Collaborating with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport) and the AICPA & CIMA, Venture into Future Career (VFC) was initially introduced in 2020 as an exclusive programme for undergraduate students at the HKU Business School.

The primary objectives of the VFC Programme are to assist our budding talents in the following ways:

• Providing students with career guidance and coaching
• Facilitating career-focused discussions between students and experienced industry leaders
• Equipping students with firsthand industry knowledge to help them identify career interests and strategically plan for their future careers

Over the past four VFC cohorts, we have mentored a total of 160 students from the Faculty. With the expert guidance of faculty members, guest speakers, industry stalwarts, and the practical experiences provided by startups at Cyberport, students have gained valuable insights, enhancing their readiness for the ongoing exploration of their career paths.

On October 10, 2024, the opening ceremony for the Venture into Future Career Programme 2024-25 took place at the HKU Rayson Huang Theatre, marking the commencement of its fifth cohort and celebrating this significant milestone alongside our esteemed programme partners. This new cohort comprises 45 students from 10 programmes who are eagerly anticipating the journey ahead, which includes receiving mentorship, training, and engaging with seasoned business professionals from diverse sectors.

Group picture with guests and VFC 2024-25 students

(Left to Right)

Mr. King LAI, Founder and CEO, Pubrio Limited
Mr. Paulus Chau, Director, Hong Kong and Emerging Markets, AICPA&CIMA
Ir. Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Prof. Derek Chan, Associate Dean (Undergraduate), HKU Business School
Prof. Winnie Leung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate), HKU Business School
Mr. Charles WHITTAKER, Head of Sales and Distribution for Swire Hotels
Dr Albert Lam, Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Scientist of Fano Labs

Student sharing by past participants

(Left to Right)

Ms. Bella Liu, BBA, Year 2
Mr. Carlos Or, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Ms. Hazel Hu, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 2

Global challenges have become increasingly acute. We have accomplished much, but more to be done. The year of 2024 marks a milestone in HKU Business School’s sustainability journey, as we proudly launch our first-ever Sustainability Report, which makes us the first business school in Hong Kong to publish a standalone sustainability report. We hope to share the progress we’ve made and envision goals we aim to achieve together in the future.

The Report communicates the School’s ongoing efforts and achievements in sustainability from July 2023 to June 2024, which have been demonstrated from the perspectives of Education, Alumni, Research, Knowledge Exchange & Partnership, and Sustainable Campus.

“The School recognises the importance of balancing short-term benefits and long-term sustainability efforts, and we are striving to contribute to a lasting impact on sustainability.”

— Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean and Chair of Economics of HKU Business School

At a Glance of the Report:

• 30+ ESG-related teaching courses across our UG, TPG and executive programmes
• Launched the brand-new programme named Master of Climate Governance and Risk Management
• Our Alumni Association has grown to 3,000 members, across Asia-Pacific, North America, the Middle East, and beyond
• Nurtured alumni start-up stars to develop creative solutions addressing environmental and social issues
• 50+ ESG-related international top journal publications in the past 3 years
• Asia No. 1 on UTD Top Business School Research Rankings based on publications in the past five years
• Established the HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute in June 2024
• Throughout the year, our students from the Impact Lab have dedicated over 149,000 hours of work to support more than 50 social impact organisations
• 58.4% female students and 28.7% female faculty members
• During the reporting period, HKU Business School carbon emissions totalled 3,806 tonnes CO2e for scope 1 and 2, and started to assess scope 3 emissions

We invite you to read our Full Report for more details and welcome your comments, feedback, and all your enthusiasm for sustainability!

On October 1, HKU Business School celebrated a significant milestone with the successful establishment of its first-ever school-wide overseas alumni network in Singapore. The event saw an impressive turnout, bringing together over 50 alumni from Singapore and more than 20 alumni from the HKU-Fudan IMBA program in Shanghai, fostering international ties and reinforcing the global community spirit.

In her Welcome Remarks, Alice Hui (Head of Development & Alumni) shared the school’s latest exciting achievements in growing its global alumni networks, while also promoting two of the School’s newest dynamic programmes, which are the EMBA International Stream and the Master of Climate Governance and Risk Management.

The gathering featured insightful keynote speeches from distinguished speakers, including HKU Business School’s Associate Dean of External Relations, Professor Heiwai Tang, and Professor Paul Cheung from the National University of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Their addresses provided a captivating and enlightening analysis of the global economy’s influence on Hong Kong and Singapore.

A special congratulations to Chris Leo, who was appointed as the inaugural President of this informal alumni community, alongside fellow alumni volunteer team members, Nishant Kumar, Vibhav Varshney, Mona Lai, Rajbir Talwar, and Carole Yang. We have full trust in their stewardship to ensure the success of this new alumni network in Singapore.

This landmark event signals a new chapter for the HKU Business School alumni community, promoting closer connections and collaboration on an international scale.

Group photo of all participating company representatives

Prof. Pingyang GAO, Associate Dean (Taught Postgraduate) delivered a welcoming speech to all participating employers.

Prof. Pingyang GAO, Associate Dean (Taught Postgraduate) and Prof. Derek CHAN, Associate Dean (Undergraduate), joined the fair on behalf of the HKU Business School and presented souvenirs to show appreciation for the support from all employer representatives.

The HKU Business School Career Fair was successfully conducted on September 26, 2024, a Thursday. This exclusive event tailored for Business School Students featured participation from 69 distinguished companies, along with over 200 HR executives and industry experts. Held under the theme “Investing in HKU Business School’s Global Talent – Aspire & Connect!”, the fair was designed to offer HKUBS students unparalleled opportunities to network, engage, and aspire towards their future careers.

The event commenced with an inspiring opening address to corporate guests by Professor Pingyang Gao, the Associate Dean of Taught Postgraduate. Throughout the day, more than 1,400 current students from Undergraduate, Master, and MBA Programmes actively participated in the fair, interacting with employer representatives across various sectors such as banking and finance, consulting, FMCGs, luxury retail, and technology. The enthusiasm displayed by both students and corporate partners at this annual event was truly gratifying.

We express our deepest appreciation to each of the corporate partners who supported the Career Fair, sharing valuable industry insights with our students. Their presence and active engagement elevated the event, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented atmosphere.

Stay tuned for upcoming events and initiatives aimed at further empowering our students and nurturing the business leaders of tomorrow!

Students seized the opportunity to interact with recruiters and industry professionals from various renowned firms.

港大经管学院非常荣幸邀请到物美集团创始人、多点Dmall创始人张文中博士，于2024年9月25日参与学院举办的「港大经管学院领袖企业家讲坛系列」第一讲，并担任主题演讲嘉宾。在这场讲座中，张博士深入解读了传统企业数字化改造与创新的关键路径，并与港大经管学院经济学实务教授毛振华教授进行了深入交流，为与会者带来宝贵的经验和思考。

首先，张博士回顾自己创立物美集团和多点Dmall的历程，深刻阐述了企业家作为时代英雄的价值。他指出，企业家除了要勇于迎接挑战、持续超越和提升自我外，还要谨记「创新、创业、创造」是人类进步的动力。

在第二部分，张博士重点分享了物美和多点Dmall的「数智化」转型实践过程。他表示，传统企业需要建立一套底层操作系统+SaaS应用的新型解决方案，并运用数智化的思维和技术全面重构业务场景，才能实现以科技驱动产业发展的美好未来。张博士以物美和多点Dmall为例，生动地展示传统零售企业如何透过「数智化」从根本改善业务流程，并借助大数据和算法等技术提升营运效率和用户体验。

最后，张博士分享了自己平反冤案的心路历程。这段经历不仅充分体现了他坚韧不拔的个人品格，也成为中国依法平等保护民营企业家合法权益的典型案例。他特别提及他早前写下的信：《丹心鉴岁月情义满人间》，借此寄语学生：即使面临逆境，也不要选择躺平，其实「躺也躺不平」；而且要相信公平正义、相信改革开放，只要「心中有春天」，人生就一定会充满希望和光明。

本次讲座涵盖了企业家精神、数字化转型实践及个人奋斗历程等多个维度，为与会者带来了丰富的思想洞见和实战经验。我们相信张博士的分享必能激励更多企业家拥抱数字化时代，开创辉煌的未来。

9月20日，由香港大学经管学院主办的领航论坛在香港大学陆佑堂隆重举行。香港大学经管学院院长蔡洪滨致欢迎辞。

蔡洪滨称，目前民营企业受到考验和挑战，在这一背景下，香港大学经管学院举行领航论坛有着特别的意义。在过去的一百多年发展过程中，即使香港面临各种各样的困难，它总是能够从不同的危机中走出来。同样，香港一代一代的企业家让人佩服的地方在于，他们在任何情况都非常的坚韧、顽强、永不言败。

蔡洪滨表示，这是香港狮子山精神的体现和凝练。企业家需要以这种精神力量为支撑，不断地在逆境中前行、寻找新的机会和发展。

对于中资企业面临着开拓国际市场的问题。蔡洪滨认为，出海并不容易，需要深入了解国际市场，寻找到优秀国际人才，深入洞察国际体制和文化。而香港这座国际大都市恰恰就有这方面最好的资源和积累，是中国企业家出海最好的桥头堡。

在蔡洪滨看来，出海并不一定是所有行业、所有企业、每一个人的选择。出海有着更广泛的定义：思维出海。中国经济社会经历着深刻的变化，过去成功的经验很难复制。企业家最重要的是走出原来的固有模式、舒服区，看不同的世界，学习最新的技术。

蔡洪滨进一步称，企业家需要打开自己的思维，通过香港积极的观察世界，提升思维深度、扩展眼界宽度、扩大视野远度，再回过头看国内的市场、行业，可能就有新的体会。哪怕是跨界之间的交流，也可能对大家都有启发。这样的一种体验和经历，会成为企业家自身提升重要的路径，进而演化成企业未来发展的核心竞争力。

有关港大经管学院领航论坛，请按此。

On September 1, the HKU Business School held the distinguished Beijing Forum at the HKU Beijing Centre. The event drew over 200 esteemed guests, professors, students, and alumni, culminating with the inaugural dinner of the HKU Business School North China Alumni Network.

This significant occasion marked the official establishment of the HKU Business School North China Alumni Network, representing a significant milestone for the Faculty’s alumni body in mainland China. During the opening remarks, Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of the HKU Business School, Chair of Economics, and Director of the Institute of China Economy, underscored the paramount importance of this newly established network. As the first regional alumni network for the Faculty in mainland China, it serves not only as a bridge linking alumni with the school, but more importantly, it establishes a platform for lifelong learning, intellectual exchange, and mutual development among all alumni and faculty.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all speakers, panelists, guests, and attendees who contributed to making this forum and dinner a platform for engaging discussion and meaningful networking. We would like to offer our special thanks to our distinguished guests, including:

Mr. Li Hui, Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the Beijing Municipal Government;
Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of HKU Business School;
Professor Chen Lin, Associate Vice-President of HKU;
Professor Haipeng Shen, Associate Dean (Executive Education) of HKU Business School;
Professor Wei Zhang, Assistant Dean of HKU Business School;
Dr. Grace Xie, Principal Lecturer at HKU Business School and Associate Director of HKU EMBA and IMBA programs;
Ms. Alison Wang, Director of the HKU Beijing Center;
Ms. Alice Hui, Head of Development and Alumni at HKU Business School;
Professor Xu Li, Director of the HKU EMBA Program;
Ms. Monica Wong, Director of Alumni Affairs at the Development and Alumni Affairs Office of HKU; Dr. Aam Yan, Director of Strategic Partnerships at HKU Business School;
Ms. Floria Xu, Executive Director of the DBA Program at HKU Business School;
Ms. Janice Tsang, Executive Director of the EMBA Program at HKU Business School;
Dr. Norman Shi, President of the HKU Beijing Alumni Association;
Ms. Beatrice Chan, President of the HKU Shanghai Alumni Association along with more than 200 distinguished guests and alumni.

As we celebrate this achievement, we would like to emphasize the vital role of our alumni network. It is through these bonds that we fortify our community, cultivate opportunities for advancement, and uphold our shared values. We encourage all alumni to participate actively in the alumni network, contributing to its ongoing success and the prosperity of our HKU Business School. The strength of our school lies within the strength of our alumni – united, we empower the future.

Let’s revisit the highlights of this momentous day!

恭喜何国俊教授荣获2023-24年度「学院杰出研究学者奖」！?何教授是主要从事环境与发展经济学方面的研究的经济学家。现任香港大学经济学教授，亦同时担任香港大学赛马会环球企业可持续发展研究所所长和香港大学中国经济研究所副所长。过去五年，何国俊教授已有四篇高水准研究获刊登于国际顶尖学术期刊，成就备受肯定。

In celebration of the commencement of the new academic year, HKU Business School is fully prepared to greet the undergraduate freshmen of the 2024-25 intake and incoming exchange students with a diverse range of engaging and informative orientation activities commencing in mid-August 2024.

• August 19 | Faculty Academic Induction Talk: Serving as the official welcome to all undergraduate freshmen of the 2024-25 intake, the Academic Induction Talk offers an overview of studies and university life for each student. It acknowledges the valuable support from senior students who share their enriching experiences, various experiential learning opportunities, insights from Student Associations, as well as contributions from the University Equal Opportunity Unit and CEDARS. These interactions signify the University’s dedication to nurturing and unlocking the potential of each freshman throughout their four-year academic journey.

• August 22 – September 3 | 8 Sessions of Programme Induction Sessions for Freshmen across 11 Undergraduate Programmes: With the generous support of all Programme Directors and Deputy Programme Directors, freshmen have the opportunity to connect with their peers, gain deeper insights into their respective majors, and receive practical advice and tips from senior students and alumni.

• August 28 | Career Orientation for Undergraduate Freshmen: This session, a novel and customized initiative, aims to introduce freshmen to the resources and support provided by our Undergraduate Career Development & Training (CDT) Team. It equips them with a foundational understanding of how to initiate their career exploration during their tenure at HKU Business School. Through interactive engagement, over 100 freshmen actively seek advice, engage in discussions and network with our Professional Career coach.

• August 29 | Incoming Exchange Students Orientation: We are delighted to welcome 260 exchange students from 24 countries and over 100 partner institutions as they commence their journey at HKU Business School. These students will spend one or two semesters immersing themselves in our dynamic and empowering HKU community.

• September 7 | Non-Local Freshmen Orientation 2024: Over 100 of non-local full-time freshmen participated in this distinctive orientation session hosted by the HKUBS International Student Society. The session facilitated connections within the non-local student community, provided insights into the school and Hong Kong, and offered networking opportunities.

We are excited to welcome the incoming freshmen of the 2024-25 academic year and eagerly anticipate supporting them as they embark on their academic journey at HKU Business School.