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FROM CUHK: CUHK Undergraduate Students Win Top Proposal Award at McGill International Portfolio Challenge 2022 |
Organised by McGill University from Canada, MIPC is the world’s largest university challenge where hundreds of students from all over the world meet with industry leaders and design financial solutions to solve complex social issues. This year, it was hosted virtually and attracted 96 teams from 51 world-renowned universities in 21 countries to participate. Achieving net-zero is critical to ensuring a sustainable future. The 6th edition of the MIPC challenged participants to design innovative portfolio strategies which aim to achieve high returns on one hand and net zero pledge on the other. This year, two outstanding proposals were selected for the Top Proposal Awards, including the champion team from The CUHK Business School. The team, composed of Angus Cheung (QFRM Year 2), Christy Yuen (QFIN Year 3), Vincent Cheung (QFRM Year 2) and Alex Tam (QFIN Year 3), is the first team from Hong Kong to have won this award. “It was truly an eye-opening learning experience to apply finance and sustainable investment concepts to a hypothetical pension fund. We gained so much insight about how institutional investors may make a positive impact on the environment while balancing the trade-offs in decarbonisation and financial returns. Special thanks to our advisor, Dr. Edwin Mok, who gave us valuable advice and support.” Dr. Edwin Mok, Co-director of Quantitative Finance Programme and Co-director of Interdisciplinary Major Programme in Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science, added, “The result is a testament to their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world portfolio management. Judges were impressed by their innovative solution to use derivatives to help a pension fund to achieve net zero target without sacrificing the interest of investors and the local economy. “ The post CUHK Undergraduate Students Win Top Proposal Award at McGill International Portfolio Challenge 2022 appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Graduates Take Home CPA Australia Distinction Awards |
On 10 September 2022, Nira Ninglan Xi and Rowena Sin-Man Chan, graduates from Master of Accountancy (MAcc) and BBA in Professional Accountancy (PACC) respectively, were presented with CPA Australia Distinction Awards, which recognise top graduates from local undergraduate and master programmes for their outstanding academic performance in 2021-22. In support of their pursuit of a career in professional accountancy, award winners are entitled to free entry assessment, an exam fee waiver and a one-year association member subscription with CPA Australia. Delighted with the outstanding performance of the graduates, Dr. Raymond Wong, MAcc Programme Director and Senior Lecturer of School of Accountancy at CUHK Business School, saw the award a reminder of the importance of attaining professional qualifications. ”With an increasing number of our graduates unconventionally navigating into careers such as forensic accounting, investment banking, business consultancy and equity research, a professional qualification will definitely provide an advantage for them to thrive in their career.” Nira Ninglan Xi (MAcc 2022) “It is my great honour to receive the Distinction Award from CPA Australia. Pursuing this professional qualification will be a new start of lifelong learning.” Rowena Sin-Man Chan (PACC 2022) “I am honoured to receive the Distinction Award from CPA Australia. It allows me to master more accounting knowledge, which would be of great help to my future career.” The post CUHK Business School Graduates Take Home CPA Australia Distinction Awards appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Class of 2022 Celebrates Remarkable Accomplishments on Home Ground |
After a two-year hiatus, graduates finally get to celebrate one of their most pivotal moments in life with loved ones at CUHK campus this year, where Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees were conferred to Class of 2022 at ceremonies held on 24 and 26 November. Business School graduates also gathered at Cheng Yu Tung (CYT) Building for the convivial celebration held by the Alumni Office. Dedicated backdrops, decorations and props were aplenty at the home base of the Business School for graduates to capture their indelible memories, along with the presence of professional photographers to take individual portraits and group photos. On this occasion, graduation gifts and souvenirs were available for redemption or purchase at designated booths. To recognise the outstanding academic achievements of the top performing graduates, the Alumni Office also organised Dean’s List Awards Ceremonies and had Prof Lin Zhou, Dean of the CUHK Business School, presenting the award certificate to awardees. Friends and families also joined the momentous occasion as proud witnesses. Prof Zhou remarked at the Dean’s List Awards Ceremony, attended also by Programme Directors, that the academic accomplishment of the awardees in the time of COVID-19 was a solid proof of their unflagging dedication to excellence, perseverance in spite of challenges, and adaptability to changes. He believed that these qualities would continue to empower them as they scale new heights in their future endeavours. He encouraged them to stay humble and keep on learning, making the most of their competence for a better world while contributing to the community of CUHK Business School as a member of the alumni family. Here are some of the Dean’s List awardees and their graduation speeches: “It must have been a proud moment for my parents to fly from Indonesia to attend my graduation ceremony and to see me receiving the award certificate from Prof Zhou! A lot of adaptations had to be made in our campus life due to the pandemic situation these years, but I managed to stay focused and achieved good results thanks to the thoughtful arrangement by the School. I’m now working in a major management consulting firm in Hong Kong and I look forward to building my career here.” Cahaya Putra Karuniawan (PACC 2022) “Business School has prepared me for my pursuit in marketing; it allowed me to gain on-the-ground experience through a wide range of programmes with corporate presence, including a project with P&G.” Cassandra Lee (IBBA 2022) (left) “CUHK Business School is a heartwarming family. While business is all about interpersonal interaction, I felt stressed as I used to have a speech impediment. Fortunately, I received comprehensive academic guidance and emotional support from the School, and was given ample opportunities. Through participating in the ‘Student Ambassador Programme’ and moderating the ‘Alumni Lecture Series’, I have been able to rebuild my confidence and gain valuable experiences which are constructive to my career.” Bedco Chan (IBBA 2022) (centre) “Studying the EMBA programme while the world was on pause has been one of my best decisions made, given it was the best timing to learn, unlearn, and relearn with professionals from all sectors. Of course, we all struggled to adapt to the new normal and to strike a balance between work and study. But it wasn’t that hard with the mutual support in class which drives us through all the most challenging moments! Thank you, CUHK EMBA and the Class of 2022! May all graduates continue to be bold, strive for the best and succeed in life!” Jessica Ng (EMBA 2022) “My university life has brought me so many fond memories since I came to Hong Kong from the mainland less than two years ago. The faculty and staff from programme office are friendly and warm – at one time they even photoshopped a class photo for us as a memento because many of us couldn’t attend the class in person! It is this hearth and humanistic spirit which I’ll miss the most.” Jerry Li (MScMKT 2022) Full Album for the Graduation Reception and Dean’s List Awards Ceremonies: – Graduation Celebration for Undergraduates – Graduation Celebration for Postgraduates – Dean’s List Awards Ceremonies for Bachelor’s Degrees Graduates – Dean’s List Awards Ceremony for Postgraduates First published in the CUHK Business School Alumni Portal on 8 December 2022, this article was republished with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office. The post CUHK Business School Class of 2022 Celebrates Remarkable Accomplishments on Home Ground appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: GMAC’s Executive Assessment Now Accepted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School |
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School announced today the acceptance of the Executive Assessment in their admission process for the school’s part-time MBA programme, effective immediately. The Executive Assessment (EA), offered and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global association representing leading business schools, is an admissions exam specifically designed to help schools better evaluate experienced candidates. CUHK Business School is the first institution in the Greater China region to have a part-time MBA programme accepting the EA, joining more than a hundred other leading business schools worldwide that utilise the assessment in their holistic admissions process. “As professional MBA programmes in Asia continue to develop excellent programmes and rise in the rankings, incorporating the Executive Assessment in the admissions process will undoubtedly help business schools like CUHK grow in attracting high-quality, experienced professionals in the region and beyond,” said Ashish Bhardwaj, Senior Vice President and Head of Market Development at GMAC. According to GMAC’s latest annual survey on business school application trends, nearly 60 percent of responding programmes in Greater China reported increases in total applications, which marked growth for the second consecutive year. As the number of applications grows, the need to increase selectivity also rises, prompting the wider use of assessment solutions like the EA that provide transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the admission process. “We decided to accept Executive Assessment scores because we recognise the high quality of GMAC assessments and their value to graduate management education,” said Prof. Wan Wongsunwai, Associate Dean of MBA programmes at CUHK Business School. “We are looking for top-notch, part-time programme candidates who are experienced professionals and can meet our academic rigor, and therefore allow us to maintain the high international standards of our school.” The EA is a 40-question test comprised of three 30-minute sections and requires moderate preparation. It was designed with experienced applicants who have busy schedules in mind. The assessment is globally available year-round at over 600 testing centres as well as being offered online. “The Executive Assessment helps schools assess candidate readiness for their programmes. It also allows candidates to demonstrate their commitment to a graduate business degree,” said Elaine Albers, Senior Director of Product Management at GMAC. “CUHK Business School and hundreds of other programmes can be assured that the assessment serves as an objective tool in their admissions process.” About CUHK Business School CUHK Business School comprises two schools – Accountancy, and Hotel and Tourism Management – and four departments: Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing. Established in Hong Kong in 1963, it was the first business school to offer BBA, MBA, and Executive MBA programmes in Asia. Today, CUHK Business School offers 10 undergraduate programmes and 20 graduate programmes, including MBA, EMBA, MAcc, MSc, MPhil, DBA, and PhD. The school currently has more than 4,600 undergraduate and postgraduate students from more than 20 countries and regions. In the Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2022, CUHK’s EMBA was ranked 24th in the world. In Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2022, CUHK’s MBA was ranked 50th. CUHK Business School has the largest number of business alumni (more than 40,000) among universities and business schools in Hong Kong, many of whom are business leaders. www.bschool.cuhk.edu.hk About GMAC The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a mission-driven association of leading graduate business schools worldwide. GMAC provides world-class research, industry conferences, recruiting tools, and assessments for the graduate management education industry as well as resources, events, and services that help guide candidates through their higher education journey. Owned and administered by GMAC, the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT ) exam is the most widely used graduate business school assessment. More than 12 million prospective students a year trust GMAC’s websites, including mba.com, to learn about MBA and business master’s programmes, connect with schools around the world, prepare and register for exams and get advice on successfully applying to MBA and business master’s programmes. BusinessBecause and The MBA Tour are subsidiaries of GMAC, a global organisation with offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. www.gmac.com The post GMAC’s Executive Assessment Now Accepted by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: Helming Investment Banking and Elite Teams with Equanimity |
With a natural propensity to take things in stride, he has admirably led an elite team to serve ultra-high-net-worth clients, navigating the turbulent financial markets with a rather sharp eye and exceptional focus on risk management. Taking a Holistic View to Tackle Market Fluctuations Very few Hongkongers graduating from local universities have made it to the top echelons of investment banks. Endowed with genuine humility, Vincent considered himself fortunate to have been born at the right time, and have joined a globally renowned investment bank during the heyday of Asian institutional equity. He capitalised on numerous opportunities to learn and practice, steadily rising through the ranks despite the inherent volatility of financial markets. Vincent said that there was no secret sauce nor did he possess any prescient abilities. All he did was take things in his stride. “High volatility is one of the most prominent features of market businesses. Exacerbated by the increasingly complex political and economic environments and the diversity of investors, every so-called crisis is more severe than the one before it. At best, every bit of experience and technical analysis can only serve as a guide. What is most important is the ability to accept volatility or crisis as a fact of life and make calm and sound judgments.” Having started his career as an Administrative Officer in the pre-handover Hong Kong SAR Government, Vincent is used to looking at the big picture when making an analysis. He pointed out that politics and the work of the government also entails significant volatility and the need to balance various factors and concerns. And as with stock markets, there are many environmental issues beyond anyone’s control. “The outcome is of course important. But I derive greater satisfaction from the processes. Being able to stand at the forefront of global economic markets, witnessing the massive flow of capital and the intricate interactions between political, economic, social issues and stock markets, playing a pivotal role in the talk of the town when assisting enterprises go public, raise capital and develop their businesses…all of these are opportunities and experiences that money can’t buy.” Vincent currently serves as the Chief Executive of Morgan Stanley Bank Asia Limited, where he is leading the bank’s Asia-Pacific private banking business. Achieving Success by Embracing the Present Moment Vincent’s private banking business caters to Asia-Pacific’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their family businesses with assets worth at least US$50 million. The complexity and sensitivity of the work remain extremely high, and the team under his command consists of the best of the elites. As a leader in such a setting, Vincent believes that being fair, honest and transparent is sufficient. “I often remind my younger colleagues that they don’t have to be outwardly ambitious, and no one cares about their background. Just concentrate on the task at hand. The market is very fair; your strengths will be reflected in performance and data. It is only by proving your ability will you earn the right to speak.” As technology plays a larger role and cost considerations become more important, many investment banks have relocated their mid- and back-office operations to India, the Philippines, Hungary and other locations. As a hub city, Hong Kong tends to focus on frontline roles and hire only the best talent. The industry’s competition is fierce. Despite the recent economic slowdown caused by geopolitical tensions, high-interest rates and a strong dollar, Vincent said that the Asian region and the Chinese market continue to be a top priority for his company. He noted that, while some financial institutions are downsizing their Asian operations, this is an excellent time to seize what others are discarding, capture the market’s talent and expand the foothold. “As Morgan Stanley’s Hong Kong business enters its 35th year, I am convinced that there is still much room for growth in the future. I have only managed the private banking business for a few years and there is more to be done.” Level Up to Stand Out Looking back at his campus life at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Vincent considers making many like-minded friends, particularly those from the New Asia College, to be the most rewarding aspect. Everyone has made a name for themselves in their respective fields, and they still get together to catch up and share experiences. Vincent especially cherished his time with AIESEC. The experience enabled him to organise and participate in business-related activities, and broadened his horizons with overseas working experiences in summer. He also saw his confidence further boosted with the opportunities to interact with people from different background. Vincent reminded students who are interested in joining investment banks to start making preparations during their first year of undergraduate studies. “The competition for talent is global. There is tremendous focus on technical knowledge and expertise as well as for people who can look at the big picture, so you need to study related topics both in and out of school. Make it a habit to read and analyse information on Asian and global markets.” He added that investment banks typically start recruiting summer interns as early as the first semester of the third year of study. Those who perform well will be offered a position to join the company upon graduation after the summer. Students should equip themselves early and boost their competitive advantage. Vincent (third from right) made many lifelong friends while he studied at CUHK Business School. Joining AIESEC activities during university vastly expanded Vincent’s horizons. First published in the CUHK Business School Alumni Portal on 3 November 2022, this article was republished with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office. The post Helming Investment Banking and Elite Teams with Equanimity appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: A Journey from Grassroots to Central |
The smallest things can make a difference in life, whether a casual remark or a minor event. Queenie Wong knows this all too well. Growing up from a modest upbringing and attending school in the northern district, Queenie believed knowledge is power and worked extra hard. When she was in Form Three, she bumped into her high school teacher Mr. Lee on the bus, who suggested that the outgoing student try the new global business studies programme. “I remember our conversation to this very day,” Queenie said. Since then, she had aimed squarely at global business studies. With a stellar record of 8A2B in the last HKCEE, Queenie landed her dream major through CUHK’s Early Admission Scheme. Queenie and her classmate were the finalist of CUHK Singing Contest in 2012. (courtesy of interviewee) Graduation in 2014 led Queenie to one achievement after another. She first joined the Equity Capital Markets team of Bank of America Merrill Lynch (now as BofA Securities, Inc.), responsible for equity financing for a range of industries across the Asia Pacific. Three years later, she took on the role of Vice President at C Ventures to manage investments of global consumer brands in fashion, beauty, lifestyle and other sectors. This March, she was hired by Baring Private Equity Asia as Vice President–Growth (now as Director – Hong Kong Growth Fund at BPEA EQT) in Hong Kong. Her journey, though ultimately successful, was not all smooth sailing. “I enrolled in CUHK with mixed feelings: my classmates all came from prestigious schools, I worried I wouldn’t fit in.” This anxiety was soon dispelled. “Our cohort of 18 set our minds solely on the pursuit of knowledge. We weren’t distracted. We supported one another and grew to become better in a positive competition. This inclusive and intellectual culture at CUHK strengthened my faith in committing and working towards my childhood dream.” Queenie had little overseas experience when she was small, but the curriculum design enables CUHK students, University of North Carolina (US) and Copenhagen Business School (Denmark) to spend a semester together in each institution. The valuable experiential learning opportunity brought her to engage with foreign cultures. She explained, “Hong Kong students are good at working hard, spending most of our time on learning, preparing for internships, joining competitions and so on. However, Danish students can really balance working hard and playing hard. Even if they go to bed late for activities, they can get up in time for class the next morning. This unique programme opened up a new world for me and I saw the importance of keeping an open mind.” Queenie Wong (2nd right), Dr. John Lai (6th right) and the girls from CUHK Global Business Studies Programme at the graduation dinner during their exchange at University of North Carolina in 2013. (courtesy of interviewee) Academic life was made up of numerous oral presentations and case competitions. “We did presentations at least every two weeks to sharpen our skills in research, analysis and reporting, as well as the ability to think on our feet. To enrich our practical experience, we also enrolled in one case competition after another.” Intensive training laid a solid foundation for Queenie to deliver speeches on stage any time. She also acquired effective time management skills that helped her secure her first job. The story dated back to 2013 when Queenie was in a study trip to Malaysia. On the day she returned to Hong Kong, she had to attend the finals of a case analysis competition in the afternoon. Throughout her packed itinerary, she practised for the oral presentation whenever she got the time. “Then I was told by Bank of America Merrill Lynch to attend an interview for a management traineeship the same morning. I changed my flight at once, finished the report and prepared for the interview the same night. After a brief nap, I boarded a midnight flight to arrive for the interview at 11am, then I rushed straight to the finals. Not a minute went to waste. I’ll never forget that experience.” One hardly moves through life without hiccups. Queenie had hers not long after she started her career. “My job at Bank of America Merrill Lynch was to help companies, mostly from mainland China, get listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. My Putonghua wasn’t as good at the time, so my colleagues would tease me when I spoke. Not knowing simplified Chinese word processing also delayed my written communications.” One may not mind being teased, but Queenie took the challenge upon herself. “I seized every opportunity to practise my Putonghua and learn pinyin on my own. It helped with my pronunciation and typing. Half a year later, my Putonghua improved a lot.” Lifelong learning is her way to cope with challenges. As Queenie had a clearer vision of her career and got the requisite knowhow, she felt ready for the next challenge. She was invited over to C Ventures, where her job switched from that of a fundraiser to an investor. “I’m glad to be involved in a lot of intriguing ventures, including strategic investment for CASETiFY, a global wearable tech brand. RTFKT Studios, a virtual fashion brand whose seed round we invested in, was acquired by Nike at the end of last year. Beyond investment, my biggest takeaway is becoming personal friends with the founders. I am still in contact with many of them now.” An impressive portfolio has not made Queenie stay in her comfort zone. She turned to Baring Private Equity Asia for a new role. “Though also an investor, we have to restructure the growth strategy and framework. We are exploring the possibility of investing in emerging fields as well, which poses yet another challenge.” Reviewing her diverse stints over the years, Queenie believes good communication skills and a broad network are key. ‘CUHK gave me a “bootcamp’ in oral presentations, but I still felt inadequate when I talked to strangers as a newbie in the workplace. We can’t keep talking business. We have to discuss other things to balance it out. That’s how we build our network.” Queenie advises young people not to be shy, but proactively reach out to different kinds of people, because we can always learn from others and build our experience. “If you don’t take the first step, you miss out all the opportunities.” She also encourages students to stay humble, explore new interests beyond their schoolwork, and put social and online media to good use by learning more about other parts of the world. “Don’t limit yourself to Hong Kong. Develop a global vision.” That impact ripples from one to another may be a cliché, but Queenie believes the more we spread positivity, the more the world becomes a better place. “My schedule may not allow me to do much voluntary work, but whenever I am invited to be a speaker or judge, I take the opportunity to spread positive energy.” “We know a lot but act too little. When someone nudges you, you’ll pick it up and act on it. Even the smallest things can inspire someone into action, so never underestimate how much you can do to others.” Indeed, it was the teacher’s casual suggestion that led Queenie to where she is today. First published in CUHK in Focus, this article was republished with permission from the Communications and Public Relations Office of CUHK. The post A Journey from Grassroots to Central appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: Entrepreneurial Spirit Soars in the GBA |
Yatong LI (MBA 2016) Co-Founder and CEO, VoiceAI Technologies Shenzhen, China Victor Lo (IBBA 2016) Co-Founder, Guangdong Shining Farm Jiangmen, China Felix Wong (IBBA 2010) and Terry Ku (QFIN 2010) Co-Founders, King Kong Mini Storage Guangzhou, China Q1. How did you come up with the business idea at first and how far have you gone since then?
Learn more The interviews first appeared in CUHK Business School Alumni Portal, abridged with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office. The post Entrepreneurial Spirit Soars in the GBA appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business – January 2023 |
Our Research Entrepreneurship From Emerging to Developed Markets: How Entrepreneurs Can Pick the Right Strategy By Prof. Wu, Willow You A recent study of Chinese entrepreneurs identifies the strategies that are required for success at different stages of a country’s transition to a market economy. Globalisation How Investors Rewarded Diversification during the Pandemic By Prof. Tsang, Desmond Study finds that companies with more geographically diverse operations outperformed during the peak of the outbreak. Social Responsibility When Corporate Philanthropy Keeps Staff Happy By Prof. Rice, Anthony Research shows that firms which align their philanthropy efforts with the values of workers may benefit from lower turnover. Marketing [b]Speculative Reselling: How Far Should It Go?[/b] By Prof. Liao, Chenxi CUHK research finds that housing price appreciation leads to higher online consumption, less payment hesitation, less order returns and more online shopping activity during work hours. Alumni Story Palpating by Numbers – Enhancing the Health of Corporations and Accounting Many people’s impression of accounting work is that it is “all about the numbers”. Loretta Fong (PACC 1993) has a different take on the entire matter: “Numbers are merely health indexes. What accountants truly need to do is to feel the pulse of a business.” Student Story Driving Change with Care, Compassion and an Eye to the Future Doctors’ careers are typically straightforward. That is not the case for Dr. Justin Wu (EMBA Year 2). Chance and circumstances, as well as his openness to change led him down a different path and into a bigger world. Faculty Story Priming Students for an Evolving World A frequent recipient of teaching awards, Dr. Andrew Yuen is highly focused on preparing students for the future. He works tirelessly to instil within them not only the knowledge they need but also the ability to grow continually through time. Alumni Whereabouts Entrepreneurial Spirit Soars in the GBA In China’s rising economic powerhouse, the Greater Bay Area (GBA), CUHK Business School alumni are poised to capitalise on the business potential in the region and forge ahead with their entrepreneurial passion. Our Happenings
Read Online Download PDF Want even more insights? Subscribe to the monthly digest of China Business Knowledge and our biannual CUHK Business School magazine now! About CUHK Business CUHK Business School’s magazine CUHK Business provides a platform to inform readers of selected business topics and school updates through articles written by staff and guest writers. Situated at the world’s doorway to China, with a well developed foundation in business education and research, CUHK Business School has a unique role in nurturing business leaders of tomorrow. We hope you will find the articles interesting and stimulating. The post CUHK Business – January 2023 appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: Undergraduate Mentorship Programme 2022-23 Kick-off Ceremony |
This year, 69 alumni signed up to mentor 169 current students from all 11 programmes. In the coming year, these students will receive one-on-one coaching and guidance from the mentors on their personal and professional development. Professor Lin Zhou, Dean of CUHK Business School, kick-started the ceremony with a welcome remark. “My tribute is to you, our committed alumni. Your wealth of experience and support is valuable to help the new generation to rise and shine,” said Professor Zhou. “To the mentees, the part you play is equally important. Be ready to inspire your mentors with your passion and aspiration for the future.” During the experience sharing session moderated by Dr Fred Ku, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), Mr CS Chang, Executive Chairman of Key Direction Limited and an ardent mentor since 2015, shed light on the keys to building a successful mentoring relationship. The dialogue was joined by his mentees, Wiratama Kurniawan (IBBA 2022) and Jack Su (IBBA Year 3). Also addressing the event was Ms Angela Fung, Vice-Chairperson of Mentorship & Membership, CUHK BBA Alumni Association, who highlighted the enormous benefits of mutual learning between alumni and students. Before concluding the event, Regent Chan (BBA-JD Year 4) was awarded the CUHK BBA Alumni Association Scholarship, in recognition of his academic achievement and outstanding performance in leadership and social services. Mentors were also presented certificates as a token of appreciation by CUHK BBA Alumni Association’s Chairman Mr Raymond Lo and Dr Fred Ku. The post Undergraduate Mentorship Programme 2022-23 Kick-off Ceremony appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Graduates triumph at HKICPA Qualification Programme Examinations and ACCA Examinations |
In the past two diets of HKICPA’s Qualification Programme (QP) examinations in December 2021 and June 2022, five graduates from the Professional Accountancy (PACC) programme achieved remarkable results, seizing Top Student Awards and Capstone Awards. One of the graduates, Tsz-yan Chan (PACC 2020), was awarded the ICAEW Prize for attaining the highest aggregate score in the four modules of the QP examination. Mr. Eric Leung, Co-director of PACC Programme, joined the QP Top Student Award and Scholarship Presentation Ceremony in September to celebrate the rewarding moments. “Technical knowledge aside, the professional examinations have put more emphasis on professional skills, such as analytical and problem-solving skills. It is great to see that our graduates not only excel in accounting techniques and business knowledge but also demonstrate the soft skills critical for their professional development in the industry.” In the four sessions of ACCA Examinations from September 2021 to June 2022, nine graduates of CUHK Business School swept a total of 11 Top Achievers Awards in the ceremony in October. Among them, Patrick Ping-yuen So (PACC 2021) was also awarded the Outstanding CE Award, which recognises candidates for joining the fast-track ACCA Conditional Exemption (CE) Programme and completing all ACCA papers in less than two years. Dr. Edmund Wong, Co-director of PACC Programme attended the ceremony and shared, “We are all so proud of our graduates’ achievements in the professional examinations. Our heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees.” The list of awardees: HKICPA QP Examination December 2021 Session
September 2021 Session
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FROM CUHK: Forging a Media Content Empire with Passion, Grit and an All-In Attitude |
All of these demonstrated her keen eye for the extraordinary. As gifted as she might have seemed, it is perhaps more accurate to attribute her three decades of success to her unyielding passion and dedication. Pioneering with Passion The no-nonsense Lovinia shared that she always gives 120% at work. She joked that she has had an endless supply of energy since she was a child, which has led her to success in swimming and various ball sports. Participating in sports has also built up her resilience and physical strength, enabling her to go full throttle throughout her career. She explained that losing her father while in secondary school taught her early on that she could rely on only herself, which motivated her to work even harder. When she was at her first job in programme distribution, she already worked nine in the morning to midnight every day, spending a tremendous amount of time learning about the industry and cultures of various regions while delivering double the results. “As a newcomer, I was always ready to take my boss’ orders. During the Gulf War when no fly-zones were in place, I still had to choose detour routes to fly to Monte Carlo on Valentine’s Day to attend a TV festival on my own.” After spending six years working for others, Lovinia was encouraged by her clients to start her own business. She converted space in her home into an office and embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. At the time, she was bullish about the market potential of Japanese anime. She visited Japan several times and tried cold-calling producers, only to be turned down repeatedly. She diligently researched market statistics. Finally, she was able to acquire her first anime, Mojack, which was an instant hit. She then learnt about product licensing and made their debut in brand licensing with Nintama Rantarō, causing the producers of Pokémon to come to Hong Kong to discuss product licensing and made their debut in brand licensing. “My company was still small at the time and I didn’t speak Japanese, so I asked a friend to act as an interpreter. The two of us met with a delegation of more than 30 people, as well as some formidable competitors. Fortunately, our hard work paid off.” Lovinia now runs a product licensing agency with more than 600 media contents and almost 200 licensing brands in its portfolio. She admitted that her mind is entirely focused on work. Her husband teased her for having no life, but she disagreed, saying, “I love my work and I enjoy creating something from nothing. In my opinion, these things are part of my life.” By always giving her all, she has gained client recognition and audience approval. The “equivalent exchange” concept made famous by the anime Fullmetal Alchemist, which she acquired, became Lovinia’s motto: “If you want to reap the rewards, you must work hard and keep improving.” Recently, Medialink Group received the Special Award for Established and Medium Enterprises at the 2022 HKMA Quality Award. “When it comes to management, I treat everyone equally,” Lovinia explained. “I have the same expectations for myself and my colleagues. When you try your best and do your homework, there is nothing you can’t do.” Lovinia’s all-in attitude has won her the trust of clients, allowing Medialink to become Hong Kong’s first publicly traded IP management company. Cultivating a Media Content Ecosystem With the pandemic changing people’s entertainment habits, the number of subscribers to Lovinia’s anime channel has surged from around 1,000 in 2019 to nearly three million recently. She stated that her company will continue to develop more in-house content and platforms. In addition to being a content buyer in the downstream, she intends to move upstream to become a content supplier and establish a sustainable media content ecosystem for her brand. She believes that the enormous potential of local creators merits support and encouragement. For this reason, she has set up a scholarship to support students studying media arts and production, with the goal of developing local talent. Lovinia’s vision is for Hong Kong to shine on the global stage as a regional IP trading centre. “Media content emphasises cultural exchange; and our IP has the potential to reach global markets. Every brand’s DNA can generate a plethora of wonderful assets that can be harnessed and, when used wisely, brought to life.” Using Korean entertainment as an example, the success of its IPs has also aided the development of the country’s tourism industry, the global popularity of Korean food and the proliferation of dance schools. She hopes that the government will invest resources, put in place long-term plans and supportive measures and promote sustainable development for the entire industry chain. “Every brand has its own rich set of DNA. Use it wisely to give the brand a longer lifespan,” Lovinia shared. Keeping the Eye on the Ball Lovinia said CUHK’s EMBA programme helped her develop an entrepreneurial mindset, prompting her to take her company public and reach a new level. The experience also taught her the true meaning of “team” and allowed her to make many close friends who advised and supported her all along. Her current CFO is even an EMBA classmate. Lovinia encouraged students to practice lifelong learning and to be diligent and persistent, drawing on the lessons of her struggles and successes: “Don’t be afraid of getting a raw deal. Set your sights high, make small improvements every day and pay attention to details. You may have no control over the outcome of things, but you always have control over how you manage yourself.” Lovinia (top: second from left; bottom: centre) had a great time with her EMBA classmates in their graduation trip to Holland. First published in the CUHK Business School Alumni Portal on 8 December 2022, this article was republished with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office. The post Forging a Media Content Empire with Passion, Grit and an All-In Attitude appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Students Practise Corporate Social Responsibility and Receive Excellence Awards in Citi-HKCSS Community Intern Programme |
The Citi-HKCSS Community Intern Programme aims at inspiring university students majoring in business studies to contribute their knowledge and expertise through interning in NPOs and social enterprises. It helps build the networks between future business elites and NPOs and encourages students to put the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into practice after graduation. A total of 28 students from CUHK Business School took part in the programme in 2022. Each of them completed 160 hours of internship and 20 hours of pre-training, which covers CSR, cross-sector partnerships, volunteering and understanding different underprivileged groups. In the recognition ceremony held in October, James Chui-yuen Lo (IFAA Year 4) and Katy Tsz-yau Choi (BBA Year 2) were awarded the “Grand Awards for Excellence” and “Awards for Excellence” respectively. James interned at HandsOn Hong Kong Limited, a local charity with a mission to empower Hong Kong people to volunteer. “During the internship, I helped HandsOn Hong Kong to refine their strategies and projects. It challenged me to apply the business concepts I learned at school to contribute to the community. The experience helped me develop in-depth understanding of different social issues and polished my presentation skills to different stakeholders.” Reflecting on his learning, James added, “We met interns and staffs from other organisations in the training workshops. It was truly inspiring to see how people could work together for common good regardless of their ages, backgrounds and cultures.” Another awarded student, Katy, interned at Silence Limited, a charitable organisation that serves the deaf and hard of hearing, aiming to inspire and unleash individual talent and harness collective strength. As a sign language learner, Katy was pleased to find her sign language skills came in handy during her internship. Aspiring to develop a career in philanthropy in the future, Katy regarded her experience reassuring. “We proposed a new series of events to engage both our members and their families. I was thrilled when the idea was accepted and was touched to see saw how much the participants enjoyed the events with their loved ones while overcoming the physical challenges. It gave me the confidence to pursue my career in the field.” Dr. Fred Ku, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), attended the award ceremony and was pleased to see more students were engaged in activities that create social impacts. “I think that it’s important for business students engage in diverse experiential learning opportunities like CIP. On one hand, students receive relevant training and obtain real world experience related to NPOs and the beneficiaries. On the other hand, they can utilise their creativity and business knowledge to help the organisations and become a force for good.” The post CUHK Business School Students Practise Corporate Social Responsibility and Receive Excellence Awards in Citi-HKCSS Community Intern Programme appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: Wheel of fortune |
I saw Jasmine Duan for the first time at a conference on sustainable development hosted by the South China Morning Post. During a panel discussion on corporate social responsibility, the intelligent young investment strategist from the local branch of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) shared her points eloquently, her observations minute and tinged with a feminine subtlety. On a windy day, Duan and I meet in The Peak conference room at RBC. Wearing a broad smile on her face, she arrives five minutes earlier than scheduled. Born in Hunan, she moved to Zhongshan with parents when she was two and a half years old. Maturity has been the hallmark of her character since her childhood: starting from Form 1, she had lived in a dormitory, studying from 6am to 10pm as most mainland teenagers do. From humanities to finance Heeding advice from her uncle who worked in the financial sector, Duan, an arts student who enjoyed visits to museums, abandoned her plan to study history and anthropology at university and opted for finance. Hong Kong was a natural choice for her. A lover of Chinese culture, she was impressed by the campus of Lingnan University, which is known for its garden landscape. Her dream came true in 2008 when she was admitted to the liberal arts university. After one and a half years, she had thoroughly adapted to Hong Kong society and culture. Thanks to the help of Bernard Chan, then Lingnan University’s council chairman, she landed a role in the investment department of his company Asia Financial Holdings. She then joined brokerage firm UOB Kay Hian as an equity research analyst, covering the Hong Kong and China banking sectors as well as small and mid-cap stocks. “Now, as an investment strategist, my role has turned from writing reports to reading them. I have to familiarise myself with different kinds of assets, including global stocks, bonds, foreign exchange and commodities,” she says. Duan went back to school in 2016 to study for a master’s in finance at CUHK in the hope of broadening her knowledge base. The decision to pursue further study at the University stemmed from her positive impression of it over the years. She often guessed if colleagues and friends she was on good terms with are graduates of CUHK. Many a time, their sparkling eyes were the answer she got. “CUHK graduates have a refined, cultured air. They never settle for less, yet are humble and down-to-earth,” she says. In investment and life, Duan is a long-termist: carrying out thorough research on her targets before investing, she’d stick with them for quite some time. A chance, she says, “to develop and grow with the company”. Equanimity in the face of life’s challenges—while possessing the independent thinking and wisdom to tackle them—is what the investment strategist aspires to in life (Visual design: Amy Tam) “What did it feel like to study at CUHK?” I ask. “You felt anchored, knowing that time will be spent meaningfully. With queries arising from my work, professors were there to help. Even now, after graduation, I am sitting in on courses tailor-made for graduates, many of them on cutting-edge topics, such as fintech and financial programming.” These days she also regularly receives LinkedIn messages from business students from CUHK, asking for advice. “These are magical encounters. Due probably to our proximity in age, they feel I’m approachable. Likewise, I still remember those conundrums I had when I was their age, which enables me to share my experiences like a big sister.” Striking a chord of resonance Apart from plotting investment strategies, Duan also serves as spokesperson for the bank’s wealth management team. Facing the media, conveying to clients and members of the public the company’s takes on the market, as well as its sustainability and charitable endeavours forms a large part of her daily routine. The fact that an established North American bank has such a young face for those tasks came as a surprise to many people, including Duan herself. “An investment strategist needs to have 10 to 20 years of experience and prior media training.” A colleague in the marketing department, whom she knew in her early days at RBC, was impressed by her proficiency in English, Cantonese and Mandarin when they met for the first time. When the bank was looking for an investment strategist, her colleague thought of Duan and recommended her for the post. To her surprise, she got a call from her boss. Her ability, to her dismay, was once called into doubt. Finally, the words of her boss and recommender won her over: at the end of the day, what people value are genuine and insightful views which are thoughtfully delivered. Everyone has their own view, but it is up to her to prove herself. “Our company gives opportunities to aspiring young women and, by doing so, hopes to instil a culture of identifying talent on top of looking at resumes,” she says. Duan owed a lot to two mentors—her supervisor, a London-based investment strategist, and a senior female executive specialising in business communication. At the outset, they came together every week to go over forthcoming print, radio and television interviews, panel discussions and speeches, detangling issues and practising ways to overcome nerves and crack thorny questions. A two-to-three-minute interview takes up to two to three days of preparation. Before the show is on, she practises in front of a mirror a few dozen times, and asks colleagues to watch and give feedback. During her university days, Duan volunteered in an Indian village, educating people on the ills of child marriage, and ran a marketing campaign for a social enterprise café. RBC’s emphases on sustainability, social inclusion and women’s rights now strike a deep chord in her. “Social problems are highly complicated. I’d like to be more practical, doing what I can to the best of my ability with the platform offered by my company.” She sees Hong Kong as home, and believes that the more fraught geopolitical situations are, the more vital the city is to China and the world. “China will certainly play a key role in global economy,” she says. “So staying in China, staying in Hong Kong will be the best bet.” By Amy Li Photos by Keith Hiro First published in CUHK in Focus, this article was republished with permission from the Communications and Public Relations Office of CUHK. The post Wheel of fortune appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Launches “60 Years in a Flash” Photo Collection Campaign |
60 years has passed in a flash yet amassed a galaxy of countless defining moments. As we look forward to embarking onto the next chapter, we invite current and past members of the faculty, alumni and students to walk down the memory lane and share precious moments which manifest the meaningful impact we create, moments in which we see ourselves in a new horizon, as well as moments that shine with lifelong bonding. From now until 3 March 2023, you are welcomed to submit photos through the online form to enter the photo collection campaign. A judging panel will evaluate the entries according to the visual content and aesthetic appeal. Selected photos will be presented on our website and social media channels. Winners will receive special souvenirs as a compliment. Submit now! Submit Now Submission requirements:
CUHK Business School “60 Years in a Flash” Photo Collection Campaign Terms and Conditions
[/list] Enquiry: CUHK Business School Marketing and Communications Office mco@baf.cuhk.edu.hk +852 3943 4492 The post CUHK Business School Launches “60 Years in a Flash” Photo Collection Campaign appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: Eyeing a Brighter Future with Hope and Confidence |
He admitted humbly that he was not smarter than the next person. Nonetheless, he is more optimistic and tenacious than his peers. With confidence and hope, he overcomes adversity and eyes a broader horizon. Keeping an Eye on the Vast Horizon Antony emphasised during the interview that he was just a regular graduate of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). His life experience simply mirrored the struggles that the people of Hong Kong have faced over the last few decades. Along with expressing gratitude towards his mentors and friends for helping him along the way, he was thankful to his faith for providing him with much-needed peace of mind in the face of life’s challenges. “When it comes to making important decisions, some people vacillate or even over-analyse. But I never felt any hesitation or apprehension.” When he realised that majoring in chemistry was not his cup of tea, he immediately started exploring alternatives. Since he was at the top of his class in accounting, a subject he chose for himself, he applied to change his major to professional accountancy, only to be rejected. “The ‘dead end’ sign is simply a signal to work even harder. I was given an interview after battling for one.” He was glad that CUHK Business School accepted him so he could unleash his potential in the field. Antony enjoys solving problems, and he has a unique approach to doing it: “Most people dwell on the problem itself, but I prefer to focus on the brighter horizon that will emerge after the problems are solved. This enables me to outdo myself and reach a higher level. The resulting joy motivates me and drives me to think harder about solutions.” Thinking Big for a Positive Sum With the global economy and trade battered in recent years by the pandemic and wars, many people have lost their faith in the future, believing that the best days are behind them. Antony, on the other hand, does not see it as a dead end. Rather, he sees a brighter future ahead. He believes that greater opportunities always follow the worst circumstances. For example, while working at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in 1997, he lost his largest client overnight and was on the verge of losing his job. However, his boss’s trust resulted in him being assigned an even larger client the following day. “You must have faith in the future. Don’t be discouraged by current setbacks; instead, keep doing what is right. The more problems you face, the less you can afford to be misled by them. You must analyse the situation and think precisely in order to find opportunities in desperate situations. That’s what we have been doing for our clients over the last few years: finding breakthroughs in testing environments. I am extremely pleased with the results.” When Antony graduated from university, no one imagined a foreign bank would appoint a home-grown Hongkonger as CEO. His story demonstrates the importance of optimism and positivity. Having navigated the ruthless, competitive investment banking industry for more than 30 years, Antony has developed exceptional resilience. Yet, it is difficult not to be impressed by his affability when speaking with him. He admitted that he is a rational person who used to focus on getting the job done without regard for his colleagues’ feelings. However, his life experience has taught him to consider the big picture. He learnt to “think big” not only for himself but also for his colleagues, his clients and society. “In this world, win-win situations are possible. We can help clients grow their business and benefit everyone by helping colleagues grow and going above and beyond in devising solutions for clients. When they win, so will we.” He believes that the key to achieving positive-sum outcomes is to keep an open mind. He cited China’s global leadership in electric vehicles, battery energy storage, wind turbines, solar panels and electricity supply as an example. With carbon neutrality becoming a global goal, if Hong Kong’s banking industry can maintain objectivity, leverage its strengths and assist Mainland China’s enterprises to internationalise, it will foster a better world for all. He hopes that the people of Hong Kong will not limit their own growth potential, but will instead look to larger markets to learn and grow. They can capitalise on the Greater Bay Area’s comparative advantages, drive mutual gains and promote a more expansive, brighter future. “The ‘Think Big’ mindset has long been regarded as a business axiom. However, as leaders, we must think big for others instead,” Antony shared. Push On and Maximise One’s Advantages Antony has spent a combined six years at CUHK pursuing his BBA and MBA. He heartily confessed that meeting his wife, Amy So (BBA 1982), was the greatest gain of all. “My education, career and family are inextricably linked to CUHK. The happiness that CUHK has brought me is indescribable.” Mentors who believed in him, such as Ms Nam Sun of the School of Accountancy, and Professor John Espy of MBA, encouraged and enabled him to realise his full potential. Antony now hopes to use his position on the MBA Advisory Board to provide students with practical knowledge. He intends to assist them in increasing their competitiveness and resilience to cope with an ever-changing business world. He used his experience to encourage upcoming graduates to never give up, learn from the past and act based on facts, vision and a people-oriented mentality. “Defeats and setbacks are inevitable. The winners are simply those who can find inspiration in adversity and bravely persevered till the end.” First published in the CUHK Business School Alumni Website on 5 January 2023, this article was republished with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office. The post Eyeing a Brighter Future with Hope and Confidence appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Faculty Members and Student Awarded for Teaching and Research Excellence |
Vice-Chancellor’s Exemplary Teaching Award 2021 The Vice-Chancellor’s Exemplary Teaching Award Scheme was launched in the year 1999 to give recognition to outstanding teachers. Every year, each Faculty can nominate at least one teacher for the award whose performance in teaching is considered excellent in the eyes of students and other teaching staff. The award serves not only as a recognition of the contributions of the awardees in the area of teaching, but also reflects the University’s commitment to providing quality education. Dr. Eric Leung Senior Lecturer, Department of School of Accountancy; Director of Professional Accountancy Programme “I would like to express my greatest gratitude to my colleagues in the School of Accountancy and in CUHK Business School for their tremendous support. I would also like to extend such thankfulness to all my students who always provide me with the greatest motivation to continuously reflect on my teaching and learn how to become a better teacher.” Young Researcher Award 2021 Established in 2002, the Young Researcher Award aims to recognise the research accomplishments of young faculty members. Prof. Wensi Xie Associate Professor, Department of Finance “I am deeply honoured to receive the award and would like to express my sincere gratitude to CUHK Business School and the Department of Finance for the recognition of my research output. I would also like to thank my collaborators and colleagues for their guidance and support. This award will motivate me to continue to conduct meaningful and impactful research in the future.” Postgraduate Research Output Award 2021 To encourage quality research, the University established the Postgraduate Research Output Award in 2002. Dr. Hong Zhang Graduate of 2022, Ph.D. Programme in Management “I am extremely grateful for the unwavering support from my supervisor Prof. Wendong Li. His guidance and encouragement throughout my PhD studies have helped me immensely. I am also thankful to all the other faculty members, colleagues and friends in the Department of Management for their care and support. Motivated by this award, I will forge ahead with research that is impactful and beneficial to our society.” The post CUHK Business School Faculty Members and Student Awarded for Teaching and Research Excellence appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Students Carry Championship in the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Business Case Competition 2022 |
Last year, over 500 students from various universities in Hong Kong teamed up to join the case competition themed “Evolving Business in a Changing World”. Participants were challenged to provide creative solutions to business cases formulated by Chinachem Group, Jardine Matheson, NWS Holdings, Sino Group or Swire Group. Among the four winning teams from CUHK, a team of four undergraduate students was crowned champion in the Swire Group’s track. The team comprises students from Global Business Studies (GBS), Quantitative Finance (QFIN) and Quantitative Finance and Risk Management Science (QFRM). The team was tasked to propose a two-part business solution to the Swire Group Charitable Trust. The first part should cover a communication campaign that celebrates the success of the funding initiative “TrustTomorrow” while the second part should provide recommendations on raising public awareness of the importance of marine conservation. “We came to realise that business is not only about maximising profit. Many companies are devoted to contributing to society and promoting sustainability.” “Our team was coached by the manager of TrustTomorrow. We believed that a charity carnival would be an effective way to conclude their current EGS efforts. On the other hand, we narrowed down the target audience and devised the Swire Marine Student Ambassadors Programme.” “In the future, we want to explore how corporates can do more for society and achieve a win-win situation.” Award list: Swire Group – Champion Team name: FFCV Chinachem Group – 1st runner-up Team name: Sinevise.io NWS Holdings Limited – 2nd runner-up Team name: Trivial Solutions Sino Group – 2nd runner-up Team name: Solution 404 The post CUHK Business School Students Carry Championship in the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Business Case Competition 2022 appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: Insistence on Going Beyond Expectations |
Peter Suen [EMBA (Chinese) 2014] began his career in the luxury industry as a sales trainee in the 1980s. In 2011, he was appointed Executive Director of the Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group to oversee its businesses in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas. Since his first day in the business, Peter has always insisted on “exceeding expectations”, a mindset that has enabled him to stand out and hone a diverse skillset, and now manage the jewellery giant with deftness and precision. A Personal Brand that Goes Beyond Boundaries Peter discovered his talent for sales and interest in jewellery while working a summer job. He joined Chow Tai Fook after graduation and started as a “newbie” on the frontlines. From switching branches to career advancement, Peter attributed his relatively smooth journey to fortuity, including meeting old masters who were very generous in passing on their knowledge to the younger generation. Having the right attitude was also crucial: “Jewellery is a luxury good, and sales often rely on trust and interpersonal relationships. Salespeople, like merchants, must build a reputation. I try to grow myself as a brand and foster long-term relationships with customers.” More than that, Peter always pushes himself to go above and beyond to exceed others’ expectations. His efforts have gradually paid off; he frequently broke the record for the highest single transaction amount and rose to become the company’s youngest branch manager. “I’m motivated by record-breaking, of course, but I’m most proud of having built long-lasting friendships with my customers. I’m still in touch with some of my first customers, even though they’re all over the world now. Some even brought their grandchildren with them to shop with us. Being a part of an industry that is inherently linked to happiness gives me a lot of satisfaction.” Peter joined Chow Tai Fook after graduation and has been a part of the industry’s evolution for nearly 40 years. Demonstrate Leadership by Passing the Baton to the Next Generation Good communication is crucial to sales success. Keen observation, active listening and delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time are key attributes that can prove valuable to both customers and management. Peter’s management style contains a blend of old-school tradition and modern principles. He is working to empower the younger generation of employees by entrusting them with responsibility and guiding them on their career journey (a management philosophy also known as “saying more and doing less” in Chinese). “Opportunities to learn and grow are important for the younger generation. I see my role as empowering the team leaders to manage their own work and providing guidance and support where necessary”. He remembered that being told off was commonplace during his apprenticeship days and that even his colleagues once thought of him as a stern teacher. But now he focuses on sharing his experience and giving younger colleagues room to grow and shine. “The jewellery industry is like many other traditional industries. There must be business systems in place to ensure stability, seasoned masters to pass on knowledge, and vitality to attract young people who value flexibility and challenge.” To stay current, the company not only offers flexible work arrangements and professional training but also courses like wine tasting to help colleagues develop new skills. Furthermore, the Group is incorporating innovative technologies into its core businesses, such as introducing various online sales platforms to provide customers with personalised shopping experiences, so they always have something new to look forward to. “When you can operate like a library and offer various treasures from your trove, you will naturally be able to win by delight.” “I am working to empower my colleagues and give them more room to grow and shine, adopting a management philosophy of ‘saying more and doing less’,” shared Peter. Peter has witnessed the evolution of Hong Kong’s jewellery industry over the course of decades, saying it has always experienced rapid growth and indomitable vitality. Nathan Road may have the highest concentration of jewellery stores in the world. “Hong Kong is a magical market. As quarantine-free travel and normalcy resume, we anticipate that the city’s retail industry will bounce back gradually.” He is also optimistic about the Chinese mainland market and Asian tourist hotspots. With young consumers aged 25 to 34 now driving jewellery and gold consumption, the industry’s prospects will be bolstered and invigorated. Breaking Free from the Mould Peter fondly recalled his time at CUHK. According to him, returning to school was a wonderful opportunity that provided him with respite from a heavy workload that saw him dashing in a rather singular direction. Furthermore, the EMBA programme offered him time to slow down and think. He also met classmates from different corners of society and was inspired and motivated by the life stories and struggles of these industry elites. “Set your sights wide and keep exchanging with others,” he encourages younger graduates, using what he learnt at CUHK Business School. “This will broaden your perspectives and enable you to see further and deeper.” First published in the CUHK Business School Alumni Portal on 9 February 2023, this article was republished with permission from the School’s Alumni Affairs and Development Office. The post Insistence on Going Beyond Expectations appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Celebrates Its 60-year Legacy of Forging the City’s Largest Business School Alumni Network |
The event was attended by close to 200 distinguished guests, including CUHK management and advisers, as well as top-notch leaders from the private, public and social sectors, 80% of whom are ardent alumni from the School. It was a testament to its staunch alumni network, which comprises over 40,000 members in 49 locations. The mesmerising trio performance of harmonica and piano symbolises the inception of CUHK Business School in 1963, as a federation of three foundation colleges – Chung Chi College, New Asia College and United College – and became the first to trailblaze a full suite of business education programmes in Asia. Over 60 years, attributing to the unique collegiate system and whole-person development focus, CUHK Business School has nurtured generations of industry leaders who are compassionate and virtuous, besides being capable of shaping business landscapes. Encapsulating the best from the West and the East, the School has pioneered and reinvented its education experience, developing the most sought-after business talent and empowering business with cutting-edge research insights. The guest of honour and a CUHK Business School alumnus, the Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “Over the past six decades, the School has flourished at the forefront of business-management education and research. Today’s CUHK Business School alumni network includes some of the most influential business leaders, scholars and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong, and far beyond. And they have helped enable Hong Kong’s rise as one of the world’s leading financial and business centres. With Hong Kong once again wide open to the pursuit of business and opportunity, I look forward to the continuing contributions of CUHK Business School alumni and the School itself.” Mr Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary, delivers a speech as guest of honour. Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Council Chairman of CUHK, said, “As Hong Kong is moving vigorously toward a digital economy and an international green finance centre, CUHK and the Business School are committed to nurturing future-ready talent with a high level of digital literacy and an unwavering humanistic spirit to lead the city’s transformation. The school will continue to bring innovation to its programmes and curriculum and generate practical insights to empower business.” Professor John Chai Yat-chiu, Chairman of CUHK Council, delivers a welcome address. The event showcased an array of anniversary-special activities spanning across the year. Highlights include round-the-world alumni celebrations, its flagship Global Alumni Forum and AsRES-GCREC 2023, an international academic conference for real estate industry. Professor Rocky S. Tuan, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President, congratulated the Faculty of Business Administration for making remarkable accomplishments as a trailblazer in business education in Hong Kong and in Asia, “It gives me much pride to see our strong community of staff, students and alumni of the Business School constantly commit themselves to creating positive impact on business and society through teaching, learning, research and practice. The high-achieving professionals, leaders and entrepreneurs that the School has nurtured over the past six decades have been contributing significantly to Hong Kong, the country and the world. As we celebrate the doubled happiness of the School’s 60th anniversary and CUHK’s diamond jubilee this year, I sincerely wish the School will continue to prosper and nurture successive generations of talents who steer and shape the business landscape of Hong Kong, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond, further solidifying CUHK’s unique position as a place where great minds shine.” Professor Zhou Lin, Dean of CUHK Business School, remarked, “Our achievements today would not have been possible without our founders, former leaders, partners, colleagues, alumni and students. As we embark on a new chapter, we will carry the torch of our founding mission and proud heritage and continue to cultivate value-driven business leaders capable of tackling the most complex issues for the future.” About CUHK Business School CUHK Business School comprises two schools – Accountancy, and Hotel and Tourism Management – and four departments: Decision Sciences and Managerial Economics, Finance, Management, and Marketing. Established in Hong Kong in 1963, it was the first business school to offer BBA, MBA, and Executive MBA programmes in Asia. Today, CUHK Business School offers 10 undergraduate programmes and 21 graduate programmes, including MBA, EMBA, MAcc, MSc, MPhil, DBA, and PhD. The school currently has more than 4,600 undergraduate and postgraduate students from more than 20 countries and regions. In the Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking 2022, CUHK’s EMBA was ranked 24th in the world. CUHK Business School has the largest number of business alumni (more than 40,000) among universities and business schools in Hong Kong, many of whom are business leaders. The post CUHK Business School Celebrates Its 60-year Legacy of Forging the City’s Largest Business School Alumni Network appeared first on CUHK Business School. |
FROM CUHK: CUHK Business School Students Shine in ACCA Hong Kong Business Competition 2022-23 |
Themed “The Digital Future is Now: Creating your transformative visions for a better world” this year, students were challenged to develop innovative ideas to accelerate the transformation journey to drive sustainable growth for World Vision Hong Kong, the case partner this year. Taking on the role of a business consultant, each team was tasked to design a campaign, project or product for a chosen work area of World Vision Hong Kong, with the adoption of at least one virtual tool such as Blockchain, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Metaverse. While the solution is digital, the impact should benefit the needy in the physical world. Two CUHK teams took home the First runner-up, Second runner-up, as well as the Research Excellence Award and Best Presenter Award. They received cash prizes along with full sponsorship of ACCA Qualification Initial Registration Fee and ACCA Annual Subscription Fee for one year. This year, all awardees were presented with blockchain certificates and digital badges for building their digital credentials on social platforms. First Runner-up and Research Excellence
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