The School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University (Tsinghua SEM) and INSEAD jointly announced the extension of strategic partnership for another five years in Beijing on May 22. It marks almost two decades of success for the Tsinghua-INSEAD Executive MBA (TIEMBA) program. The renewed agreement was signed by Bai Chong-En, dean of Tsinghua SEM, and Francisco Veloso, dean of INSEAD. The ceremony was joined by faculty, staff, students, and alumni from both schools. Professor Xue Jian, senior associate dean of Tsinghua SEM, said, "Moving forward, TIEMBA will remain a global East-West platform, empowering leaders to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and create impact in this highly interconnected world."

Bai Chong-En (left) and Francisco Veloso sign a renewed agreement of partnership between Tsinghua SEM and INSEAD.

Bai said at the ceremony, "Tsinghua SEM has always been dedicated to serving as a bridge that closely integrates diverse disciplines, business with technology, theory with practice, and is committed to fostering deeper connections between China and the world. Our partnership with INSEAD has been successful, marked by enduring achievements. The TIEMBA program has fostered global connections and contributed to economic cooperation between China and other nations. We are committed to strategically advancing this collaboration in line with our shared vision for global excellence."

Over the past four decades, Tsinghua SEM has become one of the world's most acclaimed business schools, and a magnet for entrepreneurial activities and outstanding professionals from across China and beyond. The school's Master of Finance program secured fifth place globally in the 2024 Financial Times ranking, and the Tsinghua-INSEAD EMBA program (TIEMBA) ranks second in the QS EMBA Ranking 2024: Joint. The Master in Management (MiM) program is ranked sixth globally and first in Asia in the 2023 Financial Times Master in Management ranking, becoming the first Asian institution in nearly a decade to break into the top 10 of the list.

Tsinghua SEM has expanded its interdisciplinary programs, including the x-lab innovation hub, which fosters entrepreneurship across 16 departments of Tsinghua University. International collaborations with institutions such as INSEAD, MIT, and Columbia University have enhanced global engagement, while partnerships with over 100 universities worldwide have bolstered student exchange.

Also at the event, Veloso said, "I am very proud of our strong partnership with Tsinghua SEM. Together, we have built a truly global program that not only prepares executives to lead across borders but also fosters a deep understanding of business in both the East and the West. We are excited to continue this journey and support the next generation of global leaders."

Group photo of the signing ceremony

Over the past two decades, INSEAD has significantly expanded its presence in Asia, anchored by its Singapore campus and strategic partnerships like TIEMBA. The Asia Campus now serves as a key hub for global leadership development, offering programs tailored to the region's complexities. The Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) Asia track attracts senior leaders for immersive learning focused on Asian markets, while MBA participants can begin their studies in Singapore — reinforcing INSEAD's commitment to global leadership with regional insight.

As INSEAD celebrates 25 years in Singapore, Chinese students, faculty, and alumni remain integral in shaping the school's impact through diverse perspectives, relevant research, and cross-sector leadership.

The TIEMBA dual-degree program began in June 2007 with an inaugural cohort of 45 participants of 17 nationalities. Since then, the 22-month program has graduated over 680 global executives of 51 nationalities, with credentials from two of the world's most prestigious academic institutions.

Designed for senior professionals, the TIEMBA program blends the East and the West. With its flexible modular format and strong support for career advancement, the program offers both immediate applicability and long-term value. Participants benefit from global exposure, diverse peer interactions, and a strategic curriculum designed to prepare them to lead with purpose across cultures and markets.

Over the past 18 years, the TIEMBA program has consistently ranked among the world's top EMBA programs. Its graduates represent a wide range of industries and geographies, and many occupy C-suite or entrepreneurial roles with global impact.

The new agreement will extend the TIEMBA program through 2032, welcoming future cohorts across INSEAD's global campuses in Fontainebleau, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi, as well as Tsinghua SEM's campuses in Beijing and Shenzhen.

Upon graduation, they will be part of two powerful alumni networks. These global communities offer lifelong access to a vibrant, engaged community of leaders, enhancing personal growth, business collaboration, and global influence.

For more information about the TIEMBA program, visit here.

Source: EMBA Programs

Editor: Ren Zhongxi