We held our graduation ceremony on 10 and 11 November for this year’s 2,286 graduates. This year’s cohort comprised 799 undergraduates, 1,454 taught postgraduates, and 33 research students. Graduates received their bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, MPhil degrees, and doctoral degrees at six graduation sessions over the two days of the ceremony.

At the ceremony

PolyU Business School (PBS) hosted graduation dinners for our doctoral graduates on 11 November, and for our master's graduates the following day. These special events offered a wonderful opportunity for our graduates to come together, reconnect with classmates, and celebrate their outstanding achievements in a warm and festive atmosphere.

PolyU DBA, DMgt and DFinTech Graduation Dinner

PolyU MBA Graduation Dinner

PolyU MSc in Business Management Graduation Dinner

The evenings were a delightful blend of happiness and reflection. Graduates shared their experiences and the challenges they overcame during their studies. Faculty members also joined the celebrations, extending heartfelt congratulations to the new graduates and sharing their pride in their accomplishments.

PBS participated in several education fairs organised by Times Higher Education (THE), Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), and Oh!Study, where we had the pleasure of connecting with enthusiastic students from different parts of the world. Our consultation booths and information talks provided valuable insights into our undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes, sparking keen interest among prospective students eager to start their study journey in vibrant Hong Kong.

PBS's recruitment tours

At the consultation booths

In September and October, PBS launched a promotional campaign to raise awareness of our undergraduate, taught postgraduate and research postgraduate programmes. This initiative featured the strategic placement of three sets of billboards, video advertisements on Cathay Pacific’s in-flight entertainment channels, and digital panels at Hong Kong International Airport and West Kowloon Station.

The campaign successfully captured the attention of a diverse audience of international travellers and commuters. The high-traffic locations enabled us to effectively showcase our range of programmes and encourage interest and applications from a global audience.

PBS promotional campaign

Explore our programmes:

Undergraduate programmes: www.polyu.edu.hk/fb/study/ug/bba-schemes

Taught postgraduate programmes: www.polyu.edu.hk/fb/tpg

Research postgraduate programmes: www.polyu.edu.hk/fb/study/rpg

This year, PBS hosted an enlightening ‘FB Don x CEO Luncheon’, bringing together over 60 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and academic experts to explore the transformative potential of generative AI in business. Our Assistant Dean (External Relations) Prof. Katherine Feng, who specialises in Management Information Systems, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the relationship between generative AI and business transformation, highlighting how organisations can leverage this transformative technology to drive innovation and strategic growth. The talk was followed by a dynamic Q&A session led by Associate Dean (Academic Support) Prof. Mike Lai. This event sparked insightful conversations among participants, building valuable connections and inspiring innovative thinking about the future of business.

Prof. Katherine Feng presenting at the Luncheon

The PolyU Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Coffee Chat, held on 16 November, was a resounding success, providing attendees with valuable insights into the DBA programme. DBA Programme Director Prof. Brian Kei and Deputy Programme Director Prof. Man Kwong Leung highlighted the programme content, while DBA alumna Dr Anchor Hung shared her personal experiences, challenges and career insights, offering valuable information to prospective applicants.

(From left) Prof. Brian Kei and Dr Anchor Hung

The PolyU Doctor of Business Artificial Intelligence (DBAI) programme recently hosted an exclusive luncheon, bringing together a distinguished gathering of individuals to explore the transformative potential of AI in business. Programme Director Prof. Michael Xu shared his insights on the future of business and AI, while Deputy Programme Director Prof. Michael Mei described how the programme empowers students to propel new AI-driven solutions within their organisations. The luncheon was further enriched by the valuable contributions of our doctoral students and alumni, who shared their inspiring learning journeys and invaluable perspectives with the attendees.

Prof. Michael Xu speaking at the luncheon

PBS recently held a series of information sessions focusing on our research postgraduate programmes in several key Chinese cities, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. These sessions provided an excellent platform for potential applicants to engage with our academic staff, who shared their personal experiences and offered valuable guidance and inspiration.

The information sessions enabled attendees to meet senior faculty and gain insights into PBS’ cutting-edge research projects and programmes. Research postgraduates shared their journeys, shedding light on what it takes to thrive in our academic environment. We encouraged prospective students to connect with current research postgraduates and faculty members to build lasting relationships and identify opportunities for research collaborations. We also provided comprehensive information on scholarships and funding opportunities that are available for our research postgraduate students.

At the information sessions

PBS organised a series of orientation workshops at the beginning of the academic year to welcome new students and provide essential information about their programmes. These workshops helped new students to familiarise themselves with the university environment and learn more about academic expectations, campus resources and support services.

The workshops also encouraged students to network and build relationships. By connecting with both their peers and with faculty, new students can build a crucial support network that creates a positive foundation for their future academic success.

DBA Residential Workshop

MBA Creator Workshop

On 21 August, PBS hosted a delegation from the Ultra Gobi Friends Association in the Greater Bay Area. Assistant Dean (Fund-raising and Development) Prof. Jimmy Jin welcomed the delegation and introduced our school and its programmes. He also guided the delegation on a tour of the PolyU campus.

Prof. Jimmy Jin (second from left)

The PBS Technology in Business Case Competition, held on 6 and 7 July, brought together over 100 Secondary 4 and 5 students. Organised by PBS in collaboration with Preface, a leading technology company, this two-day workshop enabled students to better understand the significance of business education in today's digital environment.

During the event, our teachers shared insights on innovation and the future of technology in business. Participating students explored various AI-related technologies and attended hands-on sessions to prepare for their case solution presentations.

The competition provided a unique opportunity for students to present their solutions to senior executives from a real company and receive immediate feedback on their ideas. This workshop offered a valuable chance for students to tackle real-world business challenges in the digital age.

Students and teachers at the competition

PolyU recently entered into a donation agreement with the China Resources Charitable Fund Limited (CRCF) to establish the China Resources Corporate Governance Scholarship. This initiative will provide scholarships for each of the five academic years from 2023/24 to 2027/28. The purpose of the scholarships is to recognise outstanding postgraduate students who have excelled in the PolyU Master of Corporate Governance programme and encourage them to pursue careers in corporate governance and company secretarial roles.

The signing ceremony was held on 22 August and officiated by Mr Wang Xiangming, Chairman of the China Resources Group; Mr Liu Maozhou, First-Level Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Ms Shirley Lam Shuet-lai, Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government; Mr Joseph Chan Ho-lim, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government; and Mr Lan Yi, Vice General Manager of the China Resources Group. The officiating guests witnessed the signing of the donation agreement by Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, and Mr Song Guibin, Director of CRCF.

The scholarship arrangement was spearheaded by the China Resources Group and jointly initiated by China Resources Corporate Service Limited, CRCF and The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute.

(First row from left) Mr Song Guibin and Dr Miranda Lou at the signing ceremony

The Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2024, jointly organised by The Center for Economic Sustainability and Entrepreneurial Finance (CESEF) of the PolyU School of Accounting and Finance and Sing Tao News Corporation Limited, has attracted impressive participation from well-known companies since its launch in 2023. The scheme recognises outstanding companies that actively implement ESG principles and build public awareness of ESG.

The scheme includes the awards ‘Prestigious ESG Accomplishment of the Year’, ‘Outstanding ESG Environmental/ Social/Corporate Governance Performance Awards’, and ‘ESG Commendation Certification’. This year, the ‘ESG Innovation Technology Application Awards’ were introduced to recognise companies that have achieved significant achievements in the ESG sector. Nearly 50 companies from Hong Kong and Mainland China received awards during the ESG Enterprises Certification Awards and Sustainable Development Forums 2024 held on 4 November.

At the award ceremony

An inauguration ceremony for the Research Centre for Digital Economy of the School of Accounting and Finance (AF) was held on 3 September. The centre focuses on key trends in the digital economy and covers a wide range of important research areas, including blockchain, AI and big data. Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony. Also present were representatives of the donor, An He (Hainan) Digital Industry Holding Co. Ltd, and team members of the research centre. The establishment of the Research Centre for Digital Economy exemplifies AF’s close collaboration with industry, as well as our commitment to align with PolyU’s strategic plan and further promote scholarly excellence.

At the inauguration ceremony

On behalf of PolyU’s Department of Management and Marketing, Prof. Hang-Jun Cho signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ajou University School of Medicine. The school’s affiliated hospital and clinical facility, Ajou University Medical Center, is recognised as one of the leading research university hospitals in Korea. This MoU aims to address the growing need to bridge the gap between the business sector and medical advancements.

We anticipate fostering extensive collaborations in research and education, facilitating the active exchange of research ideas and technologies, and enhancing our interdisciplinary and global engagement.

(From left) Prof. Hang-Jun Cho and Dr Chul-Ho Kim, Director of Ajou Research Institute for Advanced Medicine of the School of Medicine of Ajou University

BBA in Accountancy student Lau Chak Wan and BBA in Supply Chain Management and Analytics student Lau Pak Hei Pius have been honoured with the Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2024. The scholarship, jointly organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission, HSBC, and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, provides opportunities for outstanding undergraduates in Hong Kong to broaden their international exposure, gain valuable industry experience, and cultivate their enthusiasm for science and technology.

The students received their awards at a presentation ceremony on 11 June. The scholarship will enable them to participate in various local and overseas mentorship programmes, empowering them to pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to society.

(Left) Lau Chak Wan	(Left) Lau Pak Hei Pius

BBA in Accountancy and Financial Services students Leung Sze Ying and Chu Hiu Tung, along with two students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, showcased their exceptional abilities and dedication to excellence during the 2024 Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute Corporate Governance Paper Competition. Together, they won the Best Presentation Award in the Paper Presentation Competition and secured Second Runner-up in the Paper Writing Competition. These accomplishments highlight both the students’ talents and the academic excellence and commitment to success that PBS promotes.

Leung Sze Ying (second from left) and Chu Hiu Tung (second from right)

This annual event, which is organised by The Hong Kong Chartered Governance Institute, aims to raise awareness among local undergraduates of the importance of good governance. This year's theme, ‘Overcoming Governance Obstacles in NGO Administration’, offered a challenging context for researching, writing and presenting.

Three BBA in Accounting and Finance students and one BBA Scheme in Aviation, Maritime and Supply Chain Management student won the First Runner-up and Best AI Application awards at the North Asia Final of the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Global Business Challenge 2024 in Hong Kong.

Our students represented Hong Kong at the North Asia Final, where they competed against eleven shortlisted teams of elite university students from around the world.

(From left) Zhai Yujia, He Zixuan, Wang Fangyu, and Zhu Yingfan

The CGMA Global Business Challenge is an international competition designed to bring out the best in the young business leaders of tomorrow and is organised by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. This year's competition featured the use of AI tools to strengthen students’ problem-solving capabilities. By presenting business case studies, students can showcase their business management skills and learn how to become business leaders.

BBA in Management graduates Tang Yingxi and Lei Yue, supervised by Dr Cong Qi, examined the impact of feedback from ChatGPT as part of their undergraduate capstone project last year. The two PBS graduates compared the differences between feedback from teachers and feedback from ChatGPT regarding its impact on students’ self-efficacy, engagement and learning outcomes. Their paper was published at the Americas’ Conference on Information Systems (AMCIS) 2024. Lei Yue also presented the paper at the conference.

Lei Yue presenting at the conference