The Manchester Global Executive MBA prepares executives to thrive in today’s international business landscape
IN today’s fast-paced global economy, senior leaders must navigate rapid technological shifts, evolving markets, and diverse cultural landscapes.
According to a recent Ernst & Young survey, while a majority of executives view global adaptability as crucial, only a fraction feel adequately prepared to lead across borders.
Addressing this gap is the Manchester Global Executive MBA (GEMBA). This accelerated 18-month programme from The University of Manchester's Alliance Manchester Business School, is designed to equip leaders with the insights and skills to thrive internationally.
Global learning journey
GEMBA students gain firsthand experience across Manchester, Dubai, and Hong Kong – three economic hubs where immersive learning and cross-cultural exposure prepare them for the demands of a globalised business world.
Studies show that multinational corporations employ over 47 million people in key industries worldwide, highlighting the critical value of international experience for today’s executives.
GEMBA’s unique closed-cohort model strengthens this by fostering meaningful connections with peers, who serve as both collaborators and mentors long after the programme ends.
To ensure participants can focus fully on learning and networking, GEMBA includes 26 nights of complimentary accommodation across the three global study locations.
“The closed-cohort experience is not just about learning; it’s about transformation,” said Alliance Manchester Business School MBA programme director, Xavier Duran.
Through GEMBA, he added, senior executives gain advanced tools and frameworks to address global business challenges.
“But equally important, they engage deeply with peers from diverse industries and regions, emerging with the clarity, confidence, and purpose needed to lead effectively on the international stage,” Duran added.
For GEMBA student and Fintec Global Berhad managing director Steve Tan, the connections are invaluable.
“What makes this programme special is not just the content but the people,” he said.
“When you’re learning from peers with such diverse experiences, it opens your mind to new approaches and solutions you might never have considered.
“The programme isn’t just about business knowledge – it’s about learning from people with diverse perspectives that broaden my approach to leadership,” noted Tan.
Real-world insights and flexibility
With residencies in three distinct regions, GEMBA students gain deep insights into the cultural and economic dynamics shaping global markets.
The programme’s flexible structure – a blend of online learning and on-site residencies – allows participants to balance work, family, and studies.
With over 60% of business leaders practicing hybrid setups, GEMBA’s adaptable format is essential for today’s leaders.
“The GEMBA programme grows mindsets and equips leaders with the skills, not only to navigate, but to thrive in complexity and drive meaningful change,” Duran explained.
Network for lifelong growth
Beyond the curriculum, GEMBA’s global alumni network spans regions and industries, providing lifelong professional support.
Graduates access a wealth of knowledge and collaboration opportunities, ensuring continued growth well beyond the programme’s completion.
For Tan, GEMBA offers much more than a traditional EMBA – it’s a launchpad for enduring professional and personal transformation.
In a world where cross-cultural understanding is paramount, the Manchester Global Executive MBA combines rigorous learning with flexible, real-world experiences to shape leaders ready for tomorrow’s challenges.
Keen on discovering how GEMBA can empower your global leadership journey? Scan the QR code below to register for a virtual info session on Jan 15. For more visit, www.manchester.edu.sg/manchester-global-executive-mba/