Highlights

Bloomberg Businessweek: HKUST’s MBA program Ranked No.1 in the Asia-Pacific Region (Sep 21)

Various media reported that HKUST’s MBA program has been ranked once again No.1 in the Asia-Pacific region by Bloomberg Businessweek in the 2024-25 "Best B-Schools" ranking. Assoc. Dean Prof. Stephen SHIH said that they will strive for innovation in management education to improve the quality and enhance the impact of the program. Separately, the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA was ranked among the top ten in Asia in the recently released QS Executive MBA Rankings 2024.

(TOM, Eastday, Eastmoney, ifeng.com, Hexun, life.3news.cn, zgddmx.com, china.com, fromgeek.com, pedaily.cn, Sina, Eastday, ifeng.com, Jiemian, Diankeji, cnw.com.cn)

Combating Use of Fake Academic Credentials in Program Applications (Sep 10)

In an HK Economic Journal Monthly feature story on applicants of academic programs using fake academic credentials, Acting Dean Prof. HUI Kai-Lung discussed the challenges universities face in implementing strict admission standards due to limited resources, especially when there are thousands of applicants. He stressed that admission requirements for the School’s programs are stringent, with an admission rate of less than 10%. The School has a specialized team to verify the authenticity of certificates and documents submitted by applicants.

E-HKD Pilot Program Enters New Phase (Sep 24)

In reports published in Metro Radio, Headline Daily (article 1, article 2) and HK Commercial Daily on the HK Monetary Authority's launch of the Phase 2 of the e-HKD Pilot Program, TAM Kar-Yan, Professor of Information Systems and a member of the HKMA CBDC Expert Group, was quoted as saying the project will explore how the new forms of digital money can achieve smarter, more efficient, and automated transaction processes. He added that the School has been working closely with the HKMA and the industry to help unlock the potential of digital money.

OTHERS

User-Institution Interaction Fortifies Network Defenses (Sep 30)

An HK Economic Journal article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung looked into on the user-institution interaction in network systems. He emphasized the importance of joint efforts to enhance security as well as user engagement and institutional collaboration in fortifying defenses and addressing vulnerabilities effectively.

Leveraging Soft Power of Enterprising Families (Sep 29)

FT Chinese ran an article co-authored by Senior Advisor of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Roger KING, Knitknot Global founder Pauline YEUNG, and The Choate News Editor-in-Chief Fiona FU on the fresh outlook on family businesses through the lens of families' soft power.

Attracting Foreign Talent to Korean Universities (Sep 29)

A Korea Joongang Daily column article by Assoc. Prof. Hyuncheol Bryant KIM, Department of Economics, discussed the importance of attracting foreign talent to Korea's universities to foster innovation and competitiveness.

HKUST EMBA Welcomes New Cohort (Sep 27)

According to various media, including Caifuhao, ifeng.com, xhby.net, and sina.com, at the opening ceremony for HKUST EMBA Class 2024, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung shared his expectations for the new cohort, while Assoc. Dean Prof. FONG Yuk-Fai delivered the welcome remarks.

Why Hong Kong and Singapore Should Team Up on Family Offices? (Sep 27)

In an Asian Private Banker article, Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie PENG shared her views on the collaboration between HK and Singapore on family offices. In another article in Nikkei.com, Prof. Peng commented on Thailand’s family businesses.

On US’ Provocative stance against China (Sep 27)

In an HK Economic Times column article, Prof. Emeritus Francis LUI, Department of Economics, offered his take on the possible catastrophic consequences of the US’ provocative stance against China.

Tapping HK’s appeal to Attract Tourists in Golden Week (Sep 27)

An HK Economic Times article co-authored by a visiting scholar and a deputy manager of the School’s Center for Business and Social Analytics examined how HK could enhance its local appeal to attract mainland tourists in the upcoming Golden Week holiday.

HKUST Places 46th in QS Global MBA Rankings (Sep 26-28)

Various media, including Headline, Dimsum Daily, Singtao, Line Today, on.cc, ifeng.com, jobmarket.com.hk, reported that HKUST secured the 46th place in the latest QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, while HKU fell eight spots to 43rd. CUHK Business School came in 80th, and CityU was ranked 99th. In response, HKUST Business School noted that its MBA program has consistently ranked among the top MBA programs globally. The School will continue to drive innovation and improvements, and cultivate the next generation of business leaders in an ever-evolving business environment.

Best and Highest-paid MBAs for Banking and Finance Jobs (Sep 25)

In an eFinancialCareers article on the best and highest-paid MBA programs for banking and finance jobs, it was mentioned that HKUST came second on the list, after Stanford University.

Social Capital for Asian family Businesses (Sep 25)

An FT Chinese article co-authored by the Senior Advisor of the Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Roger King, Knitknot Global founder Pauline Yeung, and The Choate News editor-in-chief Fiona Fu explores the significance of social capital for Asian family businesses.

Faculty Member Joins Arta TechFin’s Board (Sep 24)

According to marketscreener, Arta TechFin Corporation Limited announced appointing Prof. Winnie Peng, Department of Finance, as an independent non-executive director and a member of the remuneration committee.

Safeguarding Consumer Funds in Pre-paid Services with Blockchains (Sep 23)

An HK Economic Journal column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung discussed the use of blockchain technology in enhancing consumer protection with respect to pre-paid services. He mentioned that recent closures of shops and chain stores have highlighted consumer protection issues in pre-sale operations.

Ensuring Long-term Success of Family Enterprises (Sep 20)

An HK Economic Times article by Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie Peng discussed the importance of understanding how decisions affect oneself and others, advocating for a mindful approach in family enterprises to ensure longevity and success. She outlined five key characteristics for a mindful family business, including clear roles and responsibilities, financial preparedness, risk diversification, technological adaptation, and a focus on societal impact.

Case for Extending Retirement Age (Sep 17-20)

Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Department of Economics joined a NowTV news program to discuss mainland authorities' decision to increase the statutory retirement age. In an HK Economic Times article, he shared his views on why HK should follow the Mainland’s example in gradually extending the retirement age.

Regulating Virtual Asset Trading with Tiered Licensing System (Sep 16)

In an HK Economic Journal column article, Acting Dean Hui Kai-Lung suggested that a tiered licensing system for regulating virtual asset trading systems could include strict licenses for large transactions and more lenient licenses for smaller ones, striking a balance between regulatory oversight and fostering innovation in the Web 3.0 realm.

Alumnus Shares Experience in Supporting Middle-aged Workers’ Employment (Sep 13)

A feature story published in Recruit featured school alumnus Ryan YEUNG’s journey in founding the social enterprise Happy-Retired Charity to support the transition of middle-aged workers and combat unemployment and retirement gloom. Yeung also shared personal experiences and strategies for employment in Hong Kong's aging workforce.

Why the Industrial Revolution Occurred late in China? (Sep 13)

An HK Economic Times article by Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Department of Economics, explained why the Industrial Revolution did not occur earlier in China, despite its advanced technological achievements. He indicated that economic factors, like market size and efficient trading systems, are crucial for industrial progress.

Building Sustainable Talent Pipeline for Insurtech Industry (Sep 12)

In an Eastweek Web article on Insurtech, it was mentioned that the School’s Fintech Research Group earlier released a report titled "Insurtech Talent Development in HK – From Insurance to Insurtech: Strategies for Building a Sustainable Talent Pipeline", which revealed that HK’s Insurtech industry should hire and retain enough talent with urgently needed skills and resources to fulfil its commitment to meeting customer needs.

Enhancing Growth Momentum with Tech Diffusion (Sep 12)

An HK Economic Times column article by Chair Prof. LI Jiatao, Department of Management, shared his insights on enhancing economic growth momentum by accelerating the diffusion of innovation and technology.

Promoting HK’s Position as Philanthropic Hub (Sep 11)

In an article published in Sing Tao Daily and Headline Daily on addressing the hurdles that HK faces in becoming a philanthropic hub, Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie Peng estimated that more than one-third of tax-exempt charitable organizations are controlled by family offices. These entities prioritize not just wealth and business continuity but also underscore the transmission of values, notably the promotion of altruism over self-interest.

Manufacturing Shift Benefits Internationalization of China’s Economic Sectors (Sep 10)

According to ifeng.com (article 1, article 2), Acting Head Prof. David Edward COOK, Department of Economics, discussed the topic of Chinese companies going global in an online dialogue session of the 2024 Phoenix Financial Reform for the GBA. He emphasized how China's overseas manufacturing shift will benefit regional economies through job creation and knowledge exchange. This move is set to boost the internationalization of China's commercial sector and offshore financial centers.

HK’s Family Offices Keen on Charitable Initiatives (Sep 10)

An HK Economic Times editorial on strategic philanthropy and impact investments in HK quoted Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie Peng as saying that HK boasts the highest number of established single-family offices in Asia. According to a survey conducted by HKUST and EY, all of Hong Kong's family offices have participated in charitable initiatives, with over 90% integrating impact investing into their strategic plans, a notably higher percentage compared to the one-third observed in Greater China.

Stable Coins and e-HKD Unlock Potential of Digital Economy (Sep 9)

An HK Economic Journal column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung discussed the pros and cons of Hong Kong adopting stable coins and central bank digital currencies in promoting the development of the digital economy.

Relationship between GDP and population in China (Sep 9)

HK Economic Times published an article by Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Department of Economics, on the relationship between GDP and population in China over time. He indicated that advancements in food production, especially in agriculture, have supported population growth and increased GDP.

Transitioning to Single-Family Offices (Sep 6)

In an HK Economic Times article, Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie Peng suggested the Government to offer policy incentives like tax benefits to motivate embedded family offices to grow into single-family offices.

Recognizing Outstanding Corporate Strategy (Sep 4)

Various media reported that Adjunct Prof. CK CHAN served as one of the award presenters at the 9th Outstanding Corporate Strategy Awards 2024 organized by East Week, sharing his insights on business expansion and management amidst the current economic environment in HK and globally. (Eastweek, Headline 1, Headline 2, Headline 3, Headline 4, Headline 5)

Incentivizing Adherence to Appointment Times with Smart Contract (Sep 2)

An HK Economic Journal column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung explored utilizing smart contracts to improve adherence to appointment times between doctors and patients. By adjusting consultation fees based on adherence, he mentioned that the system can increase both parties' commitment to punctuality, thereby reducing waiting time.