Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement)

Dr Laura Lo Shuen is a highly accomplished and dedicated individual who has made significant contributions to the field of education and youth development in Hong Kong and Mainland China.  With over 35 years of experience in higher education, Dr Lo has held various senior executive positions and played a pivotal role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

In her current role as Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dr Lo is responsible for steering the planning and implementation of strategies and initiatives for enhancing the fundraising capacity and advancing institutional goals of the University.  Her extensive professional experience and expertise in Mainland development, industrial relationships, community partnerships, student recruitment, technology commercialisation and entrepreneurship have been instrumental in her success.

Prior to her current position, Dr Lo served as Associate Vice President (Mainland Affairs and Entrepreneurship) at the City University of Hong Kong from 2019 to 2023. During her tenure, she spearheaded the development of a large-scale entrepreneurial flagship programme, which nurtured over 600 startups.  Dr Lo also established a comprehensive supporting ecosystem that included 80 local chambers and associations, industrial partners, co-investment schemes, mentorship programmes, co-working spaces, legal, accounting and banking support.  Additionally, Dr Lo played a crucial role in connecting Hong Kong startups with Mainland industries and venture capitalists, as well as facilitating the integration in the Greater Bay Area.

Before her tenure at the City University of Hong Kong, Dr Lo spent 28 years at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University as the Director of Chinese Mainland Affairs.  She oversaw the University's Mainland Development and played a key role in setting up regional bases in the Mainland.  Her extensive experience and deep understanding of Mainland China have been invaluable in her career.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dr Lo has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service.  Since 1992, she has been actively involved in the volunteer work in the Scout Association of Hong Kong, serving in various leadership roles.  She has also participated in local and global youth movements, established signature youth programmes and facilitated international exchange activities.  Dr Lo was appointed as Chairman of the Communication and External Relationship Sub-Committee at the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement in 2022.  In this role, she has organised numerous international conferences and workshops to strengthen the position of scouting and support resource mobilisation.  Dr Lo's dedication to youth development and non-formal education has had a lasting impact on the lives of countless young individuals.

Furthermore, Dr Lo has been a member of the Shenzhen Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) since 2021.  In this capacity, she has submitted proposals to improve cross-border collaboration and integration, particularly in the areas of technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and university partnerships.  Her involvement in the CPPCC highlights her commitment to driving positive change and promoting collaboration between different sectors.

Dr Lo obtained a doctoral degree in Economics from Renmin University in Beijing, China, in 2009.  Prior to that, she completed her Master of Science in China Business Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Mathematics, from The University of Hong Kong.  Her academic achievements have provided her with a strong foundation and deep understanding of the economic and business landscape in both Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Dr Lo's strong connections with youth organisations, local industries and chambers, Mainland CPPCC and Mainland governments enable her to facilitate institutional advancement and drive positive change.  Her passion for youth development and entrepreneurship, coupled with her expertise in higher education, make her a valuable asset to the field and a driving force for advancing institutional goals of the University.