Recently, the HKU-TLV Innovation Hub successfully led two international field trips – one bringing MBA students to London and the other taking undergraduates to Barcelona!
Both journeys provided students with much more than classroom learning. They connected with innovative entrepreneurs during local company visits, participated in hands-on workshops, and attended lectures with top professors and industry experts. Each group explored the distinctive business environments of their host cities.
Beyond the academic sessions, students immersed themselves in the local culture.
In Barcelona, they admired Gaudí’s world-renowned architecture and uncovered culinary secrets through an interactive cooking class.
In London, guided tours brought them to city icons like Westminster, the London Eye, and Chelsea Football Club, giving students the chance to experience the city’s unique character up close.
A highlight for the MBA group in London was a dynamic Design Thinking Workshop, followed by an engaging Sprint Day. Students partnered with a British startup ‘Skarper’ to tackle real business challenges and develop creative solutions with a lasting impact.
These journeys empowered our students to thrive in a global business environment – building skills, connections, and inspiration that will open new doors for the HKU students as they progress in their careers.
The 214th Congregation Ceremony of the HKU Business School took place at the Grand Hall, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong on July 7 and 8, 2025. This momentous event spanned five sessions, creating a truly special occasion for all involved.
One of the highlights was an inspiring speech delivered by Dean Professor Hongbin Cai. As the graduands entered the next chapter of your life, Professor Cai reminded them: “Embrace the change, keep learning, and transform every challenge into an opportunity.”
The Votes of Thanks were delivered by graduand representatives Wangjin Zhang, Mikkel From, Yee Man Tam, Pak Hei Lau and Vaidya Samhith. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, families, and friends for their unwavering support throughout the academic journey. Their words resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of the challenges faced, the triumphs achieved, and the optimistic, forward-looking mindset of the graduates as they embrace the opportunities ahead.
The Congregation Ceremony was attended by over 3,200 people, including 1,200 graduands embarking on the next chapter of their lives and 2,000 families and friends who came to support and celebrate this remarkable milestone.
Congratulations to Professors Roni Michaely, Silvina Rubio, and Irene Yi on receiving the Charles River Associates Award for their paper “Voting Rationales.”
The paper examines the disclosed rationales behind institutional investors’ voting decisions and whether these disclosures affect board behavior. This award-winning study brings fresh clarity to one of corporate governance’s most important questions.
(6 June 2025, Hong Kong) The Smart Healthcare for a Sustainable Future Forum, hosted by the Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation (IDEI), was successfully held at HKU iCube, Two Exchange Square. The forum convened leading experts and industry leaders to examine the intersection of digital healthcare and sustainability, highlighting both the emerging opportunities and the pressing challenges shaping this rapidly evolving field.
In his welcome address, Professor Yulin Fang, Director of the Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation and Professor of Innovation and Information Management at HKU Business School, highlighted the forum as a collaborative platform for driving sustainable solutions through digital healthcare innovation. The address also introduced a distinguished lineup of speakers, including representatives from HKU’s Business School, Medical School, and Institute of Data Science, as well as experts from Cambridge, Warwick, and Ivey Business Schools, and esteemed scholars from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, City University of Hong Kong, Lingnan University, and South China University of Technology.
Professor Michael Barrett, Vice Dean at Cambridge Judge Business School and Academic Director of Cambridge Digital Innovation, explored how digital technologies such as telemedicine become perceived as “risk objects” through evolving relationships. He emphasized that emerging technologies gain legitimacy by reframing risk, highlighting risk as a critical relational construct in the adoption and transformation of digital innovations.
Professor Haipeng Shen, Patrick S.C. Poon Professor in Analytics and Innovation and Associate Dean at HKU Business School, discussed how the integration of AI and advanced analytics is revolutionizing clinical operations. Showcasing clinical impacts from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, he illustrated how human–AI collaboration enhances risk prediction, resource allocation, and patient flow. “Human + AI: The future is here.”
Professor Tsz Kei Joseph Wu, Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health at HKU’s Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, presented a range of AI-powered solutions developed under the D24H@InnoHK initiative, such as large language model driven chatbots for pharmacy and vaccine support, AI tools for cancer staging, and a smartphone-based stethoscope for detecting valvular heart disease.
Professor Eivor Oborn, Professor of Healthcare Management at Warwick Business School and Fellow at Cambridge Digital Innovation, emphasized the importance of “taking a human-centric approach” in the digital transformation of healthcare. Digital technology alone does not necessarily transform hospital medicine; instead, there is a need to shift care models and embrace hybrid approaches that incorporate both physical and virtual care.
Subsequently, Professor Kai H. Lim, Yeung Kin Man Chair Professor of Information Technology Innovation and Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, shared two studies on AI-enabled chronic illness management. AI-powered devices and mobile apps facilitate self-monitoring, improve patient adherence, and support emotional well-being. The studies highlight the complementary roles of AI and family-based support across different stages of illness, and how digital tools can both empower and potentially surveil patients.
Professor Minje Park, Assistant Professor at HKU Business School, introduced a machine learning–guided outreach program designed to improve colorectal cancer screening. In collaboration with Geisinger Health System, the study used ML algorithms to identify high-risk patients based on routine blood test data. The program significantly increased colonoscopy uptake and reduced two-year mortality by 6.2 percentage points.
Professor Qingpeng Zhang, Associate Professor at HKU’s Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science, presented a suite of interpretable deep learning frameworks—GraphSynergy, iDPath, and BioXNet—that leverage multilayered biological data to support drug discovery, treatment repurposing, and personalized medicine.
Professor Yuanyuan Dang, Associate Professor at the South China University of Technology, highlighted the importance of generative AI in enabling collaborative decision-making among doctors, AI systems, and patients. Adaptive “triadic decision-making” models are being designed to support this collaboration, while emotional engagement in AI–patient interactions is enhanced through large-scale field experiments and prompt engineering.
Dr. Ngai Tseung Cheung, Head of Information Technology and Health Informatics at the Hospital Authority, delivered a compelling keynote reflecting on Hong Kong’s 30-year journey in building one of the world’s most advanced digital health systems. Milestones include the development of the Clinical Management System (CMS), the HA Go mobile platform, and the implementation of Smart Hospital 2.0. Standardized electronic patient records, AI-powered workflows, and real-time data integration form the backbone of this system, enhancing care quality, operational efficiency, and patient engagement.
The forum concluded with a presentation by Professor Ning Su, Associate Professor at Ivey Business School, Western University, which explored how companies can ascend the global value chain through a process of learning by supplying. Using the case of a healthcare technology provider, the presentation showed that by systematically developing capabilities through imitation, integration and innovation, firms can meet evolving demands and leverage organizational processes to build the competencies essential for sustained success in global markets.
Attendees’ Sharings
Attending this conference has been a valuable experience for me. I gained profound insights into cutting-edge research in the healthcare field, as well as practical explorations from hospital applications. The sessions not only broadened my perspective but also provided me with actionable knowledge that I can apply in my own work. The opportunity to learn from leading experts and engage with peers was really precious. This conference has been an inspiring experience, and I look forward to implementing what I’ve learned in the future. — Guo Yushan, PhD student, City University of Hong Kong
This forum opened my eyes to how AI and other digital technologies are transforming healthcare in sustainable ways. I was particularly inspired by the idea of human-AI collaboration in healthcare research and the application of AI in clinical diagnostics. The event provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with industry experts, researchers, and professionals, gaining unique insights from their expertise. It was truly an enriching experience. — Liu Lu, PhD student, Renmin University of China
It is a great pleasure to engage the healthcare Workshop, interacting and eliciting feedback from reputational scholars and peer scholars. — Wang Tianteng, PhD student, City University of Hong Kong
A very fruitful conference where I learned a lot from both healthcare practitioners and academic researchers! It was incredibly insightful, helping me expand my own horizons for doing future e-health research as a PhD student. — Wu Jia, PhD student, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Many thanks for organizing such an insightful workshop. The speeches were highly inspiring and offered fresh perspectives that encouraged meaningful reflection. I gained valuable insights that will benefit both my research and personal development. — Wang Guangxu, PhD student, City University of Hong Kong
The forum featured speakers from diverse backgrounds, exposing me to a variety of insightful ideas. It was a fantastic event—hope to see more like this in the future! — Jiang Shudan, PhD student, City University of Hong Kong
Student Helpers’ Sharings
In addition to the forum’s distinguished speakers and attendees, a dedicated group of HKU UG and TPG student helpers took part in the event, contributing to the smooth organization of the forum:
“The entire venue was exceptionally well-organized, and the professors’ cutting-edge insights on healthcare and business provided me with profound inspiration. I look forward to frequent academic exchanges like this in the future!” — Yang Xinyu, TPG student
“It was a great honor to participate in the forum as a student helper and have the opportunity to closely engage with the inspiring talks delivered by distinguished scholars. This experience broadened my understanding of cutting-edge research in the healthcare field and deeply inspired me, giving me a clearer vision of the future of healthcare. Many thanks to IDEI for organizing such a meaningful event, and I look forward to joining more in-depth and impactful events in the future!” — Zhang Hanmei, TPG student
“The insightful discussions and diverse perspectives shared by both the professors and participants made it truly inspiring. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn and engage with such a brilliant academic community!” — Kwok Tsz Hei, UG student
Photo Caption
Yulin Fang, Professor of Innovation and Information Management, Director IDEI, HKU Business School
Michael BARRETT, Professor of Information Systems and Innovation Studies
Academic Director Cambridge Digital Innovation, Vice Dean for Strategy and University Engagement, Cambridge Judge Business School & Fellow of Hughes Hall
University of Cambridge
Haipeng SHEN, Professor in Innovation and Information Management, Associate Dean (EMBA and IMBA), Patrick S C Poon Professor in Analytics and Innovation, Chair of Business Analytics and Innovation, HKU Business School
Tsz Kei Joseph WU, Sir Robert Kotewall Professor in Public Health, HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
Sundara Natarajan Panchanatham, Assistant Professor, Innovation and Information Management, HKU Business School
Eivor OBORN, Professor of Healthcare Management, Warwick Business School, Fellow, Cambridge Digital Innovation (CDI) Centre, University of Warwick
Kai LIM, Chair Professor of Information Technology Innovation and Management
Yeung Kin Man Professor in Information Technology Innovation and Management, Faculty of Business, Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Minje PARK, Assistant Professor of Innovation and Information Management, HKU Business School
Xin Li, Professor in the Department of Information Systems City University of Hong Kong
Qingpeng ZHANG, Associate Professor, The Musketeers Foundation Institute of Data Science and the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
Aihua Yan, Associate Professor of Teaching, Office of the Faculty of Business, Lingnan University
Yuanyuan DANG, Associate Professor of School of Business Administration, South China University of Technology
Ngai Tseung CHEUNG, Head of Information Technology and Health Informatics, Hospital Authority
Ning SU, Associate Professor of General Management, Strategy, and Information Systems Ivey Business School, Western University
We are happy to have successfully concluded the HKUBS x ACCA Greater Bay Area Study Tour 2024-25, a unique programme designed to provide students with deep insights into the dynamic economic landscape of China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA). In collaboration with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), this programme offered participants invaluable opportunities with a unique blend of professional exposure and networking opportunities in a series of activities in April and May 2025.
The study tour brought together 28 outstanding students from HKU Business School for a two-day immersive experience in the GBA on April 18 – 19, 2025. During the tour, participants engaged in a variety of enriching activities, including a visit to the Guangzhou Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a business workshop at Starbucks led by an ACCA member, and a session at the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone. Students also had the opportunity to interact with ACCA members from leading companies such as Walmart and Tencent, gaining valuable perspectives on the GBA’s economic landscape and its implications for career development in accounting and beyond. These interactions not only broadened participants understanding of business opportunities in GBA, but also fostered meaningful connections that will serve as a stepping stone for their future careers as accounting professionals.
Following the tour, a Mini Case Competition was held on April 25, 2025 where students showcased their strategic thinking and teamwork. Teams presented innovative proposals for assigned companies—Starbucks, Walmart, and Tencent—reflecting the insights and knowledge gained during the study tour. The competition was judged by an esteemed panel, including Prof. Winnie Leung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate) of HKUBS, alongside ACCA representatives: Mr. Stanley Ho, Chairman of ACCA Hong Kong; Mr. Brian Li, Committee Member of ACCA Hong Kong; and Ms. Helen Liu, Head of Member Engagement & Education Relationships Lead. The judges provided constructive feedback, highlighting the competition as an opportunity for students to grow and prepare for future career endeavours.
The winning teams from the Mini Case Competition gained valuable industry exposure through exclusive company visits and networking sessions with industry leaders hosted by ACCA Hong Kong Committee Members. On May 21, 2025, they visited KPMG’s new office in Wong Chuk Hang, exploring the workspace and learning about KPMG’s agile work environment and remote work practices. Another visit to an international bank was hosted on May 29, 2025 where students were engaged in discussion with banking professionals from the Corporate and Institutional Banking, Chief Commercial Office team, and a networking lunch with the GBA Head of Business Development. These visits offered practical insights into the professional world, GBA’s business landscape and career opportunities in accounting and finance.
Reflecting on the programme, the HKUBS x ACCA Greater Bay Area Study Tour 2024-25 has been a resounding success, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to thrive in their future careers. The programme underscored the importance of experiential learning and cross-regional collaboration, aligning with HKUBS’s commitment to fostering innovative and globally-minded leaders.
The Faculty extends its heartfelt gratitude to ACCA Hong Kong for their unwavering support throughout this programme. Special thanks go to Mr. Stanley Ho, Mr. Brian Li, and Ms. Helen Liu for their invaluable contributions, as well as to all the ACCA members who engaged with our students, providing mentorship and inspiration.
As we celebrate the conclusion of this enriching journey, the Faculty looks forward to continuing its partnership with ACCA to create more opportunities for students to explore the GBA and beyond, inspiring the next generation of leaders in business and accounting.
As a promising step toward making a difference for our students, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Societe Generale. The collaboration will provide opportunities for students, foster unique research initiatives, facilitate professional development, and offer hands-on industry experience in Finance, Banking, and Business.
On behalf of both organisations, Associate Dean of HKU Business School, Prof. Echo Wan, was joined by Mukta Arya, Chief Human Resources Officer for Asia Pacific at Societe Generale, at iCube today, along with colleagues from HKU and SG.
Societe Generale is a top-tier European bank that has been supporting economic development for over 160 years. With its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Hong Kong, the Bank’s expertise encompasses Global Markets, Financing and Advisory, and Trade and Payment activities.
Together, we aim to shape the next generation of leaders who are committed to moving the world forward.
To learn more about Societe Generale in Asia Pacific, visit: https://www.societegenerale.asia/en/
Mukta Arya, Chief Human Resources Officer for Asia Pacific at Societe Generale
On Tuesday, 17th June, HKU Business School had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation from the Stanford Center on China’s Economy and Institutions. The delegation included over 30 undergraduate students and staff from various departments such as the School of Engineering, School of Humanities and Sciences, Doerr School of Sustainability, as well as the Stanford Centre on China’s Economy and Institutions, all with a keen interest in the latest developments in the Chinese economy and its global impact. Our School was delighted to host this delegation and witness the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences that will undoubtedly enrich the academic communities of both Stanford University and the University of Hong Kong.
Group photo of participants from Stanford University and HKU Business School
The session commenced with warm greetings by Prof. Winnie Leung, the Assistant Dean (Undergraduate), who described the visit as a symbol of the strong bond of collaboration and mutual respect between our esteemed institutions. This was followed by a brief lecture conducted by Prof. Zhiwu Chen, the director of both the Hong Kong Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (HKIHSS) and the Centre for Quantitative History (CQH) at the University of Hong Kong. Prof. Chen provided a comprehensive historical overview of Hong Kong, tracing its evolution from prehistoric times to British rule and the “One Country, Two Systems” model. He also explored the impact of warfare and maritime trade on the development of North and South China, shedding light on the cultural dynamics and challenges faced by Hong Kong. The participants engaged in a lively discussion with interactive dialogue and questions based on Prof. Chen’s presentation.
Welcome remark by Prof. Winnie Leung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate)
Guest Lecture by Prof. Zhiwu Chen, Chair and Cheng Yu-Tung Professor in Finance
Student Discussion after the guest lecture
Furthermore, the delegation participated in a tailored networking session with current undergraduate students across six disciplinary majors and toured the Pokfulam campus, gaining firsthand insights into student life and teaching facilities at HKU. This visit exemplifies HKU’s dedication to international cooperation and the pursuit of academic excellence. It will not only strengthen the ties between the two institutions but also pave the way for future collaborations, growth, and learning opportunities.
On June 6 2025, the final round of the HSBC/HKU Asia Pacific Business Case Competition 2025 was held, reaffirming its position as the world’s largest and best business case competition globally. Organised by HKU Business School’s Asia Case Research Centre (ACRC), together with HSBC, the competition concluded at HSBC’s main building in Hong Kong. Throughout the competition week, 24 teams from 20 nations did their best to come out ahead.
The team from RMIT University (Vietnam) won the championship title, exhibiting exceptional analytical and presentation skills. University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands) secured 1st Runner Up, and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University’s (Japan) team won 2nd Runner Up. The 3rd Runner Up went to The University of Auckland (New Zealand). Teams competed in four rounds, tackling opportunities and challenges facing leading enterprises from across the region.
This year’s final case challenge required students to design a procurement framework aimed at enhancing diversity within HSBC’s supply chain in Asia, specifically promoting the inclusion of underrepresented groups in procurement processes. The competition also introduced an innovative “Boardroom Challenge,” where teams had to propose initiatives to attract visitors from their respective home markets to Hong Kong, demonstrating their ability to integrate cultural insights into market-driven strategies.
Beyond competitive engagement, students participated in experiential learning through interaction with local NGOs, deepening their understanding of socioeconomic barriers to inclusion. These activities enriched their perspectives on corporate social responsibility and ethical leadership.
Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of HKU Business School, emphasised the competition’s enduring impact, saying: “This event continues to nurture the next generation of business leaders, equipping them with the intellectual agility and problem-solving capabilities necessary for addressing global challenges.”
Through its longstanding partnership with HSBC, HKU Business School remains committed to fostering innovative thinking, practical business education, and international collaboration.
We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of Hong Kong Joint University Case Competition (JUCC) 2025. This annual flagship event, organised by the HKU International Case Society (HICS), a student-run organisation supported by HKU Business School, invited 16 top undergraduate teams from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. It served as a platform for students to showcase their case cracking, analytical, and presentation skills.
This year’s competition featured the business case of GreenPrice, a Hong Kong-based socially driven retail chain dedicated to mitigating food waste. The case challenged teams to formulate innovative strategies to expand GreenPrice’s retail network and strengthen its competitive edge in the market.
The Division Round and Grand Final Round took place on April 13, 2025. The 16 student teams were divided into four divisions and presented their ideas to a panel of judges. The top-scoring team from each division advanced to the Grand Final in the afternoon, competing for the Championship. The judging panel for the Grand Final included:
Euphoni Wong, Head of Digital & Business Development, Group Health & Beauty, DFI
Jason Yuen, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SOCIF Limited
Vincent Tam, Chief Advisor, Relearn Education Limited
Winning teams and Best Presenter were awarded gift cards sponsored by GreenPrice. Additionally, all grand finalists were invited for a company visit and networking session with Mr. Terence Hon, Co-Founder of GreenPrice, on May 4, 2025, where they gained valuable insights into Hong Kong’s retail landscape and feedback on their strategies. We extend our heartfelt thanks to GreenPrice for their generous support and invaluable contribution to JUCC2025.
The winners of JUCC2025 are:
Champion: CX Consultants (HKUST)
1st Runner-up: Nexora (HKUST)
2nd Runner-up: C&C Consulting (HKUST)
Merit Team: Illumina Consulting (CUHK)
Best Presenter: Rex Li from CX Consultants (HKUST)
Congratulations to all participants and winning teams for your dedication, hard work and impressive performances in JUCC2025!
The Grand Final Judging Panel, Ms. Euphoni Wong from DFI (middle), Mr. Jason Yuen from SOCIF Limited (left) and Mr. Vincent Tam from Relearn Education Limited (right), with Mr. Mateo Sy and Mr. Matt Jung from HKU International Case Society (1st from the left and right)
Case Presentation by the Champion Team
Grand Final Judging Panel and HKU International Case Society President with the Champion Team – CX Consultants
Grand Final Judging Panel and HKU International Case Society President with Mr. Rex Li (2nd from the left), The Best Presenter of JUCC2025
Everyone gave a “thumbs-up” after the competition
Thank you for the support from Case Analysis Team from HKUST Business School, Case Competition Team from CUHK Business School and Business Proposal and Competition Club from CityU College of Business
Mr. Terence Hon, Co-founder of GreenPrice (4th from right) with Champion Team – CX Consultants and representatives from HKU International Case Society in GreenPrice Distribution Centre on May 4, 2025.
Mr. Terence Hon, Co-founder of GreenPrice, shared his feedback and personal experiences of his entrepreneurial journey with the Champion Team – CX Consultants, during the networking session.
Great news! This year’s Faculty Outstanding Researcher Award goes to Prof. Michael He Jia, our esteemed scholar in Marketing!
Prof. Jia’s research examines visual processing and aesthetics on digital platforms, numerical processing and promotion decisions, and in the inspiring field of marketing for the greater good.
His research accomplishments over the past five years were recognised by his publishing four articles in “A”-ranked journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research, the Journal of Marketing Research, and the Journal of Marketing, as well as receiving four General Research Funds.
Join us in congratulating Prof. Jia for earning the Faculty Outstanding Researcher Award – what a remarkable achievement!
