The HKU Business School North China Alumni Network successfully concluded its 2025 Mid-Year Forum and Dinner in Beijing on June 19, gathering nearly 200 alumni, industry leaders, and guests. The event fostered meaningful dialogue on navigating today’s complex global economic landscape and creating opportunities in times of transformation.

Attendees gained insights from two distinguished speakers: Professor Jisi Wang, Peking University’s President of the Institute of International and Strategic Studies, and Professor Zhiwu Chen, our very own Chair Professor of Finance at HKU Business School.

The evening also celebrated the North China Alumni Network’s newly appointed board members and supporters, recognizing their contributions to strengthening alumni connections. The occasion highlighted the power of the HKU community in fostering professional collaboration and lifelong learning.

We extend our gratitude to all participants and look forward to further deepening alumni engagement across Mainland China, building on this event’s success to empower future leaders in business and beyond.

Please click HERE to read the full version. (Chinese only)

This past Saturday, we galloped into an exhilarating day at the Sha Tin Racecourse for the 2025 Reunion at the Races. This star-studded event featured 11 HKU-named races that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, blending the thrill of horse racing with the warmth of alumni camaraderie.

We were delighted to welcome representatives from North China and South China Alumni Networks, alongside new faculty members, to this cherished tradition. Hosted by Prof. Heiwai Tang, Associate Dean of HKU Business School and Director of the Asia Global Institute, the racecourse buzzed with laughter and lively conversations as guests reconnected over Hong Kong’s iconic racing culture. From heart-pounding finishes to shared stories, the day celebrated the enduring spirit of the HKU community.

Our Singapore Alumni Network celebrated Labour Day with an enriching luncheon featuring Prof. Heiwai Tang, Associate Dean of the HKU Business School and Director of the Asia Global Institute. The event brought together a vibrant group of Lion City-based alumni for an afternoon of camaraderie, intellectual exchange, and lively discussion.

What began as a cozy lunch swiftly evolved into an engaging three-hour dialogue, as alumni were treated to an impromptu lecture by Prof. Tang. He shared insights into the School’s ambitious international growth strategies and offered his expert perspectives on global economic trends. The dynamic conversation underscored the power of HKU’s alumni community to foster meaningful connections and lifelong learning.

Special thanks to Ms. Chris Leo, President of the Singapore Alumni Network, whose dedication ensured the event’s seamless organization.

Marking the HKU Alumni Day on March 16, we had the pleasure of welcoming back a crowd of about 1,000 business school alumni, along with their friends and family members, to the campus for a delightful afternoon. During the lunch, nearly 50 alumni spanning graduating classes joined us for the reunion luncheon, filled with reconnections, shared memories, and vibrant conversations.

The alumni day provided a wonderful opportunity for our alumni to reminisce about their campus experiences, reconnecting and reigniting their shared experiences. It was also a testament to the enduring bonds and remarkable network our alumni community has built over the years.

We extend our gratitude to all alumni who joined us. Your presence reaffirms the strength and spirit of our alumni network. We look forward to hosting more events in the future and continuing to foster this vibrant community.

In an endeavor to nurture the ties between our School Alumni and empower our students with invaluable insights for their career progression, HKU Business School hosted the UG Students and Alumni Mixer event on March 6. This collaborative venture, organized by the School’s Undergraduate Student Enrichment team and the Development and Alumni Team, brought together esteemed alumni from diverse sectors and undergraduate students from a broad spectrum of majors. The event was a testament to the spirit of networking, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.

The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Ms. Alice Hui, Head of Development and Alumni at HKU Business School. Acknowledging the crucial support from our alumni for the event, she highlighted the objective of this gathering on creating a platform where alumni can share their professional journeys, insights, and wisdom with the students, thereby nurturing a sense of community and offering invaluable guidance for their future pursuits.

Following the introduction, Prof. Winnie Leung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate), led an engaging panel discussion featuring alumni from diverse industries, including Mr. Dennis Mok [Class of 2019, Master of Finance Programme], Ms. Peony Cheung [Class of 2020, Bachelor of Business Administration (Information Systems)], and Ms. Elaine Pun [Class of 2020, Bachelor of Business Administration (Marketing)]. They shared personal stories and key takeaways, covering various facets from identifying career interests and accessing resources for internships and job searches, to transitioning into their first graduate roles and offering practical advice to our undergraduate students.

The event also underscored the advances made by the School in alumni engagement in recent years. With over 40,000 alumni across the globe, our alumni family continues to grow, particularly among the younger alumni. Moving forward, the focus on alumni engagement will be proactive, aligned with the School’s goal to enhance connections with alumni globally, encompassing local, mainland, and overseas alumni communities, while fortifying the ties with undergraduate and postgraduate alumni across diverse disciplines.

HKU Alumni Day 2025 is back on 16 March (Sunday)! An exciting day where various faculties, Alumni Associations, and HKU Alumni Businesses will set up booths across the campus, creating a vibrant atmosphere of fun, celebration, and camaraderie!

Adding to the day’s excitement, HKU Business School will be hosting the HKU Business School Alumni Reunion Luncheon at the newly refurbished, exclusive Senior Common Room. We are delighted to invite all the business school alumni, especially classes ending in 5 and 0, the Class of 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, for this milestone anniversary celebration!

This reunion is a unique opportunity to journey back in time and relive cherished moments from your time at HKU, reconnect with old friends, establish new connections, and immerse yourself in the spirit of reunion.

Date: Sunday, 16 March 2025 (HKU Foundation Day)
Time: 1:15pm – 2:45pm
Venue: Senior Common Room, 14/F, KK Leung Building, HKU
Luncheon Fee: HKD 200 per person (Alumni may bring up to two guests)

*Spaces are limited and priority will be given to anniversary classes.

Let’s share this invitation with your fellow business school classmates. The more, the merrier!

For more information on the highlights and events of HKU Alumni Day, please visit here.

To kick-off the Year of the Snake in a happy and gastronomically abundant fashion, our Singapore Alumni Network met up for a delicious Lunar New Year Dinner on February 6th at the Man Fu Yuen (InterContinental Singapore), which was attended by 7 members.

On February 6, the HKU Business School was delighted to host the Alumni Networking Drinks event at the Senior Common Room of HKU. This gathering was in celebration of the Chinese New Year, ringing in the Year of the Snake, with presence of 70 alumni and dedicated faculty members.

Alice Hui, our Head of Development & Alumni at the HKU Business School, warmly welcomed everyone. In her address, Alice spotlighted the school’s achievements and expansive presence globally, expressing heartfelt gratitude towards our alumni community. Their active engagement and unwavering support are the pillars of the school’s development and pride. With the 25th anniversary of HKU Business School in 2026, she emphasized the importance of this solid foundation and anticipated leveraging the strength of our alumni community to achieve new heights.

The event also offered a wonderful opportunity for alumni to reconnect with former professors, including Professor Xu Li, Professor Chao Ding, and Professor Kai Wai Hui, while meeting new faces in the alumni network.

As we bid adieu to an unforgettable evening, we look forward to the exciting prospects of the year ahead and the continued growth and prosperity of our alumni community.

HKU Business School hosted the distinguished 2024 Nobel Laureate in Economics, Prof. James Robinson, for a captivating lecture. The theatre was buzzing with excitement as nearly 400 attendees gathered to engage with the intellectual giant in economics.

Prof. Hongbin Cai, Dean of HKU Business School, commenced the event by welcoming the attendees and setting a thoughtful tone for the afternoon. Prof. Robinson followed with a keynote address on ‘Why Nations Fail,’ providing insights into his pioneering research that explores the factors contributing to a country’s success or poverty. His work deepened our understanding of the relationship between economics and political institutions.

A key moment of the event was a conversation between Prof. Heiwai Tang, Associate Dean of HKU Business School, and Prof. Robinson. The interactive Q&A session allowed attendees to explore in-depth economic discussions and engage directly with the topics presented.

This event exemplifies HKU Business School’s dedication to promoting knowledge exchange and cultivating future leaders in the field. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage with thought-provoking ideas and discussions.

Keynote Speaker
Professor James Robinson
2024 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences
Famed Economist and Political Scientist
Co-author of Why Nations Fail

Abstract
HKU Business School is thrilled to present the Nobel Laureate Public Lecture on January 15, 2025. This year, we are honoured to host Professor James A. Robinson, the esteemed recipient of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics. Professor Robinson will be presenting on the topic Why Nations Fail, sharing his invaluable insights and breakthrough discoveries in person. His pioneering work has not only contributed to shaping global economic policies but also our understanding of economic processes and their relationship with political institutions.

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm (Registration starts at 3:45 pm)
Venue: Rayson Huang Theatre, HKU
Language: English

Due to an overwhelming response, we’ve reached our maximum capacity and registration is now closed. Thank you for your understanding.

Limited seats on first-come, first-served

About the Speaker

Professor Robinson is the Reverend Dr. Richard L. Pearson Professor of Global Conflict Studies at the University of Chicago, as well as the Institute Director of The Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts. He was previously on the faculty at Harvard University, where he was the Wilbur A. Cowett Professor of Government. Robinson also previously served as an advisor to the World Bank’s Report on Governance. He holds a Ph.D from Yale University, an MA from the University of Warwick, and a BSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Co-author of the international bestseller Why Nations Fail, 2024 Nobel Prize winner James Robinson reveals the political foundations upon which our economic growth lies. Why do some countries thrive economically, while others fall into poverty? What does China’s unprecedented growth mean for America’s rank as the world’s largest economy? And how do our man-made institutions influence economic success (or lack thereof)? This economist and political scientist’s eye-opening talks draw from decades of original research to explain why a radically inclusive economic model is beneficial for our freedom, prosperity, and innovation.

Registration & Check-in

• Free Admission. Prior registration is required.
• Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
• Check-in for registered attendees will start at 3:45 pm.