HKU 211th Congregation – Faculty of Business and Economics (Winter Session) Highlights
The highly anticipated 211th Congregation Ceremony of HKU Business School took place at the Grand Hall, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong. This momentous event, spanning five sessions on December 3 and 4, 2023, created a truly special occasion for all involved.
One of the highlights of the Congregation Ceremony was an inspiring speech delivered by our esteemed Dean, Professor Hongbin Cai. As the graduands prepared to venture into the dynamic business world, they were reminded of his insightful words: “Uphold your principles, stay true to your inner compass, and firmly believe that doing good is the surest path to long-term success. Utilize your talents and influence to champion ethical business practices, social responsibility, and sustainability. Be leaders who inspire and empower others, and work tirelessly to create a world that is fair, just, and inclusive.”
The votes of thanks were delivered by the graduand representatives, Marco Caruso, Dr Wang Dan, Kelvin Wong, Kejia Liu and Noc Choi. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, families and friends for their unwavering support throughout their academic journey. Their words resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of the challenges faced, the triumphs achieved, and their optimistic and forward-looking mindset as they embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
We are incredibly delighted to have received over 3,800 attendees, including 1,500 graduands who are now ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives, and 2,300 esteemed guests who came to show their support and celebrate this remarkable milestone.
Distinguished guests, colleagues, parents and family, and the graduating class of HKU Business School, I am deeply honoured and absolutely thrilled to be standing here today, as we commemorate this incredible milestone in your academic journey. Each one of you has shown extraordinary dedication and resilience to reach this point, overcoming countless obstacles, most notably the unprecedented challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Your accomplishments fill us with immense pride, and I offer my warmest congratulations to each and every one of you!
Today, you are about to start a new chapter of your life journey, ready to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. It is a time that we are reminded daily, through TV news, social media and headlines of newspaper front pages, that the world is evolving at an astonishing pace, unfortunately often with more negative than positive news such as conflicts and wars, political divides and chaos, geopolitical tensions and decoupling, inflation and stagnation, so on and so forth.
As you embark on your next life journey at a time like this, I wish to share a few thoughts that might be useful. Like surfing big waves, a fundamental question is what to embrace and what to hold steadfast to despite the shifts around you.
Embracing change is synonymous with adaptability. In a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity — commonly referred to as VUCA — adaptability is the key to success. How does one cultivate this essential quality?
First and foremost, you must cultivate an open mind. Narrow-mindedness is the greatest impediment to thriving in a rapidly changing world, as it blinds you to new opportunities and leaves you trapped in outdated modes of thought. As students of HKU Business School, you have been part of an institution deeply embedded in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area with a unique global network spanning Beijing, Shenzhen, HCM City, and Tel Aviv. Exposure to diverse perspectives and international experiences has widened your horizons, enabling you to appreciate different cultures and viewpoints, and, most importantly, to keep your minds open.
Adaptability also requires independent, critical, and creative thinking. In a world of uncertainties and fast changes, blindly following the crowd won’t get you anywhere. As graduates of HKU Business School, you possess a toolkit of skills and knowledge from the most up-to-date curriculum. Rather than viewing this knowledge as rigid doctrine, consider it a set of flexible tools that enable you to think independently, analyze critically,and innovate creatively. By embracing the art of deconstruction and thinking creatively, you can forge your own path and create a life that aligns with your unique dreams.
Furthermore, adaptability calls for an entrepreneurial spirit. Not everyone will launch their own business, but in any career path you choose, you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone, develop new skills, and seek out new opportunities. Comfort zones can quickly become stifling traps in an ever-changing world.
As you prepare to navigate the dynamic landscape of business and society, remain open-minded, cultivate creative thinking, and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit. Armed with these qualities, you will be well-prepared to adapt to any challenging environment and pursue success on a life path led by your passions and dreams.
Now, what should remain unchanged amidst the shifting tides of the world? Regardless of how the world transforms and your own circumstances evolve, never lose sight of your values and the impact you can make on the world. Who do you aspire to become? What is the purpose of your life? These are questions that will frequently arise as you face difficult decisions in a fast-changing world. Uphold your principles, stay true to your inner compass, and stay firm to the belief that doing good is the surest path to doing well in the long run.
Your journey at HKU Business School has not only imparted you with valuable skills and knowledge but also has forged lasting friendships and instilled an open and creative mindset that will serve you well in this dynamic world. The experiences you’ve amassed, the hurdles you’ve overcome, and the relationships you’ve nurtured have all prepared you to confront the uncertainties and complexities that lie ahead. You are now an ambassador of our school. Utilize your talents and influence to champion ethical business practices, social responsibility, and sustainability. Be leaders who inspire and empower others, and work tirelessly to create a world that is fair, just, and inclusive.
To the Class of 2023 of HKU Business School, congratulations once again! As you embark on your future endeavors, may you do so with courage, unwavering passion, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive impact.
Best of luck to you all. Thank you!
Professor Hongbin Cai
Dean
Chair of Economics
