HKUST Business School continues to broaden its global footprint through purposeful engagement that advances academic collaboration, enriches student opportunities, and strengthens research-driven partnerships.
In the few weeks since our new Dean, Prof. Frederik ANSEEL, came on board, the School has already welcomed ten visiting delegations led by senior representatives from Chinese Mainland, Europe, Oceania, and other regions. Each engagement reinforced our commitment to international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the long‑term development of impactful global partnerships. Below are some highlights:
Tsinghua University—Synergizing Strengths for Collaboration
The School had a productive and forward‑looking meeting with the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management, led by Associate Dean Prof. HE Ping and his team. Both sides explored a broad spectrum of potential collaborations, including joint degree programs, research initiatives in emerging fields, student mobility exchanges, and future executive education partnerships. The visit reaffirmed the strong foundation of partnership and long‑standing trust between the two institutions.
Zhejiang University—Advancing Tech × Business Integration
We were delighted to host a delegation from Zhejiang University School of Management, led by Dean Prof. XIE Xiaoyun and his team. Zhejiang University is widely recognized for excellence in tech‑driven business research and education. Discussions focused on student mobility, faculty and research exchanges, academic program innovation, and potential executive education partnerships—highlighting strong alignment in innovation‑centric talent development.
Central University of Finance and Economics—Innovation Pathway for Finance Talent
We received a delegation from the School of Finance, Central University of Finance and Economics, led by Dean Prof. ZHANG Xueyong and Deputy Dean Prof. DU Huancheng. The visit focused on co‑developing a joint study pathway to cultivate next‑generation finance talent equipped for the digital era. Both institutions explored how this pathway could serve as the foundation for a broader innovation ecosystem—one that connects curriculum design, graduate career development, and the evolving talent needs of the regional digital‑finance landscape.
IE University—Connecting Cross‑Regional Leadership
HKUST welcomed 22 senior delegates from IE University, Spain, including Mr. Andrea LONGARETTI, Global Head of Recruitment & Admissions; Ms. Elisa MELENDEZ MARTIN, Head of Global Markets; and Mr. Alberto IBANEZ PASCUAL, Regional Director, Asia Pacific of IE University headquarters, alongside other global heads and regional directors. The visit offered a valuable platform for both institutions to exchange insights on regional outreach strategies, program marketing approaches, and student engagement models across Europe and Asia. The dialogue further strengthened cross-regional ties and facilitated meaningful sharing of best practices.
Macquarie University—Aligning Research Strategy Across the Region
The visit from Macquarie University, Australia, led by Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate Research), Prof. Simon HANDLEY, and senior colleagues, advanced discussions on a joint global PhD strategy, faculty exchange opportunities, and collaborative research in health economics, healthcare, AI, and sustainability. The meeting reinforced mutual interest in building long‑term research synergies across the Asia-Pacific.
Embassy of Spain in China—Enhancing Understanding of Higher Education Landscape
HKUST joined an exchange hosted by the Embassy of Spain in China and the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education, meeting with close to 30 senior representatives from 12 Spanish universities. The delegation was led by Mr. Alberto SALCINES SÁEZ, Director of the Unit for the Internationalization of Spanish Higher Education, and Ms. María Luisa OCHOA FERNÁNDEZ, Education Counsellor for China, Japan and the Republic of Korea. The session provided insights into the higher education landscape and opened new pathways for collaboration in joint research, academic program development, and bilateral student mobility between HKUST and leading Spanish institutions.
Chulalongkorn University—Strengthening Regional Impact
HKUST also hosted a strong delegation of 80+ members from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious higher education institution. The delegation was led by President Prof. Wilert PURIWAT and other senior representatives across various faculties. Discussions focused on student mobility, academic and research innovation, and new interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities—further deepening HKUST’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
These visits collectively reinforce HKUST Business School’s vision of cultivating a robust global engagement ecosystem that benefits students, faculty, alumni, and the broader academic community, regionally and globally.