December 2003 marks the end of a rewarding year and the arrival of another challenging year. It is also a time for many conferences and seminars here at the HKUST campus. I am pleased that the Third Forum of Asian Pacific Business Schools will be one of these meaningful activities hosted by the HKUST Business School. We would like to extend our warmest welcome and appreciate your participation in the Forum.
The Forum started two years ago as a gathering of the top business schools in the Asia-Pacific region to discuss topics of common interest and to foster mutual cooperation and advancement. It is a unique chance for the top minds from these schools to share their experiences, examine the challenges facing them and explore future opportunities available in business education.
The economic downturn has forced us to think critically about our roles in providing business education to our future leaders. In an age of rapid globalization, we also realise the importance of addressing many common issues in a global perspective. Built on the two previous forums held by KAIST Graduate School of Management in Seoul (2001) and National Taiwan University (2002), this year's forum will continue the themes of strategic alliance and collaboration among Asian Pacific business schools in research and teaching. Particularly, the focus will be placed on what and how we can do to push the frontiers of business research. Another panel topic will be the setting of the quality assurance framework for business programs. Accreditation and important rankings both regionally and internationally will be the areas for discussion.
The Forum envisages your active participation through panel discussions and presentations. We value this unique opportunity that brings us together for the better development of business education in the Asia-Pacific region.
Again, welcome to the dynamic city of Hong Kong and I wish you all a meaningful and enjoyable stay here.
KC Chan
Dean
HKUST Business School