HKEX and CUHK Business School announce the Laura M Cha Capital Markets Scholarship Programme

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited (HKEX) is today (Friday) pleased to announce that it has established a new postgraduate scholarship programme in partnership with The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School. The annual scholarship programme has been launched to honour Laura M Cha, recognising her considerable contribution to the development of capital markets in Hong Kong, Mainland China and globally over her distinguished career, most recently as HKEX Chairman.

Mrs Cha has played a major role in the growth of Hong Kong’s and Mainland China’s financial markets, including the introduction of H-Shares and the development of the Connect programmes, supporting ever greater connectivity and access to the region for investors and corporates alike. She has also been a long-term advocate of corporates taking an active role in their communities, including overseeing the establishment of the HKEX Foundation, which has donated more than HK$440 million to charitable projects since it was established in 2020.

HKEX Chairman, Carlson Tong, said: “This scholarship is a tribute from HKEX to celebrate Laura’s remarkable leadership and unwavering commitment to the sustained growth of our capital markets. Her instrumental involvement in establishing Hong Kong as a dynamic and globally significant international financial centre, coupled with her pivotal contributions towards fostering the accessibility of China’s markets over the past three decades, exemplify her exceptional achievements. Laura has become a beacon of inspiration for an entire generation of finance professionals, particularly women, who aspire to forge successful careers in capital markets. I am confident that she will continue to make a lasting impact as a dedicated mentor and trusted advisor for many years to come.”

Laura M Cha said: “I am honoured that HKEX has launched this new postgraduate scholarship programme in my name. Supporting and encouraging the best and brightest minds from the next generation is something that I am passionate about. As capital markets across Hong Kong, Mainland China and globally continue to evolve, embracing new ideas, technologies and ever greater interconnectivity, this new scholarship will add to the swell of expertise and knowledge in the region, in turn fueling growth and opportunity. It has been a privilege to chair HKEX over the last six years, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the future of the company and the region’s markets, as both an advisor and advocate. I look forward too, to meeting the scholarship awardees and hearing their ideas in the years to come.”

Dean of CUHK Business School, Professor Zhou Lin, said: “We extend our sincere gratitude to HKEX for their continued support and generous donation in establishing the new Laura M Cha Capital Markets Scholarship. This initiative underscores our shared vision to nurture the next generation of global talent in finance, strengthening our international position as leading institution in business education and bolstering Hong Kong’s status as a premier international financial centre. With this scholarship, we hope to empower the best talent to make meaningful contributions to the industry and drive positive change in the capital markets in our region and beyond.”

The Laura M Cha Capital Markets Scholarship will be awarded each year to an individual or individuals looking to advance their postgraduate studies in finance at CUHK Business School. HKEX will contribute HK$200,000 to the annual scholarship fund, for a period of six years. The scholarship programme, which is expected to launch later this year, will be administered by CUHK Business School, and it is envisaged that a secondment or project work with HKEX will be arranged as part of the programme. This new scholarship programme, which will be funded by the Group, complements the annual university scholarships and research funding grants that the HKEX Foundation already runs as part of its charitable work, supporting students and academics in Hong Kong.

CUHK MiM Forum 2023-24 explores global market trends and innovation

Hosted by the Master of Science in Management (MiM) Programme of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School, the MiM Forum took place on 22 March 2024. This annual signature event brought together more than 60 MiM students, alumni, guests, and faculty members to discuss emerging trends in the global market and innovation, and their implications on the future of business.

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In her opening remarks, Professor Dora Lau, Director of the MiM Programme, encouraged the students to prepare themselves in light of the unprecedented velocity of change in the global business landscape. She remarked, “True leaders are those who are poised to see the silver lining and seize opportunities in times of uncertainty.”

The forum featured four distinguished alumni who inspired the participants with thought-provoking insights in their respective fields.

Mr Frank Tam (MBA 2021), Associate Director of Business Development at iASPEC Technologies and Services

Mr Ricky Lee (EMBA 2022), Director of HR Transformation at Deloitte Consulting

Ms Fion Tsang (MBA 2018), Head of Marketing at Novo Nordisk Hong Kong Limited

Mr Alvin Cheung (IBCE 2016), Co-Founder and CEO of HandyRehab (Zunosaki Ltd.)

Mr Frank Tam (MBA 2021), Associate Director of Business Development at iASPEC Technologies and Services, discussed the rapid evolution of Fintech and its impact on the global stage. Mr Ricky Lee (EMBA 2022), Director of HR Transformation at Deloitte Consulting, provided an overview of the impact of digital adoption and generative AI on HR transformation.

On the other hand, innovation is progressively taking the healthcare sector to new heights. Ms Fion Tsang (MBA 2018), Head of Marketing at Novo Nordisk Hong Kong Limited, illustrated the tech-enabled transformation in patient care and the future landscape of pharmaceutical enterprises. Mr Alvin Cheung (IBCE 2016), Co-Founder and CEO of HandyRehab (Zunosaki Ltd.), delved into how technology empowered revolutionary development and improved accessibility and sophistication in healthcare and rehabilitation.

The MiM Forum provides students with an interactive platform to learn from industry leaders to help them face the challenges in the business world.

The MiM Forum provides students with an interactive platform to learn from industry leaders to help them face the challenges in the business world.

The MiM Forum provides students with an interactive platform to learn from industry leaders to help them face the challenges in the business world.

The MiM Forum provides students with an interactive platform to learn from industry leaders to help them face the challenges in the business world.

Finding hidden gems in urban planning

A city has many faces; their allure touches different hearts. As a Guangdong native, real estate professional Dlysia Cai (MScRE 2016) relocated to Hong Kong after graduation from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School. From Sun Hung Kai Properties to the Wharf Group, she has charted an extraordinary career path scouting retail spaces with great potential in the Greater Bay Area. Guiding her all the way is a curious mind that helps her feel the city and the business opportunities in it.

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Intrinsic ties with Hong Kong

Born and raised in the Greater Bay Area with proficiency in both Mandarin and Cantonese, Dlysia feels at home in Guangdong cities. She interned in hotel management after undergraduate studies in Guangzhou, until 2015 when, out of her passion for the hospitality industry, she made a decision that would change her life for good: to pursue a master in Real Estate and Hospitality Assets at CUHK Business School. Dlysia has become a real estate professional ever since. “The programme afforded me a lot of fieldwork experiences. It even invited executives from the likes of Hang Lung Properties and Sun Hung Kai Properties for in-depth exchanges. In the course of this enlightenment, I developed an interest in the real estate industry, which spurred me to make the fated decision,” says Dlysia.

From a newbie to a knowledgeable local through and through, Dlysia attributes her successful acclimation to her career instincts. “As a real estate specialist, I need a sharp eye for the development of commercial districts in town. Whenever a new shopping mall or a new store pops up, I would check it out. I would stick my nose into the background of the new brand, its target audience, its brand position and matching visual merchandising style.” This inquisitive approach offers a vessel for her to learn about the city. “I can have a firm grip of the dynamics of the neighbourhood, which is why I remain curious about work and life in Hong Kong.”

Finger on city’s pulse

Dlysia always shows enthusiasm at the mention of her real estate job. She makes it clear that retail leasing is essential in real estate, and that different markets ask for different positioning strategies. “For well-developed malls, we focus on merchant mix upgrade or zoning, while in new and developing districts, we involved in the planning from scratch.”

Years of participation in retail leasing of varied scales and locations has instilled in Dlysia a thorough understanding of the ties between commercial space and daily life. “Social distancing measures during the pandemic had hit hard on brick-and-mortar stores. As consumers become more concerned about health, stores selling light meals or yoghourt mushroom. Similarly, the work-from-home practice gives rise to household products such as scented candles or home appliances,” says Dlysia. To her, it is market research rather than cold hard numbers that offers a more “grounded” way to understand customer behaviour and the business microcosm, allowing her to keep a finger on the pulse of a city.

City hopping across the Greater Bay Area also allows Dlysia to observe the increasingly frequent mobility of population between Shenzhen and Hong Kong. With the resumption of travel between Hong Kong and mainland China, many Hong Kong people visit Shenzhen or even explore the business potential there — a sight which Dlysia looks at with elation. She points out that shopping centres across the borders have their own characters – there are giant complexes and laidback neighbourhood or waterfront malls in Shenzhen, whereas in Hong Kong, shopping malls like K11 MUSEA or Harbour City remain the preeminent indicators of trends. “Driven by curiosity, exchanges between people in the two cities will continue to deepen, which is a positive sign of the integration of the Greater Bay Area,” Dlysia comments.

Chart the uncharted with an open mind

The massive influx of mainland immigrants reminds Dlysia of her relocation eight years. As a pioneer, Dlysia encourages these newcomers to venture into their new life and embrace the local lifestyle of Hong Kong. Learning Cantonese, developing hobbies, participating in local activities…these are some of the ways to make local friends, Dlysia says. “For years, I have explored many places in the city; I have ridden on the Star Ferry to go to dine with my friends on the other side of the harbour; I have seen Hong Kong Island on a tram and concluded the trip with a delectable brunch; I have soaked up the panorama by the sea in Kowloon West; I have even enjoyed getaways in the outlying islands. These little things have instilled in me a strong sense of belonging. You can truly admire the charisma and diversity of Hong Kong if you feel the city with your heart.”

First published in the CUHK Business School Alumni Website on 4 December 2023, this article was republished with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office.

BTS Group Scholarship Awards Thai Master’s Students at CUHK Business School

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School and BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited (BTSG) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish “BTS Group Scholarship” in Bangkok on 2 November 2023.

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BTSG is a multi-industry conglomerate in proprietary transport and media network. Under the MoU, two scholarships will be awarded to Thai students pursuing Master’s programmes at CUHK Business School for the academic year 2024-2025.

The scholarship aims to support students in Thailand to pursue their graduate degree in business at an internationally renowned institution in Hong Kong. It is hoped that they can apply the knowledge as they return home, contributing to the development of Thailand’s economy in the future.

Please visit the Master’s programmes website at CUHK Business School to learn more about the programmes offered to this Scholarship.

(From left to right) Ms. Tida Srichiraratana, Vice President of the Office of the Chief Executive Officer of BTSG, Mr. Kumpol Ruaypom, Chairman of School Executive Committee VERSO International School, Mr. Timmy Lo, Vice President of the Office of the Chief Executive Officer of BTSG, Mr. Kavin Kanjanapas, Chief Executive Officer of BTSG, Prof. Waiman Cheung, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies of CUHK Business School, Mr. Parson Lam, Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok, Ms. Teresa Poon, Deputy Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok and Ms. Barbara Li, Senior Manager Graduate Studies of CUHK Business School

CUHK Business School Launches MSc in Sustainable Global Business

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School is now accepting applications for its new Master of Science in Sustainable Global Business (MScSGB) degree programme, scheduled to commence in the fall of 2024. The programme aims to nurture perceptive, dynamic, and forward-looking leaders who are driven to shape the future sustainability agenda.

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Sustainability has evolved from an ecological concept to a critical boardroom agenda. The growing complexity and urgency of sustainability issues pose significant threats to humanity, placing greater pressure on businesses to take responsible actions. Companies are now not only evaluated based on their ESG performance but are also expected to make tangible contributions to a sustainable, shared future.

This master’s programme offers both one-year full-time and two-year part-time modes. It is designed to provide comprehensive training to recent graduates, early-career professionals and working professionals who aspire to lead in the evolving landscape of sustainability. It equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to strategically manage and address complex sustainability challenges, as well as drive positive impact in organisations and beyond.

A key feature of the programme is its interdisciplinary curriculum and flexible course selection. Students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of elective courses, including ESG management, finance, supply chain, psychology and biotechnology. They can customise their course load balancing managerial and technical courses based on individual needs and interests. To strengthen their multi-domain thinking and expand their professional network, the programme allows the students to also enrol in one course offered by other Master’s programmes in CUHK Business School or the Department of Geography and Resource Management. Furthermore, students will gain in-depth insights into the ESG and sustainability practices of leading industries, both locally and globally, enabling them to become versatile problem solvers with international perspectives.

Professor Haibin Yang, Director of MSc in Sustainable Global Business and Professor in the Department of Management at CUHK Business School, expressed, “Leveraging our strengths in interdisciplinary training, alumni network, and industry connections, we aim to nurture a new generation of high-calibre professionals who possess a holistic understanding of sustainability and are capable of leading businesses in transformative endeavours within the increasingly intricate interplay of business, environment and society.”

CUHK Business School provides career guidance through industry experts and offers a wide variety of scholarships for students who demonstrate exceptional academic accomplishments and professional qualifications. All applicants with submitted full applications will be automatically considered for scholarships; no separate application is required.

Please visit the programme’s website to learn more details.

MSc in Sustainable Global Business

Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, the programme is designed to provide comprehensive training to graduates and industry professionals who are aspiring to lead in the evolving landscape of sustainability.

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CUHK Business School and AWS Announce Collaboration to Nurture Cloud-Proficient Business Leaders

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School and Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s leading cloud provider, have announced a collaboration to enhance the digital proficiency of executives and business leaders.

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Through this collaboration, AWS will provide foundational cloud training for existing and future business leaders, equipping them with essential knowledge in digital, cloud technologies, and operations. Offered to EMBA, MBA and masters’ students of CUHK Business School, the training will focus on the latest industry trends and the business value of cloud technology, with an aim to hone their knowledge and skills to lead transformative endeavours and seize opportunities in the evolving business landscape.

While digital literacy and computational thinking are already embedded in the undergraduate programme, Prof. Lin Zhou, Dean of CUHK Business School, emphasises the importance of integrating technology into master’s and executive education. He states, “The collaboration with AWS combines academic excellence with technology and innovation, enabling professionals and executives to stay at the forefront of the digital economy.”

Prof. Lin Zhou, Dean of CUHK Business School

Mr Chris So, Head of Business Development, AWS Hong Kong, emphasised, “The key to successful transformation is to have C-suite to drive a top-down shift, empower the entire organisation with cloud fluency. AWS is committed to nurturing digital talents in Hong Kong and has already provided cloud skills training to over 100,000 individuals. We believe that digital talent will be the driving force for significant transformation in Hong Kong.”

Mr Chris So, Head of Business Development, AWS Hong Kong

CUHK Business School and AWS announced collaboration

CUHK MiM Students Gain Global Perspective during Two-Week Immersive Study Trip in Singapore and Vietnam

Students of Master of Science in Management (MiM) Programme at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School have recently concluded their Capstone Project and learning journey over a two-week study trip to Singapore and Vietnam.

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The Capstone Project is an international consulting experience designed to allow MiM students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world business challenges. This year, students were tasked with creating innovative business solutions to Fountainhead Partners, a leading multi-family office that specialises in ultra-high-net-worth families in Singapore.

After months of training and preparation, students presented their proposals to Fountainhead Partners’ senior management during the study trip. The judges were impressed by the students’ insights into the industry and the creative and practical solutions they proposed, which ranged from branding to client engagement and all-in-one digital solutions.

In addition to the Capstone Project, the study trip included visits to various companies, providing students with first-hand insights from industry leaders. In Singapore, students attended a panel discussion at ARC Community and visited Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX) to gain insights into the trend in digital asset investment and the multi-asset investment environment of SGX.

The students also visited globally renowned Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Jewel Changi Airport, NEWater, and IMC Industrial Group, expanding their strategic management thinking and knowledge across different industries.

In Vietnam, students visited the Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park and inspired by the talk given by senior management of notable fintech companies, MoMo and Transaction Technologies Limited. These experiences were eye-openers of the market landscape of digital payment and fintech business expansion in Vietnam.

At the successful conclusion of the MiM programme, CUHK Business School wishes the students every success as they embark on their future endeavours.

CUHK Business School Ranked 29th Worldwide in the Financial Times Masters in Finance 2023 – Pre-experience Programmes Ranking

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School’s Master of Science (MSc) Programme in Finance has been ranked 29^th worldwide and 4^th in Asia in the Financial Times Masters in Finance 2023 – Pre-experience Programme ranking, moving up 4 places from the previous ranking, and standing firm as the only programme in Hong Kong that has made to the world’s top 55.

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CUHK Business School’s MSc in Finance continues to achieve outstanding results, with particular success in careers service and alumni network. The programme ranked 4^th globally in “Careers Service” for the second consecutive year and 8^th globally in “Alumni Network”, securing the first place in Asia in both categories. Careers service includes the support provided to students on career counselling, personal development, networking events, internship search and recruitment, while the strength of the alumni network is evaluated on its effectiveness in providing ongoing career opportunities after graduation, starting companies and recruiting staff etc. The survey respondents also reported an impressive 77 percent salary rise on average since graduating from the programme.

Prof. Joseph Cheng, Director of MSc Programme in Finance (Full-time) welcomed the result, “We are honoured to be recognised again as one of the world’s top Pre-experience Master’s Programmes in Finance. These excellent results speak to our unwavering commitment to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers, as well as our support for them in their professional journeys. We are very proud of the close-knit alumni community we have built up and nurtured since the inception of our MSc Programme in Finance. They are also a testament to the impact that CUHK Business School has made over the past 60 years and our strong alumni network of over 40,000 members in 49 locations.”

Financial Times defines pre-experience programmes as those aimed at students with little or no professional experience. The rankings are based on information collected from business schools and their alumni who completed their degrees three years ago (in 2020).

For more details, please click here to read the full Financial Times Masters in Finance 2023 – Pre-experience Programme ranking results.

CUHK Business School Announces the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award 2021-22

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School is proud to announce the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (FTEA) 2021-22, a recognition of the exceptional teaching performance and accomplishments of faculty members.

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The FTEA was introduced in 2014-15 academic year, and has since encouraged faculty members to strive to provide an optimal learning experience for students. The award is testament to the School’s commitment to inspiring and nurturing the future generation of business leaders. Each year, the School’s students and academic staff nominate outstanding teachers or colleagues of their choice to a selection panel.

The awardees for the 2021-22 academic year are:

General Faculty Members

Professor Dora Lau, Associate Professor of Department of Management; Director of MSc in Management Programme; and Associate Director of Centre for Entrepreneurship
Dr Ervi Liusman, Lecturer in School of Hotel and Tourism Management

Early Career Faculty Members

Professor Francisco Cisternas, Assistant Professor of Department of Marketing

This year’s awardees feel honoured to receive this award and would like to express their gratitude to those who have supported them along the way.

“Student learning is the major goal of my teaching. I see that an instructor’s role is to facilitate student learning and helping them to formulate and achieve their own personal goals. My teaching at different levels, including undergraduate, taught master, research master and PhD, is definitely a rewarding and enjoyable journey!”
—— Professor Dora Lau

“I would like to express my greatest gratitude to CUHK Business School and School of Hotel and Tourism Management for their continuous support and guidance. My special thanks to my colleagues and all the great teachers around me for their teaching advice and encouragement. I would also like to extend my thankfulness to all my students for inspiring me to be a better teacher.”
—— Dr Ervi Liusman

“I am humbled and honoured to receive this teaching award. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to share my passion for teaching and to help shape the minds of our future leaders. I am grateful to my colleagues and students who have supported and inspired me throughout my tenure in CUHK. This award is a testament of the rewarding relationships I have built with them during my time in Hong Kong, and it is a memory that I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
—— Professor Francisco Cisternas