Highlights

Kellogg-HKUST EMBA Creates Value with Immersive Learning Experience

Economic Digest published an interview with directors of the Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA Program (KH), which topped the global EMBA ranking by Financial Times for twelve years. Academic Director Prof. HUA Xinyu stated that KH focuses on internationalized and diversified interactions, and offers exposure to the latest economic development in Asia, while integrating business trends in the East and the West. Program Director Judy AU noted that senior executives with extensive experience are enrolled in the program, which helps them enhance their leadership skills and strategic capabilities through a diverse international learning environment and a strong emphasis on exchange opportunities.

Preparing Leaders for Complex Business Environments

An SCMP Professional Education Magazine article featured how graduate programs in HK prepare senior executives to lead in a business environment where uncertainty is the only constant. Prof. SHI Mengze, Academic Director of HKUST DBA, said that the program has introduced “ESG and Sustainability Research: Management and Organization Foundations” as an elective to promote effective strategic decision making, execution and organizations that consider the interests of various stakeholders. On the other hand, the Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA Program has introduced courses such as “Managing Emerging Technologies”, and “Unlocking Executive and Enterprise Value with Generative AI”, and in 2025 organized a Middle East study trip on digital transformation for students.

In another Magazine article on scholarships, grants and funding that supporting career-driven professionals, Mandy LEE, head of HKUST MBA Marketing and Admissions, advised that the search for funding is not just about financial support, it’s about aligning with opportunities that recognize one’s potential and purpose.

OTHERS

Digital Currencies Gaining Popularity (Dec 30)

Reports in various media, including Eastmoney, ifeng.com, sina.cn, cfi.cn, quoted HKUST Institute for Financial Research (IFR) Asst. Director Prof. TANG Bo as stating that the adoption of digital currencies in the real economy has apparently gathered pace, and digital currencies have become tools for value preservation and derisking in regions with currency instability.

Satellite Communications Development as Highlighted by Starlink (Dec 29)

HK Economic Journal ran an article by Acting Dean Prof. HUI Kai-Lung on the evolution of satellite communications as demonstrated through Starlink.

China’s Record Global Trade Surplus (Dec 27)

In a KR Asia article on China’s record trade surplus looking to fuel trade tensions, Prof. JIN Keyu, Dept of Finance, was quoted as saying that the surplus “is not just a trade issue”, but also a result of China's exceptionally high household savings rate, while investment has grown more slowly.

Student Wins HK ICT Awards with Art Education Solution (Dec 25)

According to a HoMemory report, a student from the School formed a team with university students in computer science to establish the "ArtInSight" platform, which uses AI technology to support art education by providing guidance for art appreciation and criticism, and suggestions for modification. Her project won the Student Innovation Grand Award at the HK ICT Awards 2025.

US’s Strategic Shift to Western Hemisphere (Dec 25)

A Master Insight column article by Prof. Emeritus Francis LUI, Dept of Economics, analyzed the US policy shift to the Western Hemisphere.

Enhancing HK's Soft Power in Attracting Tourists (Dec 24)

An HK Economic Times article by researcher of the School's Center for Business and Social Analytics Bruce JIN explored ways to enhance HK's soft power in attracting tourists with festive activities that provide emotional values.

Searching for Opportunities in Challenging Times (Dec 23)

According to SCMP, at the Asian Insurance Forum 2025, HKUST Vice-President Prof. TAM Kar-Yan highlighted that AI education should span the entire organization, from equipping entry-level staff with technical skills to helping senior management understand AI's potential and future trajectory. He encouraged companies to start with pilot AI projects and gradually scale up as experience grows.

Forum Brings Together Educators from across Greater Bay Area (Dec 11)

According to SCMP Young Post, at the fourth annual Principals’ Forum, university leaders from HKUST, HKU, EdU and Peking University discussed preparing students for a rapidly changing future. Assoc. Dean Prof. Tat Koon KOH stated that domain expertise remains a fundamental requirement alongside broader competencies.

Enhancing National Competitiveness with Communication Technology (Dec 22)

An HK Economic Journal column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung looked into how communication technology helps enhance national competitiveness.

Preventing Accounting Fraud (Dec 22)

An Economic Digest column article by Assoc. Prof. TANG Chao, Dept of Accounting, discussed the prevention of and crackdown on accounting fraud. His research found that raising incentives for whistleblowing might not necessarily correlate positively with auditing quality.

HK Leveraging Growth of China’s Green Economy (Dec 20)

HK Economic Times published an article by Prof JT LI on how HK can ride on the growth momentum of China’s green economy.

Sanctions Prompt Chinese Firms to increase investment in R&D (Dec 19)

Various media, including Finance.sina.com.cn, sina.cn, sina.cn 2, Zaobao.com.sg, eastmoney, ifeng.com, sina.com.cn, china.com.cn, chinanews.com.cn, zaochenbao.com, Caijing.com.cn, finance.sina.com.cn, reported that at the Caijing Annual Conference, Prof. Jin Keyu, Dept of Finance, stated that Western sanctions on China have prompted Chinese companies to increase investment in R&D, boost patent growth, mobilize the domestic market and service industry to consolidate global supply chain resilience. She noted rising Western trade dependence on China, along with China's shifting dependence towards resource-rich countries, makes the country an IP exporter.

Stemming Japanese Militarism (Dec 19)

A Master Insight column article by Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, delved into China playing the “Ryukyu card” to stem Japanese militarism.

Guarding against AI Digital Divide (Dec 15)

An HK Economic Journal column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung discussed guarding against AI digital divide through lessons learned from the development of telecom industry.

Less Diversified Shareholder Base Weighs on Equity Capital (Dec 13)

An HK Economic Journal article by Assoc. Prof. CHEN Zhanhui, Dept of Finance, elaborated that firms with a less diversified shareholder base face a higher cost of equity capital.

Crypto world: All in the game (Dec 12)

In a China Daily HK article on how HK's digital-asset market is going mainstream, Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie PENG was quoted as saying that "new money", now outnumbering "old money" in HK's family office ecosystem, tends to be more receptive to digital assets.

Fire Exposes Urgent Need for Governance Reform in HK (Dec 12)

A Master Insight article by Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, stated that Tai Po fire is a stark reminder of the urgent need for governance reform in HK.

Developing HK’s Role as International Carbon Hub (Dec 12)

HK Economic Times ran a column article by Prof Darwin CHOI, Asst. Head of Dept of Finance, on developing HK’s role as international carbon hub.

Banks Stung by Shrinking Fees in HK IPO Boom (Dec 11)

In a Bloomberg article on HK’s IPO boom that obscures sharp drop in underwriter fee rates, Adjunct Assoc. Prof. Veronique LAFON-VINAIS, Dept of Finance, was quoted as saying that it still makes sense for Wall Street banks to pursue blockbuster deals with the current underwriting fee levels, as the listing mandate may later bring more business, such as wealth management for the companies' founders.

Global Supply Chain Summit and Conference (Dec 10)

Various media reported that some 200 business leaders, government officials and academicians attended the Global Supply Chain Summit and Conference 2025 organized by HKUST Li & Fung Supply Chain Institute. Dr. William FUNG, Chair of the Institute’s Advisory Board, delivered a speech at the summit. The 2025 Global Supply Chain Report was released, focusing on four major industries and analyzing how geopolitics, technology, and sustainable development are reshaping the global supply chain landscape.

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Debunking ‘China Threat’ Narrative (Dec 10)

In articles published in SCMP and Meta Press, Prof. Jin Keyu, Dept of Finance, was quoted as saying at the Global Supply Chain Business Summit that China has supported the global diffusion of technology by significantly lowering costs through production at scale, and the so‑called ‘China threat’ is nothing more than a mislabeling.

Designing Framework for Responsible AI (Dec 9)

According to a tkww.hk report on the framework for responsible AI, HKUST Vice-President Prof. Tam Kar-Yan stated that regulation should not be seen merely as restriction, but rather as an enabling tool. He pointed out that clear rules can help increase public acceptance and accelerate technology adoption.

Decoding New Global Economic Order (Dec 9)

Various media, including Ifeng.com, eastmoney, sina.com.cn, jfdaily.com, reported that during her talk at the China Economic Annual Conference, Prof. Jin Keyu, Dept of Finance, shared her insights into the new global Economic order and the restructuring of international relations amid global fragmentation.

JPEX Scam Sows Misunderstanding about Blockchain (Dec 8)

An HK Economic Journal article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung delved into the public misunderstanding about blockchain resulting from the JPEX scam.

China's Growing Soft Power (Dec 5)

A Master Insight article by Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, looks into China's growing soft power, arguing that the nation’s international image has surpassed that of the US.

Luring Visitors with High Emotional Value Experiences (Dec 5)

In an HK Economic Times article, researcher of the School's Center for Business and Social Analytics Bruce Jin wrote on how HK can attract visitors with high emotional value experiences.

China-US Conflict to Persist in Long Term (Dec 4)

According to an ETnet report, Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, said in an interview that the China-US conflict is expected to continue into the next decade, with Washington possibly backing down when China's GDP as measured at purchasing power parity doubles that of the US. The major issue facing China's economy now is whether to pursue self-reliance or continue with reform and opening up.

Sing Tao New Vision Economic Summit (Dec 3)

Various media, including Stheadline, stheadline 2, stnn.cc, stnn.cc 2, eastmoney 2, reported that at the Sing Tao New Vision Economic Summit, Adjunct Prof. KC CHAN, Dept of Finance, moderated the session themed "Going global: strategies for enterprises expanding overseas and deepening engagement".

Curbing Advertising Scams with Better Vetting (Dec 1)

HK Economic Journal published a column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung on curbing advertising scams with better vetting.