Highlights
New Teaching Facilities in Admiralty to Open Mid-2026
Various media reported that Acting Dean Prof. HUI Kai-Lung shared at a media gathering that the newly acquired United Centre property serving as the School’s new teaching facilities will open by mid-2026, while noting that local universities’ moves to expand teaching space highlight HK's efforts in developing into an international education hub. Regarding the new bilingual DBA program in partnership with Tsinghua University’s PBC School of Finance, he said that the first cohort, comprising over 40 senior executives from diverse industries, commenced classes in August .
(Caixin, Caijing, wenweipo, tkww, tkww 2, tvb, 881903, aastocks, hk.on.cc, metroradio, mingpao1, hkej, orientaldaily, headline4hk, headline, infocastfn, Line Today, dotdotnews, Pchome, aastocks 2, finance.yahoo.com, HKET, HKEJ 2, HKEJ 3, Mingpao2, Mingpao 3, orientaldaily 2, TKWW 3, Wenweipo 2, Wenweipo 3, TKWW 4, Wenweipo 4, TKWW 5, HKET 3, HKET 4, HKCD, Headline)
School Forum Speakers on HK’s Gateway Role amid Shifting Trade Tensions
Speaking at the sideline of the School’s Global Forum, Adjunct Prof. KC Chan, Dept of Finance, said that as both China and the US seek a trade deal, HK’s IPO market is expected to remain robust. Prof. Chan emphasized that HK should optimize mechanisms and strengthen connectivity with the Chinese Mainland. Fung Group Vice Chairman and Advisory Board Chairman of the HKUST Li & Fung Supply Chain Institute William FUNG stated that HK has always been a gateway for international capital to access the mainland markets, while highlighting the city’s role in helping mainland enterprises expand into Southeast Asia, South Asia and even the Belt and Road markets.
(HK Commercial Daily, Ta Kung Pao, Ta Kung pao2, tkww.hk1, tkww.hk2, and Weibo)
School Launches Initiatives to Foster Talent Development
HKUST International Case Competition 2025 was held at HKUST campus. Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung remarked that the competition has become a dynamic platform for enhancing business acumen, promoting cultural exchange and nurturing future leaders.
(Stheadline, Sing Tao Headline.com, wenweipo, stheadline 2, quamnet, infocastfn.com, stockfisher.com.hk and china-news-online.com)
The School held a two-day executive program for 40 local high school principals and their delegates, featuring discussions on leadership development, emerging technologies related to youth development, and future educational trends. The initiative demonstrated HKUST’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community and supporting educational leadership and quality development at all levels.
(Bastillepost, quamnet, infocastfn.com, capital-hk.com, Master Insight, and Businesstimes.com.hk)
OTHERS
Enrolment of HKUST "Major + AI" Extended Major on the Rise (Oct 30)
HKUST VPAB Prof. TAM Kar-Yan said that HK has a growing demand for professionals in AI-related fields. Since the 2021/2022 academic year, HKUST’s "Major + AI" extended major framework has already trained over 1,300 students. Regarding the cases involving non-local applicants using fake credentials, Prof. Tam noted HKUST has not detected a high number of such cases, and procedures are in place to handle them. (WWP, HKET, Headline, TKWW, Takungpao, HK01, Headline 2, Mingpao,)
HK Banks to Launch Tokenized Deposits (Oct 30)
In an HK Economic Journal report, HKUST Institute for Financial Research (IFR) Head Prof. TANG Bo was quoted as saying that commercial stablecoins have significant advantages in emerging markets with under-developed banking systems, while tokenized deposits may be more efficient in HK with well-developed financial systems.
How Far can AI Go amid Doubts over Benefits? (Oct 27)
An HK Economic Journal column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung delved into how far can AI go, as the benefits of ChatGPT come under doubt.
Supporting Family Office Sector Development in Shenzhen (Oct 25)
Various media, including HKCD, HKCD 2, dutenews.com, dutenews.com 2, HKCD 3, jg-mvvm.eeo.com.cn, sina, ifeng.com 2, reported that Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie PENG served on an advisory team to provide suggestions for the development of family office sector in Shenzhen.
China’s Pause on Stablecoin Projects will not Dampen HK’s Crypto Push (Oct 25)
In an article on Beijing's recent moves to rein in Chinese Mainland firms' stablecoin and tokenization initiatives in HK, Head of IFR Prof. Tang Bo advised HK to focus on institution-led initiatives like government bond tokenization to reinforce its potential as a digital asset hub. (SCMP and finance.yahoo.com)
Soft Power Gains Importance as Family Offices Expand in Asia (Oct 24)
HK Economic Times published an article by Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie Peng on a growing number of family offices being set up in Asia, and the "soft power" of a family as key measure of success in inheritance.
On China’s Customized Rare Earth Policies (Oct 24)
In an article published in HK Economic Times and BAUHINIA on China's rare earth policies helping dismantle the US hegemony, Prof. Emeritus Francis LUI, Dept of Economics, remarked that export controls are not ideal for global supply chains, but given the US’s unilateral actions, China has little choice.
Do More Likes Lead To More Clicks? (Oct 23)
According to phys.org, Assoc. Prof. LIN Song, Dept of Marketing, collaborated on a study about how social cues, such as “likes”, affect advertising effectiveness on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Sharing Insights on Stablecoin Development (Oct 21)
In an interview with Metro Radio, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung stated that HK needs to strike a balance between stablecoin development and regulation, while also highlighting the School’s stablecoin-related research, curriculum, and admission policies.
Saudi Vision, HK Talent: Blueprint for Digital Century (Oct 21)
In an op-ed article published in Arab News on Saudi's blueprint for the digital century, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung noted HK's experience provides a masterclass in creating a virtuous cycle where education, industry, and regulation converge to produce a world-leading fintech workforce, could offer lessons to Saudi Arabia.
Enterprises' R&D Advancement Boosts HK's Transformation (Oct 17)
An HK Economic Times column article by Chair Prof. LI Jiatao, Dept of Management, examines how Chinese private enterprises' R&D advancement is a boost to HK's transformation and innovation.
Beijing’s Strategies to Tighten Rare Earth Export Controls (Oct 17)
An HK Economic Times article by Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, discussed Beijing's strategy of tightening export controls on rare earth to the US.
Asia’s Economic Rewiring and Rise of Future Business Leaders (Oct 15)
Various media reported that HKUST MBA is preparing leaders for innovation, inclusion, and leadership in a fast growing region. Prof. of Business Practice Paul KITNEY, Dept of Economics, noted that Asia's business landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and theoretical knowledge alone is not enough. Assoc. Dean (MBA programs) Prof. Stephen SHIH added that as new industries reshape the region's economy, the need for innovative, inclusive, and practical business leadership has never been greater.
(Hong-kong.media-outreach.com, FinancialContent, The Chronicle Journal, The One Observer News Enterprise, The Antlers American, The Inyo Register, The Daily Press, The Wapakoneta Daily News,
The Woonsocket Call, BizWire Express, Digital Journal, Macau Business, malaymail, Minyanville, Superadrianme, VietNam News, WhaTech, bastillepost, dbpower, quamnet, etnet, apnews.com, Siam News Network, Business Intelligence, Forever News, News Patrolling, Thailand Business News, sina, Vietnam Investment Review, Finanznachrichten.de, dpbower 2)
Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA Places 4th in FT Global EMBA Ranking (Oct 14)
Various media, including Poets and Quants, wenweipo, hkej, dotdotnews, yahoo.com, sina, chinanews, eeo.com.cn, chinanews 2, ifnews, eastmoney, business.china.com.cn, and BAUHINIA, reported that in the Financial Times 2025 Global EMBA Ranking, Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA ranked fourth, while CUHK Business School’s EMBA program took the 22nd place.
BMC Programs Advance Development of Chinese Private Enterprises (Oct 14)
According to an Eastmoney.com report, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung said through its continuous support of the Best Managed Companies (BMC) program, the School seeks to advance academia-industry collaboration in business innovation, and accelerate the cultivation of leaders with global outlook.
Combining AI Skills with Industry Knowledge (Oct 13)
In an HK Economic Journal column article on incorporating AI into business to enhance personal competence in career, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung opined that future job market success depends on combining AI skills with deep industry and business knowledge to internalize AI effectively within organizations.
Enhancing Resilience of Chinese Supply Chains (Oct 12)
In a media interview with tkww.hk and Wenweipo, Prof. XU Yan, Dept of ISOM, predicted that US software export controls may have less impact on Chinese industries than hardware supply disruption. Assoc. Prof. Amber LI, Dept of Economics, warned that US tariffs on China negatively affect HK’s entrepot role, though the overall impact may be limited given the city’s low US export share.
Luxury Consumption as Signal of Social Status (Oct 11)
HK Economic Journal published a column article by Asst. Prof. CHEN Qihui, Dept of Marketing, on how women use luxury consumption to signal to men.
HSBC’s Move to Privatize Hang Seng Bank (Oct 10)
Assoc. Head of Dept of Finance Prof. Darwin CHOI, in an RTHK live radio program on HSBC's proposal to privatize Hang Seng Bank, highlighted the uncertainties surrounding the transaction and advised investors to watch closely for how the two banks integrate and how impaired loan issues are managed.
Globe-trotting Executive MBA Runs into Trouble (Oct 10)
In a Financial Times article on globe-trotting executive MBA programs facing a stress test, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung was quoted as saying that much learning in EMBA programs does not happen in the classroom, but in the casual chats students have during social activities.
Transcending the Thucydides' Trap (Oct 10)
In an HK Economic Times column article on how China can avoid the Thucydides' Trap, the theory that a dominant power will not tolerate a rising challenger, Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, opined that since China is not the aggressor in this dynamic, steady progress and patience will ultimately help avoid the trap, with time working in China’s favor.
Tapping "Smart Tourism” Trend (Oct 10)
In an HK Economic Times column article on the new "smart tourism" trend, Wern NGO, Assistant Manager of the Center for Business and Social Analytics, noted that the data model of Wisers-HKUST Tourism Index, has forecast a new surge in Mainland visitor arrivals to HK in October, thanks to HK's efficient and frequent public transport systems, diverse cultural and entertainment activities, and travel cost-effectiveness.
Stablecoin Legislation Fuels Ethereum Price Rise (Oct 9)
In an Economic Digest (Edigest and youtube) article on the rise in Ethereum price, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung noted that Bitcoin, with its focus on direct peer-to-peer transfers, is useful for cross-border payments or value transfer, while Ethereum functions as "digital gold.” Stablecoins, running on smart contracts, may drive broader blockchain applications and raise the value of related blockchain cryptocurrencies.
Risks of DAT-Related Leveraging (Oct 8)
In an interview with HK Economic Journal, Prof. Allen HUANG, Head of Dept of Accounting, said that a Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) company is essentially engaged in leveraging by issuing bonds or taking loans to purchase Bitcoin or other virtual assets. If Bitcoin price rises, the company's stock might rise even more, but if Bitcoin price falls, DAT's stock price drop could be steeper than the cryptocurrency decline. Prof. Huang also shared his insights on stablecoin development in HK with The Banker.
China’s Policies and Economy Largely Misunderstood (Oct 8)
Various media reported Prof. JIN Keyu, Dept of Finance, appeared as the featured guest on the Impact Podcast with John Shegerian, sharing insights on how China's policies and economy are largely misunderstood.
(Apnews.com, FinancialContent, Minyanville, Yahoo Finance UK, Yahoo News US, Benzinga)
Employment Effects of AI (Oct 6)
HK Economic Journal ran an article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung on the potential job losses caused by widespread AI adoption.
Caution against Uncontrolled Expansion (Oct 3)
In an HK Economic Times column article, Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie Peng cautioned enterprises against expanding blindly.
Evaluating Trump's UN Speech (Oct 3)
In an HK Economic Times column article, Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, analyzed the fallacies in US President Donald TRUMP's UN speech.