Professor CHANG Xin (Simba), finance scholar and Associate Dean for Research at Nanyang Business School (HKUST PhD Graduate), reflects on how his time at HKUST shaped his research philosophy, leadership style and lifelong passion for learning.
As HKUST marks its 35th anniversary, the reflections of its alumni reveal the University’s lasting impact. Among them is Professor Chang Xin, Associate Dean (Research) and professor of finance at Nanyang Business School at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. He credits HKUST for shaping both his research philosophy and his leadership approach.
Born and raised in northeast China, Professor Chang’s path to HKUST began unexpectedly. “A few HKUST professors were recruiting from my graduate school,” he recalls. “A friend of mine sent me a postcard of the campus—the sea, the football field—and I thought, it looks like a great place to study and play football.” That postcard, he says, marked the start of one of the most defining chapters of his life.
Rigor, Curiosity, and Mentorship
At HKUST, Professor Chang found an academic environment that valued both precision and curiosity. “The PhD training was very rigorous,” he says. “It gave me the skills and tools to do solid, evidence-based research.”
He credits much of his intellectual growth to his supervisor, Professor Sudipto DASGUPTA. “He taught me how to ask creative questions and stay curious,” Professor Chang says. Yet mentorship went beyond technical training. “He was like my academic father—supportive, caring, and always encouraging me to think deeply,” recalling the many times in his academic career when both mentor and mentee sat in absolute silence and contemplation for up to 20 minutes.
“He encouraged me to think, really think,” he recalls.
This atmosphere of inquiry and high standards built the foundations of Professor Chang’s academic confidence. “I was trained by world-class faculty with diverse backgrounds. Their expectations were extremely high,” he says. “I almost failed my qualifying exam, but staying through it showed me what it really means to do research at a high level.”
That diversity—both intellectual and cultural—was central to his HKUST experience. “The global environment helped me understand people from all over the world,” Professor Chang reflects. “Not just in classrooms, but also on football fields with teammates from 11 countries.” These interactions, he says, fostered openness and patience—skills that later proved vital in international collaboration and academic leadership.
Finding a Research Passion
While his academic direction wasn’t always clear-cut, HKUST gave Professor Chang the space to explore. “At first, I struggled to find my research focus,” he admits. Then he took a corporate finance class taught by his supervisor, explaining that the class spurred him on. That inspiration sparked a career in corporate and sustainable finance, areas that today extend into innovation and climate-related research. “After 20 years, I’ve realized that research is lifelong learning—always expanding into new areas, including machine learning and AI.
Becoming a Mentor
The influence of HKUST’s professors also shaped how Professor Chang views mentorship today. “As a teaching assistant, I saw how much students cared,” he recalls. “They even brought me lunch before exams while asking questions.” That sense of shared effort left a mark. “I realized I was passionate about teaching—that I might be suitable for this profession.”
Today, as a senior academic leader, he carries those lessons forward. “My HKUST training taught me the value of evidence-based and high-quality research,” he notes. “Now, I strive to create the same supportive environment for my students and colleagues—one that encourages creativity and curiosity.”
On that note, Professor Chang often speaks about the importance of perseverance—a trait he believes HKUST cultivates naturally. “Aim high and believe in yourself,” he advises current students. “Perseverance is key. There were moments I could have given up, but pushing a little further led to success.” That mindset led to his first top-tier publication and continues to guide his career.
Reflecting on his HKUST journey, Professor Chang’s pride is unmistakable. “Doing a PhD at HKUST was one of the best decisions I ever made,” he says. “It gave me not just knowledge, but a lasting source of energy and confidence.”
In a testament to the University’s legacy of excellence, Professor Chang says that as HKUST celebrates its 35th anniversary, it is a time to reflect and inspire: “HKUST taught me to think deeply, work hard, and never stop learning. That’s the spirit that still keeps me moving forward.”
