In an increasingly complex and volatile world, how can young talents develop global competency and grow into professionals with both international perspectives and strong local execution skills? From May 19 to 21, ZIBS held the “Global Competency Workshop” series. Three members of the ZIBS International Advisory Board—Sergio Rial, Yaseen Anwar, and HUA Jingdong—joined us to engage in immersive discussions with students, sparking intercultural dialogue, expanding global outlooks, and enhancing global citizenship awareness. This series highlighted ZIBSers sense of responsibility and engagement with global issues, while offering students a practical, structured path to enhance their global competencies.
Understanding Global Trends and Emerging Industries
On May 19, Sergio Rial, ZIBS IAB Member, Lead Director in multiple large listed Companies, kicked off the workshop series with a powerful session on “Global Trends and Industry Insights”. Students from Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, and China shared their unique takes on emerging sectors in their home countries. GE Yangfan, a Class of 2024 Master of Finance (iMF) student, reflected on the event’s significance“What impressed me most was Sergio’s speech style. He started from the topic of smart technology and extended to issues such as unemployment and immigration, presenting his ideas like a mind map that guided the audience through layers of thinking. He didn’t just deliver views—he demonstrated how to construct them.”
Sergio led a“keyword relay”discussion, encouraging open dialogue and bold thinking. Drawing on his experience in finance, agriculture, and multinational corporate management, he inspired students with fresh perspectives. The conversation flowed across borders, deepening students’ understanding of global dynamics. Monish Mithra Waran, a student from ZJUI, also expressed his admiration for the lecture“Sergio's talk was thought-provoking and was a masterclass in dissecting global trends. I found myself compelled to simply absorb his insights on demographics, technology's role in trade, the critical focus on water within climate change, and the evolving consumer landscape.”
Central Banks from a Multinational Perspective: Understanding & Dialog
On May 21, Yaseen Anwar, Member of ZIBS International Advisory Board, Former governor of State Bank of Pakistan, joined the workshop for an in-depth conversation on“The Role of Central Banks and Global Financial Stability.”Student representatives from Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe, Malaysia, and China shared their perspectives based on their national banking systems. They addressed key challenges including Malaysia’s financial regulatory reform, Uzbekistan’s monetary system transition, China’s multi-level regulatory framework, and Zimbabwe’s journey toward financial inclusion. Mukunga Tarisai Merenciana, a Class of 2023 Master of China Studies (MCS) program student, shared the most memorable takeaway from the session—Yaseen’s personal charge“Bring the change back home with integrity and good governance.”
Yaseen shared his story of being appointed governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and reflected on leading through the global financial crisis, currency stabilization, and systemic reforms—offering first-hand insights from the frontlines of global financial governance. Barbara Leticia Sumitro, a Class of 2022 Global Communication and Management (GCM) program student, remarked“Mr. Anwar’s words reminded me that the financial system is not just numbers and policy; it’s about people, trust, and long-term vision.”
Sustainable Strategy in Practice: Deep Thinking in Real Cases
On May 21, HUA Jingdong, Member of ZIBS International Advisory Board, Vice Chair of the ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board), delivered a wonderful sharing on the topic of “Sustainable Strategy from Industry Perspectives.” The workshop adopted a scenario-based format, combining case studies, group discussions, and thematic lectures to guide students in exploring the real-world challenges and strategic choices companies face on the path toward intelligent and sustainable development. During the group case discussions, HUA Jingdong actively engaged with each team, encouraging students to identify key stakeholders and propose solutions that balance employee well-being, environmental objectives, and business sustainability. Tan Ze Yue, a student from Class of 2023 GCM program, remarked “They challenged me to think systemically and critically about sustainability—not as a PR tool but as a genuine transformation in governance, strategy, and ethics. ”
HUA Jingdong also elaborated on the ISSB’s sustainability disclosure standards and their global adoption progress. By integrating global practices, he guided students to reflect on the resources required for sustainable problem-solving (including environmental and social aspects), as well as the balance between enterprises' global responsibilities and strategic competitiveness. Sikal Adam, a student from Class of 2024 iMF program, shared “This workshop not only deepened my understanding of the complexities behind strategic decision-making but also reshaped my view of corporate goals: it's not just about maximizing profit but also maximizing social value.” Through interactive learning, students gained a deeper understanding of strategic complexity in sustainability and the real-world pressures that companies face within a global responsibility framework.
