KEDGE GALA 2025: "Forever Young, Be the Change" – A Night of Celebration and Legacy

18/04/2025
On March 22, the highly anticipated KEDGE Gala 2025, themed "Forever Young, Be the Change", took place in Shanghai. The grand event brought together distinguished guests, including Alexandre de NAVAILLE, Managing Director of KEDGE Business School, Prof. Anne GOMBAULT, Director of the Creative Industries Research Center, Prof. Hervé REMAUD, Director of the International MBA Programs, and Alain-James PALISSE, Director of the French Office at SJTU-KEDGE Institute. KEDGE alumni from across the globe, current students, and industry leaders gathered for an unforgettable evening of networking, celebration, and inspiration.

A Message from MD: Embracing Change and Innovation


Director General Alexandre de NAVAILLE opened the evening with a powerful speech, emphasizing KEDGE’s commitment to fostering global business leaders with vision and social responsibility. He highlighted the school's role as a bridge between China and France and urged alumni to embrace innovation in an ever-changing world. In a toast to the past, present, and future, he celebrated the lifelong connections within the KEDGE community.


Passing the Torch: New Leadership for KEDGE Alumni Association Committee in China (KAACC)


A key moment of the evening was the handover ceremony of the KEDGE Alumni Association Committee in China (KAACC) presidency. Outgoing President Dr. Edwin HONG was honored for his dedication to expanding alumni networks and strengthening community bonds. He officially passed the flag to Mr. Chris CHEN, who was awarded the KAACC 2025-2026 presidency. Chris pledged to further enhance alumni engagement, provide industry resources, and create meaningful opportunities for collaboration.

KEDGE Parent-Child Charity Team Launched

One of the highlights of the evening was the launch of the "Begonia Blossoms – KEDGE Parent-Child Charity Team", a new initiative focusing on education and youth development. Led by Ms.  Cao Minlei, alumnus of SKTU-KEDGE GMBA and president of KEDGE Kids Club, the initiative was marked by a children’s art charity auction, where young artists, children of KEDGE alumni, contributed their artworks under the theme "Forever Young". The funds raised will support underprivileged children’s education, reinforcing KEDGE’s belief that education can change the world.

Honoring Excellence and Showcasing Talent


The evening also celebrated the achievements of KEDGE alumni. Seven outstanding alumni clubs and alumni associations were recognized with the Outstanding Alumni Organization of the Year 2024, while seven alumni received the 2024 KEDGE Alumni Referral Award for their contributions in mentoring and recruiting prospective students.

The night was further illuminated by a series of captivating performances, including a Shanghai-inspired fashion show, a musical tribute to KEDGE’s legacy, and an exhilarating K-pop performance by students from the Sino-French Institute in Management of Arts & Design (IMAD).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


A Toast to the Future


From the afternoon alumni networking sessions to the glittering gala dinner, KEDGE GALA 2025 was a testament to the enduring spirit of the KEDGE community. As the event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of "Forever Young", guests raised their glasses, celebrating the legacy, connections, and aspirations that define KEDGE.

Looking ahead, KEDGE will continue to foster innovation, build global networks, and empower future business leaders. From China to France, from Asia to Europe, the KEDGE alumni network will remain a driving force, embracing change and shaping the future of global business.

 

 

Tribute to our sponsors of KEDGE Gala 2025
Gold Sponsors: Shanghai Jinqiao Construction Supervision Co., Ltd., Mr. LIAN Xiaoxiang
Silver Sponsors: COSMO CONSTRUCTION LIMITED, Vitaimed, Zhejiang Youyi Fino Umbrella Industry Co., Ltd., Mr. HOU Shengtao, Mr. ZHANG Huishan
Giftbag Sponsors: Yongpu Coffee, Starlion Nutrition, CITTA, The Beauty of WEI Blue
Lottery Gift Sponsors: naked Retreats, Legacy Blade Fencing Club, E-home Entertainment, Insight Golf, YDUNVIE, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, naked Home, Azaya, Metman, Li Qian Xun, SONZHOUiE Maison, BURTON