AF Team Wins Best Innovation Award at PolyU x CSCEC International Future Challenge

Congratulations to our AF team for receiving the Best Innovation Award at the prestigious PolyU x CSCEC Science and Industry International Future Challenge (Qianhai Region), which took place on 15–16 September 2025. The team consisted of Dr Lucas Chiang (Lecturer of AF), Dr Stephen Li (Visiting Lecturer of AF), Mr Nelson Ma (an esteemed AF alumnus), and an external member. Their award-winning solution, “Anxiety Detection and Reduction – Melody Mind,” leverages AI technology to address one of today’s most pressing mental health challenges. Melody Mind is designed to detect early signs of anxiety and deliver personalized, music-based therapeutic interventions. The solution was recognized for its originality, societal relevance, and strong market potential, standing out among a competitive field of global innovators. The Qianhai Region Challenge, co-hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), invited start-ups and research teams to tackle real-world problems in areas such as healthcare, intelligent wearables, AR/VR, intelligent construction, and the Metaverse, with a particular emphasis on AI-driven solutions.

Result Announcement: Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Accounting and Finance 2025

We are pleased to present the “Outstanding Alumni Award of PolyU School of Accounting and Finance 2025” to two distinguished graduates in recognition of their outstanding achievement, active support to their alma mater as well as impactful contributions to the wider community. Congratulations to the following awardees!

AF Student Receives Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2025

We are proud to announce that Hayden YAU, a BBA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance student from the School of Accounting and Finance (AF), has been selected as one of the 25 recipients of this year’s Innovation and Technology Scholarship — a prestigious scholarship jointly launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission, HSBC and The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.  This esteemed award provides outstanding Hong Kong undergraduates with invaluable opportunities to broaden their overseas or Mainland exposure, deepen their industry experience and foster their passion for science and technology. Hayden’s recognition is a testament to his extraordinary achievements in business and financial technology, which also highlights AF’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in the fields of accounting and finance. The Award Presentation Ceremony was held on 26 June 2025, with our staff representatives joining in the celebration of this joyous occasion. Each awardee was awarded a scholarship of up to HK$150,000, supporting them to participate in initiatives including overseas/Mainland attachments, mentorship programmes, local internships and service projects.  

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 Student Team Wins Second Runner-up at CGMA Global Business Challenge 2025

Congratulations to our student team BFTGM for winning second runner-up at the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Global Business Challenge 2025 in Hong Kong!  Team BFTGM consisted of four BBA in Accounting and Finance students, namely ZHANG Shuye, WANG Yitong, ZHANG Yiming and YANG Shiya. Special thanks to Dr Anson Wong and Dr William Wong for organizing campus briefing sessions and guiding our students to achieve excellent performance in consecutive years. The CGMA Global Business Challenge 2025 is an international business competition organized by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA&CIMA) to nurture young business leaders. This year's competition featured the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that enhanced students’ problem-solving capabilities.  

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

BBA Students Secure Second Runner-Up at HSBC/HKU Business Case Competition 2025

Congratulations to the team featuring students from the School of Accounting and Finance (AF) for securing the second runner-up position at the HSBC/HKU Hong Kong Business Case Competition 2025, held on 8 March 2025. Representing AF were NAYEM Faridul Islam (BBA in Digital Finance and Investment) and CHOW Kwan Ho (BBA in Accountancy), who collaborated with peers from the Department of Management and Marketing to deliver a well-considered solution in the competition. This year’s case focused on the food and beverage sector, challenging participants to develop innovative strategies and practical solutions. The team’s success showcased their critical thinking, strategic insight and ability to apply academic knowledge to solve real-world business challenges.