Call for Nominations: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Accounting and Finance 2025

The School of Accounting and Finance (AF) is delighted to announce that the new round of nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU AF 2025 is now open. The award aims to recognise outstanding graduates of AF for their professional achievements and significant contributions to the community and their alma mater.   Eligibility The nominated candidate must be a graduate who has successfully completed full-time or part-time programme offered by PolyU (or its forerunners: Hong Kong Government Trade School, Hong Kong Technical College, and Hong Kong Polytechnic) which led to an academic award accredited by the respective Institution.   The proposer can be a PolyU graduate, Honorary Graduate, University Fellow, PolyU staff, PolyU Council and Court member and Advisory Committee member.  There is no limit to the number of nominations to be submitted by each proposer.  However, the proposer cannot be the candidate himself/herself. Selection Criteria The selection of the Award considers two criteria:   (1)      Support and Contribution to PolyU: This key criterion considers nominee’s support and contribution to PolyU, including his/her leadership and/or support in University event and/or alumni activities, support in advisory committee, teaching, research, or student development, as well as support rendered to PolyU initiatives including financial / in-kind donation, or sponsorship.   (2)      Achievement Areas: Three achievement areas serve as a framework for assessing nominee’s achievements in the concerned areas.  They include Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurial Achievement, and Scholarly Achievement.   Achievement Area Description Professional Achievement This achievement area recognises alumni who have attained distinguished achievements, demonstrated exemplary leadership, and made a strong impact on their profession / industry / society. Entrepreneurial Achievement This achievement area recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as founded or advanced business or technology ventures with impact. Scholarly Achievement This achievement area recognises alumni scholars who have made notable scholarly or research contributions in their disciplines, with proven track record and excellent reputation in the field. Alumni who are aged at/under 40 in the award selection year would be eligible for the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.   Nomination and Selection Schedule The nomination form could be downloaded here. Please return the completed form to afmail@polyu.edu.hk with all required supplementary documents (such as a current curriculum vitae of the nominee and two written references) on or before 16 July 2025 (Wednesday). Award Selection Committee The Selection Committee will examine the nominations and assess candidates’ qualifications and performance for the awards.   Confidentiality All information submitted on this nomination form will be kept strictly confidential and will only be used by the Award Selection Committee for the purpose of the selection process.    Enquiries School of Accounting and Finance The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Email: afmail@polyu.edu.hk

AF Hosts Inaugural PhD Consortium

The School of Accounting and Finance (AF) hosted its first PhD Consortium on 29 April 2025, providing a platform to showcase the remarkable research achievements and efforts of its PhD students. The event brought together research students and faculty members for a full day of insightful presentations and dynamic discussions. Throughout the consortium, 16 PhD students presented their research papers, each followed by engaging Q&A sessions. The presentations covered a diverse range of topics, reflecting the innovative and impactful work being conducted by AF’s PhD students. The event culminated in the announcement of the top three paper presentations, recognizing winners for their excellent research work, outstanding presentation skills, and abilities to address questions with clarity and depth. Their achievements underscore the high calibre of research and academic excellence within AF. Event Photos

AF Faculty Members Win the Second Prize of 2024 Global Contest for the Best China-Focused Cases

Congratulations to our AF faculty members on winning the second prize in the 2024 Global Contest for the Best China-Focused Cases. The case, titled “Align Partners Capital Management: First Investment in Chao” was one of 14 prize-winning submissions out of 343 entries. Co-authored by Prof. Jungmin Kim, Dr Justin Law, Prof. Sunny Sun and Prof. Shimin Chen of CEIBS, the case has been accepted into the CEIBS global platform of China-focused case studies at ChinaCases.org. The contest identifies and promotes teaching cases with a focus on the Chinese business context from a global perspective. It rewards cases presented with high-quality, in-depth teaching notes that incorporate theoretical analyses and best practices. For details about this Contest and the prize winners, please visit: https://www.ceibs.edu/media/news/case/26935

Industry Project Masters Network (IPMN) Scheme Concludes with Great Success

The Industry Project Masters Network (IPMN) Scheme 2025, offered by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), has concluded with great success. The programme's closing ceremony took place on 11 April 2025 at Hotel Icon, Tsim Sha Tsui, marking the culmination of months of hard work by 30 postgraduate students from the MSc in Accounting and Finance Analytics of our School of Accounting and Finance (AF). The event commenced with student presentations, where 15 groups showcased their projects to industry professionals and project owners. These were followed by speeches from Prof. Tian Feng and Dr Justin Law of AF, group photo session, souvenir presentation and a celebration dinner, which concluded the event.   We would like to extend our gratitude to the HKMA for their support and collaboration in making this Scheme a success. The IPMN Scheme has provided our students with invaluable hands-on experience and insights. We are proud of their achievements, which demonstrate the practical skills and knowledge they gained through this Scheme, as well as their ability to work closely with industry professionals and project owners on fintech and industry projects. Event photo

PolyU and Newlink sign MoU on FinTech Collaboration

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), represented by the Center for Economic Sustainability and Entrepreneurial Finance (CESEF) of the School of Accounting and Finance (AF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Newlink Technology Inc. (Newlink) on 11 April 2025 to make collaborative effort on research studies for FinTech development. The MoU was signed by Prof. Qiang Wu, Professor and Associate Head (Research) of the School of Accounting and Finance of PolyU, and Mr Yaxing Wang, FinTech AI Marketing Director of Newlink, and witnessed by Prof. Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, and Mr Yaoxin Ding, Vice President of Newlink. Under the MoU, PolyU and Newlink will explore a range of initiatives to foster collaboration while expanding Newlink's network, particularly in Hong Kong and throughout the Greater Bay Area (GBA). The agreement establishes a two-year framework focused on integrating scientific research with technology, jointly nurturing talent, and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. This partnership is expected to catalyze significant advancements in FinTech services and facilitate the exchange of pioneering ideas that could reshape the industry landscape. Event Photos

AF Students Receive PolyU Outstanding Student Award and Presidential Student Leadership Award

Two students from the School of Accounting and Finance (AF) were honoured at the Presentation Ceremony of the PolyU Outstanding Student Award and the Presidential Student Leadership Award on 3 April 2025, recognizing their exceptional achievements and leadership. PolyU Outstanding Student Award The Outstanding Student Award recognises students who excel in both academic and non-academic pursuits during their studies. Ms Xinyue ZHU was selected as the Faculty of Business’s Outstanding Student of 2024. She has excelled academically, earning multiple scholarships, including the HKSAR Government Scholarship for Outstanding Performance (which she has received for three consecutive years) as well as PolyU’s President Emeritus Professor Poon Chung-kwong Scholarship, among others.  Xinyue has built a strong foundation in business research and honed her leadership skills at PolyU. Two of the most valuable experiences to her were the participation in the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme and presenting her findings at the PolyU Research Student Conference 2024. Her exchange at the University of Cambridge further expanded her academic horizons and helped her form valuable connections.  Xinyue views this Award as a testament to her continuous growth and learning and plans to pursue further studies in corporate finance research. Presidential Student Leadership Award The Presidential Student Leadership Award was established in the 2022/23 academic year to recognise students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership experiences and qualities, both in the university and in the community. Ms Fangyu WANG was awarded the Presidential Student Leadership Award of the Faculty of Business 2024 in recognition of her exemplary leadership qualities and skills. Fangyu has been actively involved in various leadership roles, contributing significantly to both university initiatives. She expressed her gratitude for the Award, stating that the Award motivates her to continue to serving her peers and to engage in more community service. She is committed to leveraging her business knowledge and leadership skills in bringing meaningful changes to society.

PolyU and AF receive the Outstanding ESG Practice Organization of the Year Award

PolyU and AF have been awarded the “Outstanding ESG Practice Organization of the Year” award at the 2nd Hong Kong Harbour International Excellence Awards.   Prof. Qiang WU (Professor and Associate Head of AF) , attended the Award Ceremony on 5 March 2025 to accept the accolade on behalf of PolyU and AF. The event was hosted by the Greaterbay Financier Association, CCX Green Finance International Ltd and Hashkey Exchange and supported by InvestHK of the HKSAR Government and the Bo Heng Sustainable Development Centre Ltd.   This Award, which acknowledges our dedication to ESG, not only reaffirms our commitment to excellence in this area but also motivates us to keep making meaningful contributions to the educational sector.    

AF Team Secures 2nd Runner-Up at the Hong Kong Local Final of the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2024-25

We are thrilled to congratulate our students for their outstanding achievement at the Hong Kong Local Final of the CFA Institute Research Challenge 2024-25. Four BBA students from the School of Accounting and Finance at PolyU, Meixuan CHENG, Fangyu WANG, Xinyue ZHOU and Kan On LEE, proudly secured the 2nd runner-up position in this prestigious competition held on Saturday, 15 February 2025. The CFA Institute Research Challenge is a globally recognized educational competition that aims to cultivate best practices in research among aspiring analysts. Through mentorship and rigorous training by faculty advisors and industry mentors in company analysis, this competition provides participants with invaluable hands-on experience, simulating the role of real-world research analysts. Out of 28 participating teams from universities across Hong Kong and Macau, the top five finalist teams advanced to the Local Final Presentation on 15 February 2025 where they presented their in-depth analysis and recommendations to a distinguished panel of judges.  The event concluded with a career panel discussion during which seasoned industry practitioners shared their insights on career development in the financial sector with the participants. Congratulations once again to our team for their remarkable performance and dedication!

Derivatives and Asset Pricing Research Symposium

The symposium features in-depth paper presentations and discussions in the area of derivatives and asset pricing, and provides a platform for participants to meet and exchange ideas with renowned academics. Date: 9 December, 2024 (Monday) Time: 0900-1800 Venue: M1603, 16/F, Li Ka Shing Tower, PolyU Registration: Please click HERE to complete the registration form. Programme: Please click HERE for the programme.   Keynote speakers Hendrik Bessembinder Hank Bessembinder is a professor and the Francis J. and Mary B. Labriola Endowed Chair in Competitive Business. He returned to Arizona State University in 2015, after holding positions at Emory University and the University of Utah. Prior to his first assignment with ASU, Professor Bessembinder taught at the University of Rochester. His research focuses on market design and trading, including stock, foreign exchange, fixed income, futures, and energy markets, as well as on measuring long term investment performance. He has published numerous articles in the Journal of Finance, Journal of Financial Economics, and Review of Financial Studies, among others. A frequent speaker at conferences, financial markets, and universities around the world, Professor Bessembinder has more than 25 years of successful consulting experience, providing strategic advice and analysis for major firms, financial markets, and government agencies. Neil Pearson Neil Pearson is the Harry A. Brandt Distinguished Professor of Financial Markets and Options at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Research Fellow of the Canadian Derivatives Institute. He has published numerous papers in the top-tier finance journals and is one of the leading scholars in the field of derivatives.   Organizing Committee Jie (Jay) Cao, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Gang (Gary) Li, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University   Advisory Committee Bing Han, University of Toronto and Chinese University of Hong Kong Kris Jacobs, University of Houston John Wei, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Chu Zhang, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology  

Accounting Research Conference 2024

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Accounting Research Conference 2024 will take place at Hotel ICON on 6 December 2024 (Friday). This prestigious event, hosted by the PolyU School of Accounting and Finance, aims to provide a platform for aspiring academics from around the globe to present their unpublished research papers. Each paper presentation will be followed by discussions led by renowned scholars, including:   • Prof. Alexander Edwards (Professor, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto) • Prof. Partha Mohanram (John H. Watson Chair in Value Investing, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto) • Prof. Linda Myers (Haslam Chair of Business & Distinguished Professor of Accounting, Haslam College of Business, University of Tennessee) • Prof. Stephen Stubben (Professor, David Eccles School of Business, University of Utah) • Prof. Laurence van Lent (Professor of Accounting and Economics, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management) • Prof. Frank Zhang (Professor, Yale School of Management, Yale University) Date: 6 December 2024 (Friday) Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Registration starts at 8:45 am) Venue: Function Room 5-6, Basement 1, Hotel ICON   Conference Website: https://events.polyu.edu.hk/accounting_conference_2024/home Conference Programme: Please click HERE to view the conference programme. Registration: The registration fee is HKD2400 per person (waived for PolyU staff/students) which includes conference materials, tea breaks, lunch and dinner. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodation. For more information on accommodation options, please click HERE. PolyU Staff/ Students: Please click HERE to complete the registration form on or before 22 November 2024. External Attendees: Please click HERE to register and settle the registration fee on or before 22 November 2024. Organising Committee: Prof. Nancy Su, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr Qin Li, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr Colin Cheng Zeng, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Enquiries: acct.conf@polyu.edu.hk