Re: MBA in Europe than working in Asia?
[#permalink]
22 Apr 2013, 23:33
Hi YJ,
hope my respond is not too late for you as I think the admission cycle for Sept intake is almost finished...
I think that make sense for you to consider an MBA in Hong Kong, Singapore, and perhaps Shanghai... here are what I think there pros and cons.
Singapore : The center for South East Asia, you will easily see wealthy people spending money for high end products and services from countries like Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. However, as the Singaporean dollar keeps appreciating, and the tax structure, it casts doubt about the competitiveness for luxury market
Shanghai : The more westernized city in China. Most luxury brands have show rooms and business presence in Shanghai. However, due to heavy duty and restriction on imports, most of the luxury stores serve as “show room” but the real purchases occur in Hong Kong. It would be tough to find jobs if you do not speak any Chinese.
Hong Kong : Always the freest port in Asia, therefore you will see HK becoming the centre of trade and distribution for almost any kind of consumer products (be it luxury or not). A lot of people in the region (including those from Japan and Korea) with will come to Hong Kong for their real purchase. Hence almost all luxury brands build their Asia Business HQ in Hong Kong. I realize there would be at least a few thousands of French and Italian professional working in the areas of quality food, fashion, cosmetics, lifestyle products, high end kitchenware, and furniture as well as luxury brands in Hong Kong. I read a report recently that 25% of global export of high end watches from Switzerland goes to Hong Kong, of course, they are not catering for the people of Hong Kong, but shoppers from around the world.
Hope that would give you more information.