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CITIC – IDEI Discussion Forum on FinTech and AI

The CITIC – IDEI Discussion Forum on FinTech and AI was successfully held by the HKU Business School’s Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation (IDEI) on February 20, 2025. The event brought together esteemed HKU professors, CITIC industry experts, and HKU research students at the forefront of FinTech and AI research and application.

The forum commenced with opening remarks by Professor Yulin Fang, Founding Director of IDEI and Professor of Innovation and Information Management at HKU Business School, and Mr. Lei Zhao, General Manager of the Technology and Digitalization Department at CITIC Group. This was followed by a series of engaging presentations that explored the transformative role of FinTech and AI across various sectors.

Mr. Dazhi Han, Senior Manager of the Technology and Digitalization Department at CITIC Group, Mr. Lingfeng Xu, Head of Artificial Intelligence at the Information Technology Center of CITIC Securities, Mr. Jiange Li, Director of Information Technology Department at CITIC Securities, and Mr. Liangjun Liu, General Manager of the Information Technology Management Department at China CITIC Bank, jointly discussed innovative approaches in AI and their applications in CITIC’s financial business.

Fintech and AI scholars at HKU Business School presented their research. The presenters included Professor Ye Luo, Associate Professor of Economics and Finance and Associate Director of IDEI; Professor Zhenhui (Jack) Jiang, Padma and Hari Harilela Professor of Strategic Information Management as well as Professor of Innovation and Information Management; Professor Michael C.L. Chau, Deputy Area Head and Professor of Innovation and Information Management; Professor Hailiang Chen, Assistant Dean and Professor of Innovation and Information Management; Professor Lionel Zhepeng Li, Associate Professor of Innovation and Information Management and External Data Scientist at the Bank of Ningbo; and Professor Yipu Deng, Assistant Professor of Innovation and Information Management. Together, they discussed the integration of Fintech and AI in business processes and its implications for the industry.

The meeting continued with the sharing of insights from CITIC participants. Mr. Lei Yang, Director of the Information Technology Center at CITIC Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.; Mr. Xiansong Bai, Head of the Intelligent and Informatization Department at CITIC Pacific Special Steel Group Co., Ltd.; Mr. Chaoqun Li, Vice President of CPC Innovation R&D and Information Technology Department at CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited; Ms. Yuling Lin, Director of CPC Innovation R&D and Information Technology Department at CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited; and Mr. Dongdong Zhan, Senior Director of CEC Innovation R&D and Information Technology Department at CITIC Telecom International Holdings Limited, shared their perspectives on the development and application of FinTech and AI.

Throughout the day, the sessions facilitated lively discussions and exchanges of ideas, paving the way for potential collaborations between CITIC and IDEI in the fields of FinTech and AI.

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Group Photo:

Professor Yulin Fang, IDEI Director and Professor of Innovation and Information Management at HKU Business School, delivers the welcoming remarks.

Mr. Lei Zhao, General Manager of the Technology and Digitalization Department at CITIC Group, delivers the welcoming remarks.

Fintech and AI scholars at HKU Business School

Industry experts from CITIC Group

The Forum concluded with closing remarks emphasizing the importance of ongoing collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation and efficiency. Attendees left with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of how FinTech and AI can transform the business landscape.