Highlights
HKUST Names Prof. Frederik Anseel Dean of Business
Various media reported about the appointment of Prof. Frederik ANSEEL as the Dean of the School, effective 1 Feb. Prof. Anseel, formerly business dean of the University of New South Wales in Australia, stated that he looks forward to building on HKUST’s strong foundations to further advance its intellectual leadership, foster meaningful partnerships, and prepare graduates for impactful careers in an AI-driven world. Acting Dean Prof. HUI Kai-Lung will transition to the position of Associate Provost (Academic Development).
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OTHERS
Catastrophe Bonds Boost HK’s position as Green Finance Center (Jan 30)
In an HK Economic Times article, Assoc. Head Prof Darwin Choi, Dept of Finance, offered insights into consolidating HK’s position as a green finance center through the issue of catastrophe bonds
US Global Dominance Eroded under Trump’s Policies (Jan 30)
A Master Insight column article by Prof. Emeritus Francis LUI, Dept of Economics, examines how US President Donald TRUMP’s foreign and domestic policies are contributing to the decline of U.S. hegemony.
Closer Ties with Jilin Province (Jan 30)
In an interview featured in Sina, Prof. XU Yan, Dept of ISOM, highlighted the close ties between HKUST and Jilin Province, revealing that the first satellite launched by the University was manufactured by Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Enhancing China’s Pricing Power in Gold Markets (Jan 30)
Reports published in Sfccn.com and Eastmoney.com quoted Prof. Bo Tang, Head of HKUST Institute for Financial Research (IFR) as saying that HK will deepen cooperation with Shanghai Gold Exchange to develop a "dual-hub" system to enhance China's pricing power in global gold markets and resource allocation capabilities.
Partnership with ACCA on Talent Development and Research (Jan 29)
According to On.cc, infocastfn.com, Line Today, quamnet, aastocks, and bastillepost, the School signed an MoU with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to integrate emerging topics such as sustainability, AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics from ACCA Qualification and ACCA Learning into undergraduate courses, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote cooperation in research, seminars and leadership programs.
Stablecoin Licensing Finds Right Balance (Jan 27)
According to HK01 (article 1 and article 2), Acting Dean Prof. HUI Kai-Lung, speaking at the Economic Summit Forum 2025, highlighted how HK’s decade-long fintech innovation experience benefited from its progressive regulatory environment and robust financial system. Prof. Hui deemed the current stablecoin licensing framework “appropriate” for balancing innovation risks and economic value.
Lessons from Data Privacy Cases (Jan 26)
An HK Economic Journal column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung delved into lessons drawn from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data’s investigation into the installation of CCTV cameras at a fitness center and the post office.
Enhancing Tourism Appeal with Personalized Travel Experiences (Jan 24)
HK Economic Times ran a column article by researcher of the School's Center for Business and Social Analytics Bruce JIN on enhancing HK's festive appeal among visitors through personalized travel experiences.
Underwriters' Profit Motives Affect Earnings Forecasts (Jan 24)
An HK Economic Journal article by Assoc. Prof. Peter CHEN, Dept of Accounting, delved into how underwriters' profit motives affect the accuracy of earnings forecasts in IPO prospectus.
Korea to Track English-Taught University Courses (Jan 23)
In a Korea Times article on South Korea's Ministry of Education seeking to expand English-taught courses to attract more international students, Head Prof. LIM Woo-Young, Dept of Economics, cautioned that a rapid expansion of English-taught courses in Korea, driven by internationalization pressures, could create predictable drawbacks.
HKUST Li & Fung Supply Chain Institute: China’s Retail Sales to Grow by 4.5% (Jan 21)
Various media reported about the HKUST Li & Fung Supply Chain Institute’s annual research report “Ten Highlights of China’s Commercial Sector”. The Institute projected China’s retail sales and GDP to grow by 4.5% and 4.7% respectively, solidifying its position as the world’s second-largest consumer market.
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Hotels Allege Predatory Pricing in Trip.com Antitrust Probe (Jan 21)
In articles published in bloomberg.com, Businesstimes.com.sg, Head Topics, Star Online and The Straits Times on the antitrust probe into Trip.com, Assoc. Dean Prof. KOH Tat-Koon was quoted as saying that the incident should serve as a cautionary tale for other market leaders. Platforms like Trip.com naturally drift toward monopoly due to the "network effect". However, once they achieve dominance, they need to be particularly mindful of unfair practices or risk government intervention.
Greater Clarity in Privacy Concepts (Jan 19)
In an HK Economic Journal column article, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung called for the clarification of privacy concepts in view of the legal risks from AI misuse.
US Wrangles over ESG (Jan 17)
An Economic Digest column article by Assoc. Head Prof. Darwin Choi, Dept of Finance, discussed the wrangle over ESG issue in the US.
Addressing Structural Challenges with New Financial System (Jan 16)
At the "Master Insight 2026 investment summit", IFR Head Prof. TANG Bo noted that the digitization of the financial system is an unstoppable trend, while emphasizing the need to build a new financial system centered around AI, blockchain, and Real World Asset tokenization to address structural challenges and seize development opportunities.
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Abduction of Venezuelan President Runs against US’s Interests (Jan 16)
A Master Insight column article by Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, discussed the negative impacts of the US abducting Venezuelan President Nicolas MADURO.
Boosting HK’s R&D Investment (Jan 16)
An HK Economics Times article by Prof J T LI, Dept of Management, calls on HK to raise R&D investment in light of rising R&D expenditures among global tech firms.
Gen Z’s Shifting Preferences Disrupt Consumption Market (Jan 15)
In an RTHK radio interview (RTHK, bastillepost, HK Invest), Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung noted that tech-savvy Gen Z prefers fast and simple consumption, and is concerned about environmental protection. Given that social media can easily create an echo chamber effect and stifle diverse viewpoints, he supported Australia’s move in restricting its use among teenagers. He also called for greater emphasis on interpersonal interaction and personal interests in the age of AI.
Korea Limits Students’ AI Use (Jan 13)
In an article published in Korea Times on Korea limiting students’ use of AI while universities abroad embrace it, Head Prof. Lim Woo-Young, Dept of Economics, was quoted as saying that fully restricting AI use has become impossible. He explained that the overall campus climate at HKUST is broadly supportive of AI use, with the University encouraging students to engage with the technology rather than banning it outright.
AI Transforms Competencies Required of Accounting Professionals (Jan 13)
According to reports in Tkww, wenweipo, dotdotnews, Assoc. Prof. Amy ZANG, Dept of Accounting, spoke about the impact of AI on accounting professionals at the International Summit on Digital-Intelligent Transformation in Finance and Accounting. She noted that the bar for accounting professionals has been raised, as they are required to identify and resolve problems arising from AI-based accounting.
Intergenerational Behaviors Shift with Tech Advancement (Jan 12)
HK Economic Journal ran a column article by Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung on how tech advancement can change intergenerational behavioral patterns.
HSBC's Privatization of Hang Seng Bank Facilitates Integration of Resources (Jan 10)
During an RTHK radio interview, Assoc. Head Prof. Darwin Choi, Dept of Finance, remarked that HSBC's privatization of Hang Seng Bank will enable it to better integrate resources and optimize capital allocation, strengthen risk and return management at the corporate level, and enhance long-term investment returns.
Surge in Family Offices Bolsters HK’s Role as Global Wealth Hub (Jan 9)
An HK Economic Times column article by Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office Prof. Winnie PENG highlighted how the surge of family offices can bolster HK’s status as a global wealth hub.
Forecasting China’s Economic Development in 2026 (Jan 9)
A Master Insight article by Prof. Emeritus Francis Lui, Dept of Economics, looked into China's success in navigating economic risks in 2025 and its economic development in 2026.
Joining Forces with HKMA on Cybersecurity Research (Jan 6)
According to an SCMP report, the HKMA and the School have jointly worked on cybersecurity research to enhance the resilience of HK's fintech sector.
From Free-Of-Charge Q&As to Paid Live-Streaming Lectures (Jan 5)
In an HK Economic Journal column article, Acting Dean Prof. Hui Kai-Lung discussed the shift from free-of-charge Q&As to paid live streaming lectures.
Capturing Audience's Preferences with Bullet Comments (Jan 3)
HK Economic Journal ran a column article by Assoc. Prof. WANG Wenbo, Dept of Marketing, on capturing the audience's preferences through on-screen bullet comments.
Silver Lining of Anti-ESG Trend (Jan 3)
In an HK Economic Times article, Assoc. Head Prof. Darwin Choi, Dept of Finance, discussed how anti-ESG trend offers a chance to refocus on what truly matters and reset the climate agenda.