HKU Business School PhD Recruitment Camp 2026: Cultivating Future Academic Leaders
The HKU Business School is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the PhD Recruitment Camp 2026, held from June 3 to 5, 2026. Over three engaging days, we welcomed a diverse group of talented students from Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, France, the UK, and the USA. These outstanding individuals participated in an immersive experience designed to introduce our PhD programme and inspire academic excellence.
The camp commenced with an insightful session led by Prof. Pingyang Gao, Associate Dean (Research & Knowledge Exchange). Prof. Gao shared the Faculty’s vision and highlighted the vibrant opportunities within our PhD programme. He also discussed the evolving relationship between AI and research, encouraging participants to leverage AI as a powerful research tool while emphasizing the importance of maintaining academic integrity. In addition, Prof. Gao introduced how AI is being systematically integrated into the programme curriculum, noting that several courses now focus specifically on the application and responsible use of AI in academic research and business practice.
Participants then explored the University’s dynamic environment through guided campus tours led by current PhD students. During these tours, our students shared their personal experiences and insights into their academic and research lives at HKU, providing attendees with a firsthand perspective of life within our PhD community.
The first day concluded with a delightful seafood dinner on Lamma Island, complemented by a scenic boat ride from Central to the island. The stunning views of Victoria Harbour created a relaxed atmosphere, fostering informal connections among participants, students, and faculty.
On Day 2, the research talents of our current PhD students took center stage during the PhD Students Research Showcase, where six students from each Academic Area presented their innovative projects. During lunch, attendees enjoyed a variety of local dishes and Dim Sum, promoting casual conversations and networking opportunities. In the afternoon, participants were grouped according to their research interests for dedicated Area-based sessions. These interactive discussions and research proposal presentations provided valuable feedback and deepened their understanding of various academic fields.
The final day featured a heartfelt closing ceremony led by Prof. Xin Wang, Associate Dean (Taught Postgraduate). Prof. Wang reflected on the PhD journey and encouraged participants to maintain connections—not only with their peers but also with the faculty members they met during the camp. He emphasized that not receiving an early offer does not mean they are not good enough or unqualified; rather, due to quota limitations and the large number of applications, securing early admission is challenging for both the Admissions Panel and participants. He reassured participants to stay motivated and continue applying to the programme. Certificates of participation were then presented to all attendees, followed by individual interviews and assessments. Based on their engagement and performance, some top participants will be considered for early admission opportunities.
Thanks to the support of the HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute, nine selected participants from the Areas of Accounting and Finance were offered a special opportunity to join the HKU Next-Gen Finance PhD Workshop and HKU Summer Finance Conference as observers prior to the Camp. At the Workshop on May 13, they observed outstanding PhD presentations, received valuable feedback from senior scholars, and engaged in both formal and informal interactions with over 30 top PhD students from HKU and leading global institutions. They also attended the HKU Summer Finance Conference on May 14–15, which featured research presentations from more than 20 distinguished scholars worldwide.
We believe this year’s camp has further ignited participants’ passion for research and provided a clearer understanding of our PhD programme. We sincerely thank all partners and participants for contributing to the success of the HKUBS PhD Recruitment Camp 2026.
