HKUST Business School hosted the BizInsight Forum & Alumni Get-Together in London on May 19 for a vibrant afternoon of discussions. Co-hosted with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO), the event gathered our local alumni, partners, and business and academic leaders and explored exciting topics around the new geo-economic dynamics, AI-driven business empowerment, and pathways to entering and building global business.
Ms. Fiona CHAU, Director-General of the London ETO, highlighted Hong Kong’s continued efforts to attract global talent and strengthen its education and innovation ecosystem in her welcoming remarks.
In his opening remarks, Dean Frederik ANSEEL outlined a strategic vision for HKUST Business School – one that’s both globally engaged and deeply rooted in its unique role of bridging China and the world. He spoke about something that’s close to his heart: embedding AI deeply into business education, embracing the promising era defined by AI-driven empowerment.
Delivering the keynote speech on the new anti-fragile global economy, Prof. JIN Keyu, (Global Economist & Professor of Finance of HKUST) cut through all the buzzwords we keep hearing such as “decoupling” and “deglobalization”. Her message was refreshingly grounded: While the global economy may face more frequent shocks, they are unlikely to be severe or catastrophic.
In an engaging dialogue that followed, Dr. Malina NGAI (Group CEO of AS Watson, and member of HKUST Business School Advisory Council) shared her pragmatic approach to GenAI deployment: reduce friction, not just chase speed. As she put it, “I am not deploying AI. I am redesigning the human–machine relationship in the company.” She also pointed to a broader cultural shift — viewing AI as a horizontal capability embedded across the organization, and encouraging employees to “partner” with AI.
The same thread carried into the plenary talk. Ms. Teresa KO (Former China Chair & Senior Partner of Freshfields Hong Kong Office, and member of HKUST Business School Advisory Council) reminded us that success increasingly depends on three very human skills: reading the signs well, understanding the long-term trends, and building trust and relationships.
We also heard from our alumni, each bringing their own honest voice. Mr. Stone SHI (CEO of Mayborn Groupan, and an alumnus of HKUST MBA) encouraged us to get comfortable with navigating the global environment — even if it means challenging one’s own ego and long-held assumptions; Mr. Chris PEREIRA (Founder & CEO of iMpact, and an alumnus of HKUST MBA) urged everyone to stay bold and optimistic. Mr. David DAY, (Group Head of Sales (APAC) of London Stock Exchange Group, and an alumnus of Kellogg-HKUST EMBA and HKUST MSc FinTech), reminded the audience that curiosity remains a decisive advantage.
As the global economy becomes harder to read, even as we gain better tools, faster analysis, and smarter systems, judgement is increasingly the differentiator.
The School extends its sincere thanks to our speakers for such a timely and forward-looking dialogue, and to everyone who stayed for the cocktail reception to keep the conversation going and explore what’s next – together.
