminars or exchange meetings for current postgraduate and undergraduate students to share insights, hoping to support the younger generation and pass on the spirit of mutual support."

（Published at 12 December 2024）