This year’s Faculty Outstanding Researcher Award goes to Professor Guojun He, an esteemed scholar in Environmental Economics!
Professor He is a leading scholar specialising in Environmental Economics. His research aims to address some of the most challenging problems faced by developing countries and seeks to produce empirically grounded estimates for optimal policy design. His research accomplishments have been evidenced by having four articles published in “A” journals over the past five years, including the American Economic Review, Journal of Public Economics and Quarterly Journal of Economics.
Please join us in congratulating Professor Guojun He on this remarkable achievement!
National Natural Science Fund by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) is widely recognised as one of the main efforts to support basic research in China, and the success of research projects being awarded by the fund is a key indicator of an institution’s academic prowess and research strength.
We are delighted to announce that four distinguished scholars from HKU Business School have been awarded prestigious NSFC grants this year, including the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, the Excellent Young Scientists Fund, and the Young Scientists Fund Program. This resounding recognition is a testament to the exceptional research capability and rigorous academic standards upheld by HKU Business School.
Congratulations! Prof. Roni Michaely and co-authors’ research “Does Socially Responsible Investing Change Firm Behaviour?”, won the Pagano and Zechner Award for the Best Non-investment Paper published in the Review of Finance. The research highlights the need for alternative approaches to socially responsible investing and potential regulatory responses to ensure that SRI funds deliver on their promises of impact. The debate on the role of institutional investors in shaping a more sustainable future continues.
Key Findings:
SRI funds are more likely to hold firms with lower pollution, better workplace safety, greater board diversity, and higher employee satisfaction.
However, SRI funds do not significantly change the E&S conduct of their portfolio firms, despite 81% claiming to do so.
The incentives of SRI fund managers appear to be aligned with maximizing investor flows rather than driving tangible impact.
These findings suggest that while SRI funds may not be “greenwashing”, they are engaging in “impact washing” – investing in firms with good E&S performance but failing to catalyse meaningful behavioural change.
The Joint University Summer Workshop on Information Systems (JUSWIS) 2024, held from July 7th to July 10th, was a resounding success, bringing together leading academics, researchers, and students from across the globe. Hosted at HKU, the workshop featured a dynamic lineup of keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and collaborative discussions that spanned a wide range of cutting-edge topics in information systems.
The workshop was co-chaired by prominent scholars in the field, including Prof. Jack Jiang and Prof. Yulin Fang from the University of Hong Kong, Prof. Weiquan Wang from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Prof. Kai Lim from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Their leadership and expertise were instrumental in shaping the workshop’s agenda and ensuring its success.
The event began with a warm welcome from Professor Zhixi Wan, the Area Head of Innovation and Information Management at HKU, setting an engaging tone for the workshop. A keynote speech by Prof. Sue Brown provided deep insights into current trends and challenges in the field, sparking thoughtful discussions among participants. The breakout sessions that followed allowed presenters to share their research on diverse topics, from AI’s role in chronic illness management to the impact of digital technology on user growth in decentralized applications. Each session was met with active participation, reflecting the high level of interest and expertise among attendees.
On July 9th, the workshop featured two compelling keynote speeches. In the morning, Prof. Suprateek Sarker delivered a thought-provoking talk on the empirical traditions and theoretical contributions essential to leading IS journals, offering valuable considerations for both authors and reviewers. Later that afternoon, Prof. DJ Wu shared several intriguing studies he recently conducted on human and AI interaction, offering fresh perspectives and sparking further discussion on the evolving dynamics between humans and AI systems. Both talks underscored the importance of advancing our understanding of these critical areas as AI becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of life and work.
The interactive and collaborative environment of JUSWIS 2024 was one of its key strengths. Participants had ample opportunities to engage in meaningful dialogue, share innovative ideas, and form new research partnerships. The final day wrapped up with individual meetings, providing a more intimate setting for in-depth discussions and potential collaborations.
In addition to the intellectual exchange, the workshop included social events that allowed attendees to network in a more relaxed atmosphere. A memorable dinner at HKU was particularly well-received, offering a perfect blend of professional interaction and cultural experience.
Overall, JUSWIS 2024 successfully achieved its goals of advancing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and building a vibrant community in the field of information systems. The positive feedback from participants underscores the workshop’s impact, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in future events.
Congratulations to our students for winning the Champion in Deloitte USHINE Case Competition!
The Deloitte USHINE Case Competition is organised by Deloitte which aims to provide a platform for the next generation of young talents to showcase their innovative business solutions.
This year’s competition focused on the Chinese Cosmetics Market, challenging participants to submit a comprehensive business report that comprised an executive summary, competitor analysis, recommendations on addressing ethical dilemmas, and a detailed implementation timeline. After two rounds of rigorous review, eight finalist teams were shortlisted to present their ideas to a panel of judges on their proposals.
Among the 120 teams from different universities, students from HKU Business School stood out by demonstrating their outstanding ability to navigate real-world business challenges and excellent pitching skills and crowned as Champion of the competition.
“Taking part in the Deloitte USHINE Case Competition was such a rewarding and eye-opening experience. This was my very first-time taking part in an external case competition after receiving training in the HKU International Case Society (HICS) in the past few months. Even though I have received plenty of experience regarding deck making and pitching in HICS, I have never written a business report before, hence it was quite challenging to adapt. As the team leader, I led our team in brainstorming products and conducting thorough market research, putting ourselves into the shoes of a U.S. cosmetic company looking to break into the Chinese market. We first identified the pain points through complex market, consumer and competitor analysis, then researched on market gaps and opportunities. Finally, we came up with and grouped our strategies and finalised our timeline. Unlike typical case competitions, we had the freedom to pick our designated hypothetical company, hence we were able to fully express our creativity. Looking back, I learnt a lot more about deck pitching and stepped out of my comfort zone.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supportive teammates for perfecting every detail and every graphic on our pitch deck, and for self-learning how to calculate financials from scratch. Thank you, HKU Business School, for the valuable opportunity and HICS for the countless hours spent in facilitating teams in learning how to excel in deck pitching. This competition has truly been a valuable and memorable experience”
(By Miss Lai Yi Huen Hayley)
“It has been wonderful taking part in the USHINE Case Competition held by Deloitte club and an absolute honour for us to take home the champion prize. Through a whirlwind of research, analysis and discussion, I have truly learned so much more about the Chinese cosmetics industry and case pitching. My main role was to complete our team’s financials, which involved certain concepts that were foreign to me, as we had to learn how to properly calculate key metrics and ratios to substantiate our strategic recommendations on our own. I struggled to identify accurately which sections of the financial statements were relevant and useful for calculations and what key assumptions to set. I am very thankful that we managed to come up with reasonable assumptions and data through hard work. This was a critical part of our preparation, and we are grateful to have gained these practical financial analysis capabilities.
More importantly, I realised the value of teamwork and perseverance. I would like to thank my teammates for demonstrating such seamless cooperation and team spirit; all of us were dedicated to our respective roles and would actively contribute ideas. While we were all quite inexperienced, this dedication allowed us to navigate through the overwhelming and intense preparation process.”
(By Miss Lam Yi Tak)
“As the Deloitte USHINE Case Competition was the first case competition we have ever participated in, let alone entering the finals, we were pushed well outside of our comfort zone to say the least, but the guidance from our team leader and support from fellow team members enabled us to all develop valuable new skills.
Additionally, the high-pressure final presentation in front of the Deloitte judges was an invaluable learning opportunity. Although we all felt quite nervous the days leading up to our presentation, our words of encouragement to each other and the perspective of this competition being a learning opportunity helped us ease our minds and become more confident in our presentation and think quickly during the Q&A session. Navigating these challenging aspects of the competition has undoubtedly expanded our skillset and prepared us for future case competition challenges.
We deeply appreciate all of our fellow dedicated teammates who worked tirelessly for this achievement, as well as the HKU Business School for providing this unique chance to apply our classroom learnings in a real-world, competitive setting. This competition has been a truly transformative and memorable experience.”
Congratulations to our student for winning the Second Place in Deloitte Digital Camp 2024!
The Deloitte Digital Camp 2024 is a global competition organised by Deloitte with the aim to inspire and equip future talent with skills to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
In the first round, participants delved deep into their chosen topics and prepared individual proposal. Then, participants were formed into teams to perfect their proposal under the guidance of professional mentors from Deloitte.
Our student showcased her exceptional analytical skills and effective teamwork and finished at second place among other top participants from different universities.
Second Place
Yan Yu, BEcon&Fin, Year 3 (The team comprises 4 other team members from other universities in the Mainland China)
Student Sharing:
“Winning the Second Place in the Deloitte Digital Camp 2024 was an unforgettable experience. This competition provided an opportunity for me to engage in critical thinking, efficient collaboration, and break new ground in digital innovation. Through this experience, I was able to develop creative solutions for complex business problems by drawing upon my understanding of cutting-edge trends and technologies. Participating in this competition not only enhanced my professional skills, but also ignited a deeper passion for driving digital transformation.”
Congratulations to our students for winning 2nd Runner-up in the Cross-Strait Hong Kong and Macao Logistics and Supply Chain Management Case Competition 2024!
The competition, co-organised by the China Chamber of International Commerce and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science of The University of Hong Kong, aims to bolster the advancement of contemporary logistics and expedite the cultivation of innovative and economic talents specialising in logistics and supply chain management.
The competition consisted of two rounds. Each participating team was required to submit a business proposal and presentation deck based on field investigations of selected companies in manufacturing, commercial, logistics, and supply chain. After vigorous review, the top performing teams proceeded into the final round and presented their findings to the panel of judges.
Our students demonstrated their strong analytical skills and knowledge in logistics and supply chain management and won 2nd Runner-up in the competition. Kudos to our students for their hard work and achievement!
Keung Ka Ching, BBA, Year 2 Chan Sum Wai, BEcon&Fin, Year 2 Fu Chi Ki, BBA, Year 3 Hung Yu San, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 2 (The team comprises 1 other team member from other university in Hong Kong.)
Student Sharing:
“I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to the organizers and the International Association of Business Management Simulation for granting us this invaluable opportunity to engage in knowledge and cultural exchange with prestigious universities from the Mainland China.
As a student with limited prior experience in logistics and supply chain management, participating in this competition has provided me with a profound understanding of this field, ranging from the intricacies of the supply chain process to the current challenges and opportunities presented by AI utilisation and digital optimisation. Delving into the operations of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG not only solidified my knowledge but also honed my analytical skills and fostered a spirit of teamwork. The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with the Mainland China team was a definite highlight of the competition.
This experience has undeniably contributed to my academic and personal growth. Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to my team for their trust, dedication, and unwavering commitment throughout our preparation, which has made this journey both meaningful and gratifying. Thank you, Team TenZ!”
(By Miss Keung Ka Ching)
“Joining this case competition was a challenging yet rewarding experience. Our team worked tirelessly for weeks, researching the industry, analysing data, and brainstorming innovative solutions. We met teams from top universities and exchanged insights on different industries. Despite the pressure, we remained focused and presented our proposal with confidence. I am very happy that we were awarded the 2nd Runner-up in the competition, recognising our hard work and strategic thinking. This experience not only enhanced my understanding of supply chain management but also developed my problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills. I would also like to thank my teammates for their efforts and time spent in this case competition. It is my honour to have such a great experience with all of them.”
(By Miss Chan Sum Wai)
“I am truly grateful for the invaluable experience I gained during my participation in this case competition. Throughout this period, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of topics that significantly broadened my horizons in the food manufacturing industry and supply chain management. Not only had I the privilege to research more on the chocolate giant – Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, standing in their shoes and facing the problems, building a business proposal suggesting the future development and marketing prospects of the Company, but I also had the privilege to meet and connect with elites from various institutes and industries, exchanging ideas and gaining insights from them. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in enhancing my understanding and skills in the industry. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the China Chamber of International Commerce, the International Association of Business Management Simulation and The University of Hong Kong for making the competition possible. Last but not least, I am also incredibly appreciative of my teammates, who are from different institutes, for their collaboration and unlimited support. The experience would not be as enriching and memorable as it was if not for their dedication and sacrifice throughout the period.”
The Conference on Digital Innovation and Transformation in the Age of AI was successfully held on July 12, 2024, at HKU-iCube. Hosted by the HKU Business School’s Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation (IDEI) and the Area of Innovation and Information Management (IIM), the event brought together over 50 researchers, professionals, and industry experts. Participants engaged in discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in digital innovation and transformation within the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Professor Yulin Fang, IDEI Director and Professor of Innovation and Information Management at HKU Business School, welcomed attendees with remarks highlighting the conference’s aim to offer valuable insights and strategies for navigating digital transformation complexities and leveraging AI for sustainable growth and success in today’s dynamic business environment.
Professor Dongjun (D. J.) Wu, the Ernest Scheller Jr. Chair and Professor of Information Technology Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Department Editor of Management Science, delivered an insightful speech titled “Endless Digital Business Model Innovation.” Professor Rajiv Kohli, the John N. Dalton Professor of Business at the College of William & Mary and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research, explored the multifaceted impacts of AI on digital innovation in his presentation titled “Digital Innovation with AI: Human, Organizational and Legal Issues.” Juan (Jane) Feng, the Hon Hai Chair Professor at Tsinghua University and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research, addressed the limitations and challenges of federated learning in promoting data collaboration across firms with her speech “Is Technology Panacea? Why Federated Learning Does Not Necessarily Lead to Inter-Firm Data Collaboration.”
Professor Jianliang (Leon) Zhao, the Presidential Chair Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Co-Head of Information Systems and Operations Management, and Director of the Center on Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, offered a comprehensive analysis on blockchains through his speech “Optimization of Collective Incentive Mechanism in Public Permissioned Blockchains: A Multi-Method Perspective.” Professor Zhenhui (Jack) Jiang, the Padma and Hari Harilela Professor in Strategic Information Management at the University of Hong Kong, discussed the nuances and challenges of evaluating large language models in his presentation titled “Large Language Model Assessment in Chinese and English Contexts.”
Professor Wonseok Oh, the K.C.B. Chair Professor of Information Systems at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in the publishing industry with his speech “Bestseller Prediction in E-Book Markets: Leveraging Consumption Patterns with Machine Learning.” Lastly, Professor Xi Li, Professor in Marketing at the University of Hong Kong, Director of the Asia Case Research Center, and Associate Director of the Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation, emphasized the significance of historical pricing data for understanding and predicting market trends in his speech titled “Learning from Historical Prices.
Throughout the day, the sessions were chaired by esteemed academics, including Prof. Yulin Fang, IDEI Director; Prof. Junhong Chu, CIE Associate Director; Prof. Michael Chau, Deputy Area Head of IIM and Prof. Hailiang Assistant Dean Professor in IIM. Their insightful sharing and guidance stimulated and engaged the audience with innovative ideas.
Photo Caption
Group photo:
Prof. Yulin Fang, IDEI Director and Professor of Innovation and Information Management, delivers the welcoming remarks.
Dongjun (D. J.) Wu, the Ernest Scheller Jr. Chair and Professor of Information Technology Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Department Editor of Management Science.
Rajiv Kohli, the John N. Dalton Professor of Business at the College of William & Mary and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research
Juan (Jane) Feng, the Hon Hai Chair Professor at Tsinghua University and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research
Zhenhui (Jack) Jiang, the Padma and Hari Harilela Professor in Strategic Information Management at the University of Hong Kong
Wonseok Oh, the K.C.B. Chair Professor of Information Systems at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research
Lastly, Xi Li, Professor in Marketing at the University of Hong Kong, Director of the Asia Case Research Center, and Associate Director of the Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation.
The diverse range of topics and expert perspectives provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the current and future landscape of digital innovation.
The Summer School for Quantitative History cum International Symposium, a cross-institutional effort initiated by Prof. Zhiwu Chen in 2013, trains aspiring young researchers from various disciplines to become successful scholars in the rapidly growing field of quantitative history, with a focus on China. This summer, the project team members and advisory board members of the Centre for Quantitative History (CQH) at the HKU Business School brought the team’s momentum again to Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), where they jointly organized the 10th Summer School for Quantitative History cum International Symposium on Quantitative History together with SJTU Department of History, and the Institute of Qing History at Renmin University of China. These annual activities, held from July 6 to 15, 2024, were a success, attracting over 250 scholars from universities and research institutions around the world.
The 9-day Summer School cum Symposium featured a series of lectures and keynote speeches by Prof. Zhiwu Chen, Prof. Chicheng Ma, Prof. Denggao Long (Tsinghua), Prof. Debin Ma (Oxford), Prof. Cameron Campbell (HKUST), Prof. Hilde De Weerdt (KU Leuven), and Prof. Stephen Broadberry (Oxford), among others who have been fully committed to this open and reciprocal academic discourse. Lectures and discussion groups were filled with lively discussions, leaving participants with more questions to be answered – an important outcome for young minds.
This year’s programme admitted 123 promising young scholars globally, including eleven from HKU. “This was not an average summer school but rather an intensive series of discussions about historical research among a community of historians and social scientists,” CQH advisory board member Prof. Hilde De Weerdt (KU Leuven) later tweeted on her account. The collaborative spirit that defines this vibrant interdisciplinary community were on full display during the summer school.
The Summer School culminated in the International Symposium on Quantitative History, held on July 13 and 14. The symposium programme included keynote speeches by leading scholars in the field, as well as 48 diverse presentations by young scholars across four parallel sessions. During the two-day event, the prestigious 7th Narada (Nandu) Quantitative History Research Best Paper Awards were announced, recognizing outstanding contributions in the field.
Also a highlight was the 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held on the evening of July 13, that commemorated the 10th anniversary of the team’s ongoing effort in promoting quantitative history research in China. Participants and symposium presenters were connected with alumni who chronicled the team’s transformative journey over the past decade.
The founders, including Professors Zhiwu Chen, Denggao Long, and Debin Ma, shared the original intentions behind establishing the initiative and reflected on its remarkable growth. “Emerging from our inaugural Summer School in 2013 and flourishing to mark our tenth anniversary, our core belief centers on the transformative potential of data-driven historical analysis,” said Prof. Zhiwu Chen who is the director of CQH, “we have proved ourselves as a diverse and outward-looking platform where we advocate for a paradigm shift in historical narratives.” They, together with organizing hosts Prof. QinJiang (SJTU) and Prof. Zhan Lin (Renmin) expressed heartfelt gratitude to the programme’s supporting parties and donors, namely the Research Grants Council’s Area of Excellence (AoE) scheme, HongShan, Longfor Group, Narada (Nandu) Foundation and Yonyou Foundation, whose generous support has been instrumental in the success of the quantitative history community in China. They also thanked alumni in the quantitative history community for their perseverance. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense why we were able to secure that charming group photograph amid the incessant downpour that had almost enveloped the day.
Looking ahead, the Centre for Quantitative History is filled with optimism as it sets its sights on the next decade. The remarkable progress made over the past 10 years has the team feeling energized and excited, envisioning a future where young scholars have more opportunities with more data becoming more easily available.
About the Centre for Quantitative History The Centre for Quantitative History (CQH) is a focal institution for coordinating and conducting big data-based historical inquiries with quantitative methods to construct a holistic picture of China’s past development, sponsored by the HKU Business School. The focus of the Centre is on the study of the quantitative history of China. It is an area of excellence designated and funded by the Research Grants Council, a non-statutory advisory council functioning under the aegis of the University Grants Committee.
A Shining Memory: Group photo taken for the 10th Summer School for Quantitative History cum International Symposium on Quantitative History
CQH Team and Advisory Board members bring momentum to Shanghai Jiao Tong University for the AoE-Quantitative History project From Left to Right: Prof. Kaixiang Peng (Wuhan), Prof. Nan Li (Fudan), Prof. Ying Bai (CUHK), Prof. William Guanglin Liu (LingU), Prof. Debin Ma (Oxford), Prof. Chicheng Ma (HKU Business School), Prof. Zhiwu Chen (HKU Business School), Prof. Cameron Campbell (HKUST), Prof. Stephen Broadberry (Oxford), Prof. Hilde De Weerdt (KU Leuven), Prof. Shuji Cao (SJTU and HKU Business School) and Prof. Zhan Lin (Renmin)
HKU Business School: Leading regional quantitative history research as coordinating university for the AoE research grant From Left to Right: Prof. Chicheng Ma (HKU Business School), Prof. Zhiwu Chen (HKU Business School), Prof. Cameron Campbell (HKUST) and Prof. Debin Ma (Oxford)
