Welcome to the December 2024 edition of the FB Magazine !

Since our last edition in June, developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have continued to rapidly impact the world of business. AI-driven automation is streamlining business processes across multiple industries, significantly boosting efficiency. Meanwhile, AI-powered analytics are offering ever-deeper insights into market trends and consumer behaviour. The rapid advancement of AI makes it imperative that universities respond with programmes that acknowledge the profound technological changes we are experiencing.

This is why we have chosen the theme of this edition: “Preparing Future Leaders for an AI-driven Economy”. As AI reshapes industries and creates new opportunities, it is crucial that we equip future leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate and thrive in an AI-driven world, enabling them to harness these technologies for the greater good.

Our Cover Story introduces our new Doctor of Business Artificial Intelligence programme. This innovative programme is designed to prepare senior executives and business leaders to integrate advanced AI technologies into their business strategies, empowering them to lead and innovate in an economy increasingly influenced by AI.

The Research Spotlight section showcases two AI-focused research projects that highlight the cutting-edge work that our faculty members are conducting. The project titled “AI-based Financial News Processing and Reporting System for Recruitment Consultants” is developing an AI-based system tailored for recruitment consultants in Asian markets. This system aims to provide reliable, actionable financial insights, enhancing decision-making and offering a strategic advantage in the competitive financial sector. Meanwhile, the project “Harnessing AI for Workplace Well-being: Enhancing Psychological Safety through AI-driven Mental Health Interventions” seeks to leverage AI to support mental well-being and psychological safety. This initiative demonstrates how AI tools can deliver personalised, scalable mental health support, fostering inclusive workplace cultures that enhance collaboration, resilience, and innovation.

In the Alumni section, Cyberport CEO and DBA graduate Dr Rocky Cheng shares his insights on the evolving role of leaders in an AI-driven economy, discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, as well as the initiatives that Cyberport is undertaking to promote innovation and technology leadership.

Since the previous edition, PolyU Business School has achieved several notable successes. We have compiled these in the Achievements section. Among these, ten faculty members are currently ranked among the world’s top 2% of scientists by citation (August 2024 Scopus Data Snapshot). Furthermore, PolyU is ranked 6th globally in Economics and Business in the National Taiwan University Rankings 2024, the highest position outside the United States. In addition, we have achieved the top position globally in Business and Management based on publications between 2017 and 2021 (ScholarGPS^® data), surpassing prestigious institutions such as Harvard, MIT, and Stanford. These accomplishments underscore our excellence in research productivity, impact, and overall academic performance.

Our Research Perspectives section highlights three key studies that our faculty members have been working on in recent months. One study examines how improved auditing standards enhance the operations of global exporting firms and their engagement in value chains, promoting trade efficiency and reliability. Another investigates how risk factors can propagate from major customers to their suppliers within supply chain networks, using stock price crashes as an indicator. It also examines the role of supplier information opacity in this process. A third study focuses on the role of strong information security for hospitals, analysing the impact of data breaches on vendor selection and hospitals’ response strategies.

Finally, the Around the Faculty section features a variety of newsworthy stories about our staff, students, and alumni. These stories celebrate their achievements and highlight the vibrant community within the Faculty of Business.

As we approach the end of the year, I would like to wish each of you a happy and prosperous festive season. I look forward to reconnecting with you in our next edition in the summer of 2025.