HIGHLIGHTS
Faculty Speak to Media Amid MSGF 10th Anniversary (15 & 29 May)
In an interview with and iMoney, New York University Professor Menachem Brenner explained why VIX (Volatility Index) is low in time of uncertainty. Pioneered the concept of the volatility index, He said the role of the VIX is misunderstood, and that he seeks to create a new tool to measure the different but relevant concept of “ambiguity” that could provide the missing piece to explain what is going on in the market. Professor Brenner was in Hong Kong to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the MSGF program (HKUST-NYU Stern MS in Global Finance), which he teaches.
SCMP Expert Insight Series (19 & 25 May)
In the Expert Insight Series collaborated with HKUST Business School, SCMP Ed Post published the first two interviews (articles and videos) with faculty on their views and insights on the topics of big data and finance. Dean Professor Tam Kar-yan outlined the massive impact of big data on business and public policy decisions in the next five years, whereas Professor Utpal Bhattacharya, Department of Finance, explained the importance of Hong Kong’s low tolerance for corruption, clear regulations and well-established rule of law, which support the city as an international hub for business and finance. The coming series will include another interviews with Professor Xu Yan on innovation and an MBA alumnus on his startup experience.
BGS HKUST Chapter Welcomes New Members (15 May)
SCMP published a sponsored supplement featuring the 120 new members and two honorees admitted to the HKUST Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS). The two distinguished honorees are Ms Anita Fung, an independent non-executive director of HK Exchanges and Clearing, and Professor Albert Ip, executive director and chief executive of Langham Hospitality Investments. While praising the two honorees as role models in business and public service and their contributions as committee members of the HKUST Council, the article also said BGS is a global network that recognizes business students for their pursuit of excellence.
One Belt, One Road - A Connected Future (9 May)
SCMP online carried a sponsored channel featuring stories provided by the School Magazine – Biz@HKUST. In its cover story, the Magazine discussed with leading thinkers of what “One Belt One Road” means to the business world and Hong Kong as well as the role the School can play. Two prominent leaders Dr Vincent H.S. Lo and Dr Hans Michael Jebsen, together with faculty of HKUST and its partner school – Moscow School of Management Skolkovo, shared their insights and opportunities along the route.
OTHERS
Barclays Tipped to Start Hiring Bankers in Asia (31 May)
eFinanical Careers reported that Barclays is tipped to start hiring bankers again in Asia next year. Eric Sim, a former head of structured solutions at Citi and ANZ, and an Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Finance, was quoted as saying that Barclays preferred to hire someone who could bring opportunities from the US or UK markets to Asian clients.
How ‘Opt-out’ Affects Other Consumers (31 May)
SCMP Ed Post carried a research summary by Professor Hui Kai-lung, Department of ISOM. His research looks into advertising and direct marketing, by investigating the extent of “externalities” - consequences experienced by third parties -- on other consumers.
Moody’s Credit Rating (31 May)
HKET carried an article by Professor Jerome Yen, Department of Finance, commenting on Moody’s recent downgrading of China’s credit rating as well as its “hidden agenda”.
“UGL” Investigation (26 May)
Sky Post carried a commentary by Emeritus Professor Francis Lui. He commented on the recent dispute and political tussles among lawmakers over the UGL incident investigation by Legco.
Passing of Founding Dean (23 May)
Several local dailies reported on the passing of HKUST former VP for Academic Affairs and Founding Dean of Business School, Professor Chan Yuk-shee. Most briefly recapped his career and achievements in academia. Some mentioned a memorial service to be held on 3 June.
Risks Triggered by Global Tax Reforms (23 May)
HKEJ carried a commentary (解牛集) by Lecturer Dr Kelvin Mak, Department of Accounting. He explained the underlying risks of global tax reforms, especially the US President Donald Trump’s tax cut plan which may fuel the global tax competition as countries are taking steps to attract foreign investment.
About Justin Lin (19 & 23 May)
HKEJ and Sky Post carried articles by Emeritus Professor Francis Lui on a former and well-known faculty of the Business School Professor Justin Lin. He talked about his background, achievements and contributions to the world of economics.
HKUST MBA Program (19 May)
Business Because carried a story featuring an UK MBA alumnus Jonathan Patterson, who shared his positive learning experience at HKUST and explained why he chose Asia’s business school over top-ranked MBA programs in the US and Europe. Meanwhile, Financial Buzz carried another story highlighting the advantages of studying MBA program in HKUST.
South Koreans Keep Calm, Confident of Kim’s Rationality (19 May)
SCMP published an opinion-editorial by Assistant Professor Choi Joon-nak, Department of Management. He said there is little sign of real panic in Seoul despite the heated rhetoric and regional preparations for hostilities, because they believe the Kim regime, no matter how ruthless, is neither stupid nor crazy. However Professor Choi wonders if South Koreans might underestimate the chances of war.
WannaCry Ransomware Attack Shows the Wisdom of Having an Offline Plan B (18 May)
SCMP published an opinion-editorial by Professor Hui Kai-lung, Department of ISOM. He explained why organizations providing critical services must have a backup plan that does not rely on the internet in case of a crippling cyberattack. In the wake of WannaCry, he said what we need is a change in attitude. Instead of betting everything on protection, we should prepare for a scenario when the operating system is unavailable or critical data is not accessible from a computer.
Segmentation and Positioning (18 May)
HKEJ published an article co-authored by Professor Mike So, Department of ISOM. The article discussed market segmentation and positioning.
How Financial Reporting Environment Affects Crash Risk (17 May)
SCMP Ed Post carried a research summary by Professor Hung Mingyi, Department of Accounting. Her study analyzes the effect of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption on both non-financial and financial companies, to compare their impacts on “crash risk”.
AI Set to Replace Manpower (16 May)
HKEJ carried a commentary (解牛集) by Professor JT Li, Senior Associate Dean and Head of Management Department. He discussed the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its far-reaching impacts on the labor market.
HK’s Tech Companies Need Local Status in China to Succeed (14 May)
SCMP published an article by a columnist discussing Hong Kong’s ability to reinvent or evolve its economy, including its status of innovation development. The article cited Dean Tam Kar-yan on his comment about the value of innovation and HKUST being a platform for encouraging thought.
Localism and Xenophobic (12 May)
Sky Post carried an article by Emeritus Professor Francis Lui, who introduced a book on localism and xenophobic. The book is co-authored by himself and other 17 writers.
Organ Donation (9 May)
HKEJcarried a commentary (解牛集) by Professor Hui Kai-lung, Department of ISOM. He commented on the importance of family support in organ donation and called on more public education and better communications between donors and their family to improve the number of organ donations in Hong Kong.
Radio Program on Belt and Road (9 May)
RTHK Radio (自由風自由 PHONE) discussed the Belt and Road initiative. Emeritus Professor Francis Lui mentioned the steps taken by the HKUST Business School, including its collaboration with company in Saudi Arabia to launch an overseas MBA program and cooperation with an academic institution in Moscow.
China’s Booming Service Industry Can’t Keep Up With College Grads (5 May)
Bloombergcarried an article on China's service sector employment, in which Professor Albert Park, Department of Economics, was quoted as saying that barriers to entry in state-dominated industries are hindering employment growth in China.
Use of Data (4 May)
HKEJcarried an article co-authored by Professor Mike So, Department of ISOM, on how enterprises can leverage big data in their marketing strategy.
New Opportunities Amid Blockchain Development (2 May)
HKEJ carried a commentary (解牛集) by Dean Tam Kar-yan and Chair Professor of ISOM. He outlined the huge potential of blockchain technology, which would open up new opportunities for 12 “use cases”, including digital identity, records, securities, etc. He called on Hong Kong to nurture more talent in preparing for the change.
FT Top MBAs for Finance (1 May)
HKET reported on the result of the Financial Time’s Top MBAs for finance 2017, in which HKUST was ranked 16th globally.