This past Saturday, HKU Business School was warmly hosted by Simon Chan, the Director-General of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai (a proud HKU alumnus) for a lunch gathering in Dubai. We were delighted to be joined by eight outstanding HKU Business School alumni from across the Middle East region. Four members of the HKU Business School Middle East Alumni Network’s Executive Committee led the alumni community’s representation at this occasion, including President Hani Tohme, Vice-President Milind Taneja, Speaker Chair Peter Brady, and Publicity and Marketing Chair Maksim Nelepa. Simon’s lovely wife (a former HKU staff member) also attended the gathering.
Alongside them were four additional distinguished alumni holding senior leadership roles in consulting, food & beverage, real estate, and alternative investments. The afternoon was filled with engaging conversations, shared memories, and the warmth of the HKUBS community. A heartfelt thank you to our gracious HKETO Dubai hosts for bringing everyone together and creating such a memorable experience. Fond memories like these truly strengthen the bonds within our overseas alumni networks, as well as deepening our alumni’s lifelong connections with Hong Kong.
We are delighted to celebrate the successful conclusion of the inaugural AI in Accounting Case Competition, co-organised by the HKU Business School and the the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)Hong Kong, held on 11 April 2026. This new initiative stands as a testament to the HKU Business School’s commitment to nurturing young talent in the accounting profession, where artificial intelligence is empowering practitioners to drive smarter, more resilient business decisions in an increasingly complex and fast-moving landscape. We believe that embracing this AI-driven evolution is not merely an advantage; it is an essential and defining step for our students as they shape future-ready careers.
We were deeply honoured to partner with ACCA Hong Kong and to receive generous support from our industry partners, including EY and KPMG China, for this dynamic showcase of forward-thinking excellence.
A total of six teams from across our undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes participated in the grand final round of the case competition. Each team was invited to present their insights and innovative ideas to a distinguished judging panel of industry professionals:
Mr Wilson Cheng – Chairman of ACCA Hong Kong
Mr Michael Lo – Partner, Assurance, EY
Mr Gary Lam – Partner, Audit, KPMG China
Mr Andrew Wong – Audit Innovation Partner, KPMG China
(From left to right): Prof. Travis Chow, Mr. Gary Lam; Mr. Michael Lo; Mr. Wilson Cheng, Prof. Jeffrey Ng, Mr. Andrew Wong and Prof. Winnie Leung
Mr. Wilson Cheng, Chairman of ACCA Hong Kong, noted that the case competition provided a superb opportunity for university students to reflect upon the application of artificial intelligence within the accounting profession. He was thoroughly impressed by the relevance of the students’ ideas, which demonstrated a thoughtful balance between traditional practices and innovative solutions. During the presentations, he observed how the teams actively explored novel ways of working and successfully leveraged the latest technological tools. Mr Cheng expressed how much he enjoyed listening to their pitches and engaging in a stimulating exchange of views during the Q&A session. Ultimately, he shared his confidence that all the finalist teams would cultivate even greater aspirations for the accounting profession, fully embracing a modern, non-linear approach to their future career development.
Professor Jeffrey Ng, Area Head of Accounting and Law at the HKU Business School, highlighted the rapid advancement of AI within today’s business landscape. He discussed how tertiary institutions, including HKU, are actively responding by tailoring new curricula to nurture young talent equipped for the future workforce. Professor Ng encouraged attendees to embrace the changes brought about by AI. Using the accounting industry as a prime example, he advocated for shifting focus away from routine tasks towards higher-value activities, such as problem-solving and strategy development. He emphasised the importance of utilising professional accounting knowledge to deliver work of a higher calibre, seamlessly supported by AI tools.
Champion Team: Open Claudit
[From second Left to Right]
Lai Yin Ching | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4
XU Kaijing | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4
Ho Lucine Tsz Ying | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4
Chen Ying-Chi Emily | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4
Yang Zhenyu Kevin | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4
“We are very grateful for this opportunity. The competition was incredibly insightful, with judges bridging the theory we learn as Accounting & Finance students with real-world practice at global accounting firms. It taught us the importance of motivation and humanity in AI implementation, examining the industry’s long-term outlook, and building concrete, compliant solutions that create actual impact, not just follow trends.”
1st Runner-up: AI-FRS Team
[From second Left to Right]
Komal Bibi | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 5
Tao Yuqi | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4
He Ye | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4
Yan Chang | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4
Wang Xingquan Hazel | BEcon&Fin Year 4
Shum Wa Ching Corrine| BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 4 (not pictured)
“This competition has provided us with a valuable opportunity to explore how artificial intelligence can be applied in practical accounting contexts. Beyond technical knowledge, we gained a deeper understanding of teamwork, communication, and how to present ideas in a clear and structured way. It was especially rewarding to observe our initial idea gradually develop into a working prototype. We also benefited greatly from discussions with industry judges, whose professional feedback helped us critically evaluate and validate the feasibility of our solution.”
2nd Runner-up: CPA+I 2030
[From second Left to Right]
Mau King Sum Ken | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 5
Chung Hoi Ching Emily | BBA(Law)&LLB Year 5
Ho Hiu Tung Selina | BBA(Law)&LLB Year 5
Chan Man Kit Jeffrey | BBA(Law)&LLB Year 5
Au Tsun Ming Adrian | BBA(Law)&LLB Year 5
“Participating in the competition was a valuable experience for our team. A major takeaway was bridging our academic accounting knowledge with real-world AI applications, while gaining valuable insights into the latest AI technologies. This journey deepened our understanding of the evolving accounting landscape where the coexistence of AI and human accountants is an unavoidable future, and sharpened our collaborative problem-solving skills. We were truly thrilled to be named 2nd Runner-up among such talented peers.”
Best Presenter:
Komal Bibi | BBA(Acc&Fin) Year 5
“I’m truly grateful for this award. It reminded me that good presentations aren’t the ones loaded with jargon and corporate polish; they’re the ones people actually connect with. When you lead with a story, people stop just hearing you and start actually listening. Keep it simple, keep it interactive, and keep it human.”
We extend our warmest congratulations to all the participants and winning teams for their dedication, hard work, and impressive performances.
At the HKU Business School, we look forward to deepening and expanding our industry partnerships through new and innovative collaborations in the era of AI. By placing our students at the forefront of this transformation, we will empower the next generation to master—and stay ahead of—the AI-driven evolution of the global business landscape.
Prof. Xi Li is a prolific scholar with interdisciplinary research interests in marketing and operations. His remarkable impact is reflected in ten articles published in “A” journals, including Journal of Marketing Research, Marketing Science, Management Science, MIS Quarterly and Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, since joining the Faculty in July 2021.
Beyond his publications, Prof. Li has been serving on the editorial boards of leading academic journals, including as Senior Editor for Production and Operations Management, as well as a member of the Editorial Review Board in Marketing Science. Prof. Li was also recognized as an MSI 2021 Young Scholar by the Marketing Science Institute, and was renowned globally as one of the Top 50 Most Productive Marketing Scholars in 2024 by the American Marketing Association.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Prof. Li for his unwavering contributions to research excellence. At HKU Business School, we strive for world-class research and academic innovation.
Join us in celebrating Prof. Li’s outstanding achievements!
The morning began with an exchange between President Jim Gash, the Pepperdine University’s senior leadership, and Dean Hongbin Cai. This was followed by an inspiring programme featuring, Fireside Chat: International Law and Global Economics, and Panel discussion: Venture Capital, Universities, and Geopolitics: Navigating Innovation Between Hong Kong, the US and Asia.
We were honoured to welcome our fireside chat speakers:
President Jim Gash, Pepperdine University
Hualing Fu, Dean, HKU Faculty of Law
Heiwai Tang, Associate Vice-President (Global), HKU and Associate Dean (External Relations), HKU Business School
To our students and young leaders, thank you for joining us and engaging so actively. It was a rare opportunity to learn directly from some of the finest minds shaping thought leadership across continents.
A heartfelt thank you to President Jim Gash and the Pepperdine delegation for travelling across the Pacific, and a special thanks to Pepperdine alumnus, Mr. Mahesh Harilela for helping make this meaningful partnership possible. We also thank all the speakers who made this wonderful event possible.
The HKU Business School Mentorship Programme2025–26 Networking Event, held on 9 April at HKU iCube, was a resounding success, bringing together more than 130 mentors and mentees, along with Faculty members including Professor Derek Chan, Associate Dean (Undergraduate), and Professor Winnie Leung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate). This vibrant annual gathering exemplified the spirit of two‑way growth and lifelong learning that defines our programmes, all with the ultimate goal of nurturing the next generation of responsible business leaders.
The evening began with a video recap, which journeyed back to the 2025-26 programme’s inauguration ceremony, where every mentor and mentee commenced their mentorship journey at Loke Yew Hall last November. This was followed by inspiring opening remarks from Professor Derek Chan, who extended heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the School to all mentors. In particular, Professor Chan uses the metaphor of popcorn to illustrate the meaningful relationship between mentors and mentees. He described mentors as “catalysts for transformation”, likening our undergraduate mentees to “popcorn kernels — full of potential, unique, and ready to ‘pop’.” He emphasised that mentors, through their professional insight, guidance, and encouragement, provide the “heat and butter” that enable mentees to burst into something “new — attractive, full of wonderful aroma, and irresistible.” This powerful metaphor perfectly captured the programme’s essence: unlocking the remarkable potential within each mentee and empowering them to become the “delicious popcorn people love.” The networking then officially commenced with a spirited toast led by Professor Chan and Professor Leung, joined by all mentors and mentees.
The evening continued with a dynamic mingling session, during which mentors and mentees engaged in conversations beyond their assigned groups — reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new peers within this supportive community. Looking ahead, our Faculty will continue to foster enduring, dynamic, and positive relationships between mentors and mentees.
Once again, we extend our sincerest appreciation to all HKU alumni and industry professionals whose steadfast support and active engagement are the heart of this programme. We look forward to their continued involvement as we build a lasting legacy of leadership and innovation within our well‑established mentorship community.
We are delighted to announce that our students have achieved 1st Runner-Up at the BNP Paribas Sustainable Finance Hackathon Hong Kong 2026!
This competition challenges participants to develop innovative financing solutions for real-world sustainability challenges. This year’s theme focused on ocean protection, requiring teams to propose actionable financing strategies that effectively balance environmental impact with economic viability.
The competition consisted of two phrases. In Phrase One, teams are invited to select one high-ocean dependency sector and submit a proposal responding to the problem statement. Eight finalist teams then advanced to Phrase Two to join the full-day hackathon at the BNP Paribas’ Hong Kong office, where they refined their solutions with BNP advisors and presented their solutions to the judges.
Our students demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, creativity, and strong teamwork throughout the competition. Congratulations!
“An insight that stayed with me was Hugo Leung’s reminder that “less is more.” In a competition setting, it is easy to assume that adding more data, more ideas, and more detail will make a presentation stronger. However, I learned that the real challenge lies in simplifying complex information and focusing on what matters most. A strong case is not about saying everything, but about presenting the most relevant points in a clear, logical, and convincing way. This advice showed me that clarity, precision, and prioritization often create more impact than overwhelming an audience with too much information.
This experience taught me that performing well under pressure is not just about working faster, but about working smarter: communicating clearly, prioritising effectively, and staying focused on the ideas that matter most.”
(by Mr. Chen Yi-an Aaron)
“Building everything in just 7 hours was intense – but incredibly rewarding.
Throughout the hackathon, I dove into innovative financing solutions and explored how to align capital with ocean-protection initiatives. It gave me a glimpse into the world of sustainable capital markets, structuring solutions that drive impact at scale.
I came away with a fresh perspective on the sustainable finance landscape and a deeper appreciation for an industry deeply connected to all of us. The blue economy is full of untapped potential — and this is just the beginning.”
(by Miss Chu Pei Yan Joyce)
“The BNP Paribas Sustainable Finance Hackathon has brought transformative impacts to my understanding of sustainable finance. Through devising solutions to address ocean-related problems with my teammates, sustainability was no longer a vague and elusive concept but something we can put into practice with real actions. It was insightful to learn the power of the financing industry in stimulating corporations’ contribution to ESG.
A key takeaway of the pitching was the importance of brevity in real-life presentation. A successful pitch is never about designing and explaining complex products, or presenting evidence. It’s the ability to simplify ideas without compromising clarity and personalisation that truly attracts investors.”
(by Miss Hsi Yu Ting Tina)
“The BNP Paribus Sustainable Finance Challenge has been a rewarding experience for me, not only for the exposure to green finance but also for the opportunity to cope with tight schedules and deliver under pressure.
During the process, I learned to challenge my assumptions by assessing the practicality of detail designs from perspectives of various stakeholders and doing cross-validation across different channels. I also developed deep interest in ocean finance and hope to explore its future themes.”
(by Miss Wang Xinrui Claudia)
“During the BNP Paribas Sustainable Finance Hackathon, we focused on addressing marine pollution caused by the pharmaceutical industry and designing practical, impact-driven financial solutions. We worked to connect capital with real-world environmental action, creating structures that link ESG performance to measurable outcomes for ocean health and biodiversity.
This experience deepened my understanding of sustainable finance and its power to drive meaningful change across industries. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and bring innovative ideas to life alongside my teammates.
This achievement would not have been possible without the guidance from the organisers and the support from HKU. I look forward to continuing to explore the blue economy and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
We are thrilled to announce that HKU Business School has been ranked No. 6 globally and No. 1 in Asia in the 2025 UTD Top 100 Business School Research Rankings, compiled by the Naveen Jindal School of Management at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). Moreover, for the 5-year period of 2021-2025, the School also ranks No. 1 in Asia.
This outstanding achievement reflects our School’s rise as a global hub for pioneering research across management science, accounting, finance, marketing, information systems, and more. It underscores our position as Asia’s leading business school and one of the world’s most impactful institutions in advancing knowledge and shaping the future of business.
Heartfelt thanks to our dedicated faculty, students, alumni, and partners, whose contributions and support have made this milestone possible. Looking ahead, HKU Business School will continue to deliver world-class research and education that makes a real difference to policy, enterprises, and communities.
HKU Business School hosted the BBA(IBGM) 20th Anniversary Event on 28 March 2026 at the Rayson Huang Theatre — a landmark evening celebrating two decades of the International Business and Global Management (IBGM) programme. With over 120 attendees, including current students, alumni from across all twenty cohorts, and faculty members, past and present, it was a night of celebration filled with enthusiasm from the IBGM community.
Since its founding in 2005, BBA(IBGM) has offered a distinctive model of undergraduate business education built around small, close-knit cohorts — starting at fewer than 20 students per yearly intake and growing to around 35 in recent years as the programme’s reputation has continued to attract top talent. Students pursue a second major chosen from over 60 disciplines across HKU, undertake at least one overseas exchange (with the option of more), and take part in signature experiential activities including a Leadership Boot Camp, an Asia-Pacific Study Tour, and an International Field Trip. These elements, combined with close faculty mentorship, have produced graduates who go on to careers spanning finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, technology, education, the arts, and beyond.
Opening Remarks
Emceed by Asset TAI Che Hang, a Year 1 IBGM student, the evening opened with remarks from three members of the programme’s leadership, past and present.
Prof. Matthias BUEHLMAIER, BBA(IBGM) Programme Director, welcomed guests and reflected on his time with the programme since 2017. He acknowledged the presence of Prof. Derek CHAN, Associate Dean (Undergraduate), whose attendance underscored the Faculty’s support for IBGM, and recognised the many colleagues and alumni whose contributions over the years had made the evening possible.
Prof. Bennett YIM, the University’s Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange and a former BBA(IBGM) Programme Coordinator, shared his reflections next. Prof. Yim described his time as Programme Coordinator as a profoundly memorable experience. He noted that what defines the “IBGM spirit” is a combination of academic rigour, a willingness to explore diverse paths, and — above all — a genuine global outlook. He encouraged everyone present to reflect on how many lives IBGM has shaped over two decades.
Prof. Olivia LEUNG, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) and former BBA(IBGM) Programme Director, followed with warm recollections of working with IBGM students. She emphasised that the programme’s success has always been a collaborative achievement: while supported by HKU Business School and its faculty members, IBGM’s growth is ultimately fuelled by the dedication, passion, and hard work of every student who passes through it. To her, this shared commitment is the heart of the IBGM spirit — defined by an ability to embrace challenges with resilience and empathy.
Panel Discussion: IBGM Academic Staff — Past and Present
The opening remarks led into a lively panel discussion moderated by two IBGM alumni: Ms Joyce LAW Hoi Ting (Class of 2008, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs) and Mr Sunny SI Yang (Class of 2021, Private Equity Associate, Templewater). Joyce holds a special connection to the programme as a member of its very first cohort.
The panel featured seven faculty members who have played pivotal roles in shaping IBGM: Prof. Patrick CHAU, founding Programme Coordinator; Prof. Bennett YIM; Prof. Olivia LEUNG; Prof. Matthias BUEHLMAIER; Dr. LI Jing, Deputy Programme Director and Admissions Tutor; Dr. NG Yin Mei, former Deputy Programme Director and Admissions Tutor; and Dr. Vichy HO Wai Chi, who has taught Practical Chinese for IBGM students since 2005.
Through thoughtful questions from the moderators, the conversation explored IBGM’s origins, evolution, and future. Joyce drew on her first-hand experience to explore the early days of the programme with Prof. Chau, Prof. Yim, and Dr. Ho, while Sunny steered the discussion towards more recent developments, challenges, and emerging trends with Prof. Leung and Prof. Buehlmaier. The panel also explored what makes IBGM students distinctive and the essential qualities of an “IBGMer,” with insights from Dr. Ng and Dr. Li. Memorable stories from field trips and the classroom drew laughter and nods from the audience.
Panel Discussion: IBGM Alumni Across the Generations
The spotlight then shifted to the alumni themselves. Moderated by Year 2 IBGM students Heer Hemal JHAVERI and Sophie NG Shui Yee, a second panel brought together five graduates from across the programme’s twenty-year history:
Tommy CHEUNG Yiu Hin (Class of 2013, ex-HSBC; Master’s Student in Curating and Art History)
Philip KWAN Pui Chun (Class of 2010, Assistant Principal, Shenzhen Hong Kong Pui Kiu College Longhua Xinyi School)
Jovy MOK (Class of 2021, Financial Analyst, Goldman Sachs)
Carson OR Ming Cheung (Class of 2025, Junior Portfolio Manager, 28 Advisory | Founder & CEO, Universe)
The panellists shared their most memorable IBGM moments and reflected candidly on how the programme shaped their careers and perspectives. The conversation ranged from favourite courses and exchange experiences to how their definitions of success have evolved since graduation — providing current students in the audience with both practical insights and food for thought.
Inauguration of the BBA(IBGM) Alumni Chapter
A highlight of the evening was the official inauguration of the BBA(IBGM) Alumni Chapter, a new sub-committee under the HKU Business School Alumni Association. Designed to strengthen connections within the IBGM community, the chapter provides a dedicated platform for alumni and current students to network, collaborate, and give back to the programme.
Ms Joyce LAW Hoi Ting and Mr Sunny SI Yang were appointed as the inaugural Co-Presidents. In their inauguration address, they shared their motivations for taking on the role, noting that IBGM’s tightly-knit community has always been one of its greatest strengths. The Alumni Chapter, they said, aims to bridge generations of IBGMers and build a lasting legacy through shared experiences and mutual support.
Closing Remarks and Networking
Dr. LI Jing, BBA(IBGM) Deputy Programme Director, delivered the closing remarks. She expressed gratitude to all guests and reaffirmed that the programme’s success is the result of collective efforts from faculty, staff, and students alike. She highlighted the profound impact of IBGM in fostering lifelong friendships, inspiring new ideas, and developing future business leaders who create positive change in society.
The formal programme gave way to a free-flow networking session where alumni reconnected with old classmates, current students sought career advice and life wisdom from graduates across all cohorts, and faculty caught up with former students — many of whom they hadn’t seen in years. It was, by all accounts, exactly the kind of evening IBGM does best: warm, global in spirit, and full of stories.
The BBA(IBGM) 20th Anniversary Event was made possible by the efforts of many hands — a fitting reflection of the community spirit that defines the programme. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a slideshow of photographs from IBGM’s twenty-year history, many contributed by Mr. Baniel CHEUNG and Dr. Vichy HO Wai Chi — both with the programme since its founding — sparking plenty of laughter and nostalgia as alumni recognised themselves and old classmates.
Special thanks go to the IBGM Student Committee, in particular the Publicity Department, for designing the event slides, collecting photos, and drafting the post-event recap, as well as the Career and Alumni Relations, Field Trip, and Enrichment Departments, whose year-round work forms the backbone of the IBGM student experience. The organising team is also grateful to the dedicated administrative staff at HKU Business School, whose ongoing support has helped keep the programme running smoothly over the years.
The IBGM 20th Anniversary Event was a celebration not just of a programme, but of a community. With the launch of the Alumni Chapter and the energy in the room that evening, the next twenty years look bright.
About BBA(IBGM) at HKU Business School
The Bachelor of Business Administration (International Business and Global Management) [BBA(IBGM)] is an intensive, premier programme in international business and global management offered by the University of Hong Kong, featuring a unique curriculum designed to evolve and reflect the ever-changing demands of a globalising world. Exclusive elements such as overseas exchange studies, international field trips, and global enrichment opportunities are strategically integrated into the curriculum, whilst students are given the flexibility to pursue an in-depth inquiry into another specialised area of study as a second major. This cross-functional and personalised approach aims to foster a selected group of outstanding students to become the world’s future leaders equipped with global perspectives, cultural sensitivity, social responsibility and key competencies to succeed in the international business environment. As the programme enters its 21st year, IBGM alumni continue to make their mark across finance, consulting, entrepreneurship, technology, education, and the arts worldwide.
HKU Business School is proud to recognise colleagues who have gone above and beyond in service and administration during the 2024–25 academic year — the very first cohort honoured with this award.
These faculty members have made meaningful contributions across programme development, admissions, student and alumni engagement, committee work, and external representation. Their dedication has strengthened our programmes and enriched the experience across our community.
We are delighted to celebrate the following faculty members:
Undergraduate Programmes
Professor Joseph Chan (Associate Professor of Practice, Management and Strategy)
Professor Doyeon Kim (Assistant Professor, Accounting and Law)
Professor Christina Ng (Associate Professor of Teaching, Accounting and Law)
DBA Programme
Professor Dragon Yongjun Tang (Professor, Finance)
EMBA – Collaboration Stream
Professor Junhong Chu (Professor, Marketing)
Professor Joe Zou (Professor, Finance)
Professor Wen Zhou (Associate Professor, Management and Strategy)
EMBA – International Stream
Professor Zhiwu Chen (Chair Professor of Finance, and Cheng Yu-Tung Professor in Finance)
Professor Xu Li (Associate Professor, Accounting and Law)
Professor Echo Wan (Zhang Yonghong Professor in Marketing)
IMBA Programme
Dr. Tingting Fan (Principal Lecturer, Marketing)
Dr. Grace Xie (Principal Lecturer, Accounting and Law)
MBA Programme
Professor Heng Chen (Associate Professor, Economics)
Professor Jie Gong (Associate Professor, Economics, and Management and Strategy)
Professor Dan Yang (Associate Professor, Innovation and Information Management)
Professor Yang You (Assistant Professor, Finance)
Professor Xin Wang (Professor, Accounting and Law)
MSc Programmes
Professor Matthias Buehlmaier (Associate Professor of Teaching, Finance)
Professor Huiyin Ouyang (Associate Professor, Innovation and Information Management)
Professor Yi Tang (Associate Professor, Management and Strategy)
Professor Peeyush Taori (Assistant Professor, Accounting and Law)
Dr. Yifei Zhang (Senior Lecturer, Economics)
Congratulations to all — your commitment, professionalism, and service exemplify the values that define HKU Business School. 🌟
The inaugural “Connectivity in AI” programme, designed and delivered by the Undergraduate Student Enrichment Team, was held from March 12 to 14, 2026 and concluded with resounding success. This pioneering three‑day initiative equipped our undergraduates with a clear view of how artificial intelligence is transforming industries and business functions, while helping them prepare for this new era during their university studies.
In an increasingly AI‑driven world, HKU Business School remains committed to forward‑looking programmes that meet students’ evolving needs and connect them directly with leading industry practitioners and cutting‑edge innovation. “Connectivity in AI” exemplified this commitment, offering an eye‑opening experience that highlighted AI’s pervasive influence across today’s business landscape and empowered students to prepare proactively for their future careers.
The programme’s structure provided a holistic and immersive learning journey, blending academic foundations, firm visits, and practical skill‑building:
Foundational academic perspective
Dr Chao Ding, BBA(BA) Programme Director, delivered an overview of AI‑enabled business applications, distinguishing AI, machine learning, and deep learning, and illustrating applications across e‑commerce and retail, finance, transportation, and media. This session established a common understanding to support the subsequent firm visits.
Firm visits: practical opportunities and challenges across industries Four visits showcased how organisations are adopting AI in practice:
Finance and banking (UBS AG Hong Kong): An exploration of corporate AI strategy and how UBS operates as an AI‑enabled institution, deploying AI at scale to create responsible, sustainable impact for clients, employees, and shareholders.
Consulting (Capco): Insights into AI‑driven transformation, demonstrating how AI addresses customer‑service pain points and delivers tangible business value. AI augments, rather than replaces, consulting.
Electronics (Samsung Electronics Hong Kong): Perspectives from senior management on staying ahead in the AI era with human-centered innovation, with a focus on tailored solutions for diverse client needs. and how Samsung’s products support both B2B and B2C contexts, leveraging a seamless multi-device ecosystem to harness the collective power of their technology.
Start‑up (FirstResume @ HKSTP): The session featured startup leaders who use AI firsthand in their products and operations, sharing real-life insights on how human judgment remains central, with AI serving as an assistance tool. It highlighted the importance of combining AI with interpersonal skills, business acumen, and cross-industry knowledge, underscoring the irreplaceable value of human creativity and decision-making in the AI-driven era.
Reinforcement of Skill-Building in AI Engagement Two hands‑on workshops strengthened practical capabilities:
“AI in Banking and Finance” by AmplifyME: A hands-on simulation where students stepped into the role of an investment manager, making real-time decisions on portfolio construction and performance management. The session combined applied market scenarios with structured performance feedback, helping students understand how AI is shaping decision-making, risk analysis, and skills development in modern financial roles.
“AI and Copilot” by Microsoft Hong Kong: An introduction to M365 Copilot with demonstrations of financial use cases via Copilot Chat, Agent Mode, and Office Agents, and live examples in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to enhance productivity.
Across these sessions, students engaged directly with industry leaders, gained valuable insights, and built the skills and mindsets needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The highly positive feedback from participants affirms the programme’s success. We are confident that “Connectivity in AI” has not only broadened our students’ horizons but also equipped them to leverage AI ethically and effectively throughout their studies and future careers.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all partnering organisations and speakers for their invaluable contributions. HKU Business School remains dedicated to nurturing future‑ready leaders capable of navigating—and shaping—the complexities of the global business environment.
