HKUST Business School has formed a landmark partnership with Nazarbayev University (NU), a leading institution in Central Asia, to launch Asia’s first joint degree program in Eurasian Business. This collaboration was formalized through an MoU signed during the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s 10th Belt and Road Summit held on September 10, marking a significant milestone in cross-regional academic cooperation.
HKUST Vice-President for Administration and Business Prof. TAM Kar-Yan (front row, right) and Acting Provost of NU Prof. Loretta O’DONNELL (front row, left) signed an MoU to establish Asia’s first joint undergraduate program in Eurasian Business. The signing was witnessed by Commissioner for Belt and Road of the HKSAR Government Mr. Nicholas HO Lik-Chi (back row, second right); Acting Dean of HKUST Business School Prof. HUI Kai-Lung (back row, first right); Chief Operating Officer of NU Mr. Maksat MAMASHEV (back row, second left); and Dean of NU Graduate School of Business Prof. Jozef (Joep) KONINGS (back row, first left).
NU’s historical role as the birthplace of the Silk Road Economic Belt concept adds symbolic depth to this partnership. The joint degree program will offer students a unique blend of global business education and regional insights, preparing them to lead in an increasingly interconnected world.
The NU delegation — including Acting Provost Prof. Loretta O’DONNELL, Chief Operating Officer Mr. Maksat MAMASHEV, Dean of Graduate School of Business Prof. Jozef (Joep) KONINGS, Vice Dean for Research Prof. Venkat SUBRAMANIAN, and Director for Executive Education Ms. Anara AYAGANOVA — visited HKUST Business School and engaged in productive dialogues.
Beyond the joint degree, this partnership will facilitate executive education initiatives aimed at driving business innovation in Central Asia. It also includes plans for study trips to Hong Kong and Mainland China, offering NU’s EMBA students immersive opportunities to experience Asia’s vibrant business environment.
The NU delegation met with HKUST leadership and explored the School’s teaching facilities during the visit.