According to Alistair Russell, advisory practice director at CIO Connect, the program covers common challenges among IT leaders: 1) Setting IT directions and strategies; 2) Influencing stakeholders; 3) Managing delivery and demonstrating value; 4) Developing personal strength for career advancement.

These elements are being covered through a professional learning tool called reflective practice. The aim is to build a student's ability to handle ambiguity with assertiveness. "Students are not just learning the tools, but also understanding the fundamentals of why and how it works, in order to apply the theory in different scenarios," said Russell, who brought the program from the UK to Hong Kong.

Four-full day workshops are arranged throughout the 12-month program, providing ample time in between the workshops for students to apply and translate the abstract ideas into the real working environment.

He said that unlike an EMBA program, the program is not for CV-building. And unlike coaching, which is one-on-one training, the program also allows students to enjoy a collective learning experience.