Miya Huimin DING

China Europe International Business School

“A passionate dreamer with feet on the ground and a heart for the community.”

Hometown: Anhui, China

Fun fact about yourself: I wanted to work for the Beijing Organizing Committee for 2022 Winter Olympics because of my passion for snowboarding, and I nearly lost this job opportunity because I broke my arm during a snowboarding. Fortunately, I managed to complete the assessment using one hand.

Undergraduate School and Degree:

Beijing Forestry University, Master of Management

Beijing Information Science & Technology University, Bachelor of Management

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Amazon (China), Subject Matter Expert

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Danaher, Shanghai

Where will you be working after graduation? Undecided

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

President of Curatorial Team of TEDxCEIBS 2024

MBA2025 Student Ambassador

CEIBS Talent Fellowship Scholarship Recipient

MBA2025 Student Leader Award Recipient – Nominated and voted by the student body

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? My most proud achievement is organizing the TEDxCEIBS “LIGHT” 2024 annual event. We ignited inspiration for 800+ attendees in the room and over 1.1 million viewers online. We fused TED’s spirit of “Ideas change everything” with CEIBS’ ethos of “China Depth, Global Breadth,” proving how stories of courage, innovation, and humanity can bridge divides and spark collective action.

When I knew this meaningful and challenging initiative, I knew I had to act. I threw myself into curating TEDxCEIBS as the President. Over eight months, I led a passionate, dedicated team through a balancing act of MBA academics, career pursuits, networking, and our shared mission to create something extraordinary. Together, we achieved the seemingly impossible: persuading nine visionary speakers, including an Olympic champion, AI scientist, leading economist, and celebrated dancer, with each person sharing ideas that challenged minds and stirred hearts. We forged trust-based partnerships to secure critical funding, executed a high-impact marketing campaign, and delivered an event that resonated far beyond the stage.

Reflecting on this journey, what fuels me isn’t just the applause or the scale—it’s the quiet moments when someone says, “This idea changed how I see the world.” Leadership, to me, is about creating platforms where wisdom and passion collide. It’s about inviting luminaries to share their light with my CEIBS community so that together, we can navigate uncertainty, reimagine the future, and turn inspiration into lasting impact.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? After I graduated, I was honored to join the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Working on this remarkable project was not just a job for me. It was a calling to promote the Olympic spirit in China and to use sports as a universal language that connects people from all walks of life.

One of the most significant achievements during my time with the Organizing Committee was our contribution to the creation and commercialization of Bing Dwen Dwen, the beloved mascot of the Beijing 2022. By integrating social media marketing strategies, we built widespread consumer (C-end) impact. The Weibo hashtag related to Bing Dwen Dwen garnered over 60 billion views. We also enhanced product production and distribution across various channels, resulting in a 650% YOY increase in licensed revenue. Through Bing Dwen Dwen, we were able to share the rich tapestry of Chinese culture with the world, and it was an honor to be a part of that endeavor.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose CEIBS for many reasons—its position as Asia’s #1 business school, its vision of “China Depth, Global Breadth” that aligns with my aspiration to become a globally minded leader deeply rooted in China, and ​most importantly, the unparalleled alumni support!

During my MBA application process, I reached out to several CEIBS alumni and was struck by their selflessness. They offered guidance without hesitation, and their excellence inspired me to strive to join this remarkable community. When I was there, I organized events and sought career opportunities—and time-and-again, alumni stepped forward to share insights, open doors, and embody the school’s collaborative ethos. This spirit of generosity has left me profoundly grateful, and I am committed to paying it forward by nurturing the same values in future CEIBS students.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? This is a tough one, but I would have to say Professor Lingling Zhang. Her classes are always packed with valuable content, featuring the most up-to-date business cases and insightful guest speakers, providing us with cutting-edge marketing knowledge. She is not only academically accomplished, but also works tirelessly with a deep love and support for her students, striving to ensure that each one can achieve personal growth at CEIBS. As my professor advisor, I am grateful for her unconditional trust and support during TEDxCEIBS, as well as the inspiration and insights of the business she has provided. More importantly, she is a role model, embodying the essence of female leadership—inspiring and motivating others with her unique blend of softness and resilience.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite tradition in CEIBS is the mentorship program, where we have a lot of mentorship events that benefited me a lot. I am lucky to have two of my mentors, Jessica and Douglas, who have provided immense support and guidance. My formal mentor, Jessica, is a mother of three and a former Intel executive who is now an AI startup entrepreneur. She cares for me like a mother, offering unconditional support and trust. Jessica has also inspired me in many areas, including business insight, self-exploration, love and wisdom, and female leadership. Her mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my personal and professional growth.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back on my MBA experience, if there’s one thing I would do differently, it would be to be more accepting of myself. In business school, you meet many incredibly talented people: masterful speakers, natural leaders, and finance experts. Initially, I was eager to connect with these outstanding individuals and often overlooked my own strengths, feeling pressured to prove my worth. Throughout my MBA journey, I’m grateful for the journey that helped me discover a more multidimensional and authentic self. If I could go back, I would remind past myself not to be so hard on my imperfections and to enjoy the journey more.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth about CEIBS is that its “China Depth, Global Breadth” mission is merely aspirational. In reality, it’s lived daily: Our community bridges global expertise with China-specific mastery. Chinese students deeply understand global markets, while international peers decode China’s complexities. Together, we cross-pollinate ideas, fuel collaborations, and drive sustainable globalization—empowering foreign firms to thrive in China and Chinese businesses to succeed globally.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I loved most about Shanghai, is its vibrant international atmosphere and inclusiveness. It’s incredibly convenient and offers a multitude of experiences. We often take our foreign friends to enjoy brunch on Wukang Road, basking in the sunshine, relax at Big Bath in Chinese style with free fruit all day. We explore diverse cuisines from around the world in hidden corners of the city and visit art exhibitions. We also enjoy clubbing and karaoke nights. I absolutely love wandering around Shanghai with my classmates, soaking in all the city has to offer.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies)

best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The TV series Like a Flowing River (大江大河) is set against the backdrop of China’s reform and opening-up period. It portrays the development journeys of three main characters in different sectors: a state-owned factory, a rural collective enterprise, and an individual business. The show not only illustrates the process of China’s economic system reforms, but also explores the relationship between personal destiny and national development. From this series, we learn about the importance of adapting to changes and the spirit of daring to innovate.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? At CEIBS, there are several AI-related courses such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Marketing Practice and Technology in the Digital Age, and Innovation Management. These courses explore the implications of AI for the business world, covering how machine learning algorithms impact marketing strategies, supply chain management, and innovations. Additionally, CEIBS hosts numerous AI-focused seminars, workshops, and forums.

Insight: AI is a powerful tool that will likely drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The key for both individuals and organizations is to effectively utilize and integrate this technology while maintaining ethical awareness and social responsibility. But what can we do right now to participate in this significant transformation? I believe the most important step is to stay physically fit, so we can collectively and joyfully witness the arrival of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I most admire is VANICHSAVASDVICHAI Chayapol, who comes from Thailand. He is incredibly hardworking, balancing his MBA studies while actively learning Chinese and exploring Chinese culture and markets. Chayapol exemplifies servant leadership and pays meticulous attention to detail. He excels at tasks that others might take for granted, ensuring they are done exceptionally well. During the organization of the Thailand Trek, he meticulously managed all aspects of the itinerary to ensure every participant had a meaningful experience. Even when he was sick, he continued to work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. His dedication taught me many valuable qualities. Moreover, Chayapol is an empathetic leader who always pays attention to people’s emotions and provides support, creating a relaxed and enjoyable vibe.

Interestingly, I serve as a Student Ambassador, while he is the President of the Student Ambassadors. Additionally, he is a member of TEDxCEIBS, whereas I am the president of TEDxCEIBS, allowing us to frequently share insights and experiences, his dedication and approach inspire me greatly. From him, I see a future leader: A passionate, inclusive and collaborative doer dedicated to contributing significantly to the community.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. To engage in impact investing or become a social entrepreneur, using business to create sustainable and substantial value for society.

2. To write a book.

What made Miya such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“As Miya’s professor for marketing courses and the faculty advisor for TEDxCEIBS and the Integrated China Strategy Project (ICSP), I have had the privilege of witnessing Miya’s remarkable growth into an inspiring leader. Her passionate drive, unwavering resilience, and exceptional leadership qualities have left a lasting impression on me.

As President of TEDxCEIBS, Miya led a 10-member core team and 50 volunteers to deliver an outstanding TEDx event that attracted millions of viewers, making it one of the most successful TEDx events in our school’s history. My husband, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, had the honor of being one of the speakers at the event. He often speaks of how inspired he was by the passion and creativity of Miya’s team. Her entrepreneurial leadership was evident in every aspect of the event—from curating compelling themes and securing distinguished speakers to meticulously refining speech content, orchestrating cross-functional collaboration, and securing critical sponsorship partnerships through strategic resource utilization and poised communication. The resounding success of TEDxCEIBS earned high praise from the audience, the school, the speakers, and her peers, culminating in Miya being awarded the Student Leader of the Year.

Academically, Miya has also demonstrated exceptional capabilities. As her faculty advisor for the Integrated China Strategy Project (ICSP), a key real-world research component of our MBA program, I witnessed Miya apply her strategic thinking to tackle complex business challenges. She delivered groundbreaking analysis on China’s Gen-Z consumers for a leading luxury automaker, combining sharp market insights with actionable strategies that garnered high praise from the company.

What truly sets Miya apart, however, is her unwavering optimism and commitment to creating social impact. Her passion, dedication, and resilience make her a socially responsible and impactful leader. Selected as a speaker for the upcoming MBA graduation ceremony, Miya embodies the ideals that Poets&Quants seeks to celebrate. I am confident that she will continue to leverage her potential and capabilities to create meaningful and lasting impact in the future.”

Prof. Lingling ZHANG
Assistant Professor of Marketing
Associate Dean, Director of MBA Programme
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)

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