The CUHK Business School Conference Reinforces the School’s Mission

 

In commemoration of the MBA’s 50th anniversary, the flagship CUHK Business School Conference hit all the right notes on Friday 9 September in the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. This thought leadership platform presented top keynote speakers, panellists and moderators from the government, academia, finance, risk management, consulting, IT and media. The theme for discussion was “China Business in the Global Economy”, explored through various topics ranging from the growth of China to tech innovation and new trends in financial services.

Attended by nearly 500 guests that included academics, government officials, senior executives, alumni, students and business partners, the day-long conference kicked off with welcoming remarks from Prof. Michael Hui, CUHK Pro-Vice-Chancellor. He passed the floor to the Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, the Honourable John C. Tsang, GBM, JP, who in his officiating speech pointed out the role played by Hong Kong in the ongoing development of China and the surrounding region. Owing to the Mainland’s position as a growth driver, who is contributing over a quarter of the world’s economic growth every year, these changes will in turn shape the global economy in the years to come, as underscored by the recent G20 Hangzhou Summit hosted by China.

Continuing on this note, addresses and debates revolved around China’s economic development in light of the National 13th Five-Year Plan and the “One Belt One Road” initiative outlined in President Xi Jinping’s economic reforms, particularly the opportunities and challenges of the next few years. With its cutting-edge competitive advantages and superb location as the gateway to China, Hong Kong will undoubtedly have a role to play.

There was a general consensus regarding the importance of education in nurturing game changers well versed on the world economy. Keynote speakers Prof. Anil Gupta, Michael D. Dingman Chair & Professor of Strategy, Globaliaation & Entrepreneurship of Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, Mr. Vincent Lo,Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and Sir C. K. Chow, Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, separately commented on the role played by the CUHK Business School to this end. In agreement, Business School Dean Prof. Kalok Chan reaffirmed the School’s mission to prepare its students for the fast-changing 21st century, backed by a 30,000-strong global alumni network, contributing to the development of the Greater China region as a whole.

The conference concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Stephanie Villemagne, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Director of MBA Programs, who described the event as an “intensive learning experience”. She thanked the audience for participating in the MBA golden jubilee’s most high-profile event of the year.

 

This article was first published in the alumni website by the CUHK Business School’s Alumni and Corporate Affairs Office on 23 September, 2016.