Overview
Background and Objectives
- 6-day executive education programme designed for family office leads and financial advisors looking to serve their high-capacity clients by providing more robust philanthropic support
- Collaboration between the CUHK Business School, Centre for Global Family Business and Stanford PACS, Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative
- Programme taught by Stanford PACS faculty, researchers, and, as appropriate, guest speakers with expertise in philanthropic advising
Learning Outcomes
- Provides a practical framework for guiding their principals or clients in philanthropic pursuits, with examples and lessons from successful philanthropic advisors.
- Aligns with the widely used “Stanford PACS Philanthropy Toolkit,” created by a team of sector leaders at Stanford PACS and major philanthropic service providers.
- Gives participants practice using “conversation starters” and prompts to deepen discussions about giving with principals or clients.
- Connects philanthropy professionals in Hong Kong with regional peers and a wider community of philanthropic leaders who are part of Stanford PACS’s global network.
- Provides entry into the community of alumni receiving ongoing support from Stanford PACS’s Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative (EPLI).
- Awards dual certifications upon completion from both Stanford PACS and CUHK Business School Executive Education programme.
- Leverages lessons gleaned from other professional education programmes for key efficient learning of key principles and practices.
- Allows attendees to build relationships with and benefit from one another.
- Upon completion of 66-day course awarded:
- Certificate of Effective Philanthropy by Stanford PACS
- Certificate of Completion in Effective Philanthropy by CUHK Business School Executive Education
Target Participants
- Open to senior executives, programme officers and trustees at family foundations, or individuals managing charitable giving within a family office.
- Open to senior staff in family offices and financial advising firms as well as seasoned professionals looking to shift careers into this space.
* Priority will be given to professionals working to develop philanthropic portfolios with clients.
* Priority will also be given to professionals with strong, demonstrated motivation to see increased and more effective giving from wealth holders in the region—for the greater social good as well as a greater value proposition offered through their services.
Teaching Language
English
Mode of Delivery
Blended (Face-to-face & Online)
Programme Duration
6 days
For registration and general enquiries
Miss Sherry Lui
Phone: (852) 3943 7425
Email: apib@cuhk.edu.hk
For programme details
Ms. Coco Yeung
Email: cocoyeung@cuhk.edu.hk
Content
Stanford PACS will collaborate with the Chinese University of Hong Kong team to identify additional external speakers to share knowledge and experiences globally relevant and/or contextualised to the Hong Kong locale.
Speaker
Vera Michalchik
Director, Philanthropy Research and Education;
Effective Philanthropy Learning Initiative
Paul Brest
Professor, Stanford Law School;
Former President, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Dates & Fees
Virtual
8-10 December 2026, Online
Learning with engaging speakers and virtual workshops.
In person
14, 15 and 17 January 2027, CUHK Shatin Campus, Hong Kong
Enjoy learning and networking with Stanford PACS faculty and peer leaders in person in the region on CUHK campus.
Application Deadline
15 November 2026
Programme Fees
HK$ 35,000
* Please contact CUHK Business School Executive Education by emailing apib@cuhk.edu.hk if multiple participants from your organisation would like to attend.
FAQs
Course Concept & Core Advantages
Open Programmes are designed for executives and experienced managers across various industries who need to step away from day-to-day responsibilities to refresh their skills. It focuses on high-level peer interaction and gaining a global business perspective to navigate fast-changing environments. Examples include short seminars and leadership or management executive courses.
Open Programmes stand apart from Professional Certificate Programmes primarily in their academic credit structure, flexibility, and ultimate learning goals. Open Programmes are non-credit, short-term courses designed for active executives and senior managers who need rapid, practical insights to navigate changing business landscapes. They focus heavily on high-level networking, peer interaction, and immediate strategic refreshment without the pressure of formal assessments.
When compared to traditional degree programmes, such as a full Master’s or MBA, both Open and Professional Certificate options are significantly more bite-sized and agile. Traditional programmes demand a long-term, multi-year academic commitment to cover a broad, foundational curriculum, whereas Open Programmes offer immediate executive updates and Professional Certificates provide targeted, stackable skill sets designed for rapid career advancement.
Types of Open Programmes Available:
- Face-to-Face Programme:
- Executive Short Courses & Seminars: Rapid, highly interactive sessions (such as the Fintech Seminar Series)
- Mini-MBA / Comprehensive Executive Tracks: Broad-scope management courses (like the Mini-MBA) that compress essential leadership and business elements into a short, non-credit format.
- Online Programmes: Flexible, digital alternatives designed to provide the same global business perspectives remotely.
Topics Covered:
Leadership & Decision Making, Financial Management, Sustainability & ESG, Innovation & Strategy, Marketing & Customer Experience
Admission & Learning Mode
Yes, you can absolutely apply! In fact, Open Programmes are specifically designed to welcome professionals who do not have a formal background in the subject matter.
The primary criteria for these programs is usually your level of professional experience rather than your academic history, as the learning relies heavily on senior-level peer discussions and sharing real-world business challenges.
The schedules and formats for Open Programmes are intentionally flexible to accommodate the demanding lives of senior professionals. Because these are standalone, short-term courses, there is no single “one-size-fits-all” schedule.
Most programs are short, 1- or 2-day modular courses delivered in person on campus.
Cantonese, English or Putonghua.
Fees & Application
Fees for Open Programmes vary significantly depending on the depth, duration, and specific topic of the course.
We provide an Early Bird offer, a ‘Learn Together’ offer, and an Alumni rate (for CUHK, CUSCS, and APIB alumni).
The application process for Open Programmes is streamlined and completed entirely online. Applicants start by navigating to their desired course page and filling out a digital registration form detailing their professional background and current job title. During submission, candidates arrange payment and indicate any eligible savings—such as Early Bird, Alumni, or “Learn Together” discounts—before the admissions committee conducts a quick profile review to ensure a strong mix of executive peers. Because enrolment operates on a rolling basis, spots are secured upon payment confirmation, making early application ideal before registration closes a couple of weeks prior to the course start date.
Support & Contact
For any programme enquiries, please contact:
Tel: (852) 3943 4413 / 3943 7438
Email: apib@cuhk.edu.hk