The 2nd Annual Joey Wat Scholarship Ceremony: Sharing Journeys & Shaping Futures
Dear students, alumni, and friends,
You are warmly invited to join us for the The 2nd Annual Joey Wat Scholarship Ceremony: Sharing Journeys & Shaping Futures, along with our guest of honour, distinguished donor and HKU alumna, Ms. Joey Wat, CEO of Yum China. Yum China is the largest restaurant company in China by system sales and a Fortune 500 company, operating over 17,500 restaurants across more than 2,500 cities and generating over US$11 billion in revenue. The company manages iconic brands in China including KFC, Pizza Hut, Lavazza, Huang Ji Huang, Little Sheep, and Taco Bell.
Hosted by HKU Business School in collaboration with the HKU Business School Alumni Association, this special evening will take place on Friday, 30 January 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at HKU iCube, 4005–07, Two Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong. The ceremony will feature a presentation ceremony to recipients of The 2ndAnnual Joey Wat Scholarship as well as sharing by previous recipients. This is a great opportunity to network with students, faculty, alumni, and friends.
Joey is widely recognised as one of the most influential leaders in the China business landscape, having led Yum China through a period of significant digital transformation and expansion while advancing the company’s commitments in areas such as sustainability and community impact. Under her leadership, Yum China has continued to grow its restaurant network and revenue, reinforcing its position as a market leader in China’s fast‑food and casual dining sector. Joey’s leadership was fiercely tested when she led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and China’s dynamic environment.
Joey was recognized as one of the ten Hong Kong Outstanding Students in 1989, having been selected from more than 1,000 participants. She then went onto HKU to pursue a degree focused on Third World Political and Economic Development in 1991, graduating in the top 2% of her class of 500 students with First Class Honours. Joey was also elected as the vice-president of the student government, which represented over 1,500 members.
This is a unique opportunity to engage with a China business leader who has made significant strides in the business world and celebrate the achievements of The 2ndAnnual Joey Wat Scholarship recipients as well as a chance to connect with like-minded students, alumni and friends. You are encouraged to attend and show your support for our students as they share their personal journeys, reflections, and words of appreciation.
Light refreshments and time for networking will be available after the formal programme.
| Date: | Friday, 30 January 2026 |
| Time: | 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Venue: | HKU iCube, 4005-07, Two Exchange Square, Central, Hong Kong |
| Language: | English |
| Topic: | The 2nd Annual Joey Wat Scholarship Ceremony: Sharing Journeys & Shaping Futures |
| Guest of Honour: | Ms. Joey Wat, CEO, Yum China |
| Dress code: | Business Casual |
| Time | Rundown |
| 5:00 PM | Registration & Networking |
| 5:30 PM | MC opening greetings (official start of event) |
| 5:35 PM | Welcome speech by HKU Business School |
| 5:45 PM | MC introduction of HKU distinguished donor, Ms. Joey Wat, CEO, Yum China |
| 5:47 PM | Presentation Ceremony – 2026 Scholarship Recipients |
| 5:57 PM | Appreciation letter sharing by 2026 Scholarship Recipients |
| 6:29 PM | Group photos with Ms. Joey Wat |
| 6:33 PM | Presentation of souvenir gift to Ms. Joey Wat |
| 6:34 PM | Reflection and sharing by 2025 Scholarship Recipients |
| 6:49 PM | Group video of all event participants |
| 6:51 PM | Closing remarks by HKU Business School (Ceremony ends) |
| 6:53 PM | Networking Mixer with Ms. Joey Wat |
| 7:30 PM | Event officially ends |
As seats are limited, we encourage you to register as early as possible to secure your place. Registration deadline is at 10:00 AM on 19 January 2026 on a first‑come, first‑served basis. If you have any questions or inquiries at all, please email Christopher Chau, Manager (Development & Alumni) at: cjchau@hku.hk
We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring evening of sharing, celebration, and connection.
Ms. Joey Wat
CEO, Yum China
Joey joined the company in 2014, and has served as the CEO of Yum China since 2018 and has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017. Under her leadership, Yum China—the largest restaurant company in China by system sales and a member of the Fortune 500—has grown to over 17,500 stores across more than 2,500 cities, with revenue of over $11 billion. The company operates iconic brands in China, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Lavazza, Huang Ji Huang, Little Sheep, and Taco Bell.
Before joining Yum China, she served as Managing Director of Watsons UK, where she successfully turned around the Savers and Superdrug drug store chains. She started her career in management consulting, including roles with A.T. Kearney and McKinsey & Company in Hong Kong. She graduated with first-class honours from HKU’s Faculty of Social Sciences in 1994 and also holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Joey has been consistently recognized by Fortune and Forbes on its prestigious “Most Powerful Women” lists, and has also frequently appeared on lists of notable global business leaders by CNBC, Business Insider and Bloomberg Businessweek China.
