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.  

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    

CAFR Special Issue Conference 2024

Research on contemporary issues in accounting and finance plays a vital role in developing new knowledge and informing practice. Through studying emerging themes in accounting and finance, this special issue endeavours to bridge the gap between theory and practice in these fields, as well as facilitating adaptations to technological innovations. To contribute to growing discussions on how contemporary issues are affecting research, this special issue offers a forum for evidence-based discussions on the following topics: Latest trends and changes in accounting standards Corporate social responsibility and sustainability Contemporary challenges and risks in auditing practices New technology solutions in accounting and finance Artificial intelligence and future of accountancy Any other contemporary issues in accounting and finance The China Accounting and Finance Review (CAFR) 2024 Special Issue Conference, jointly organised by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Chongqing University, will be held at Chongqing University in Chongqing on 30 November 2024. International presenters and discussants may be entitled to two nights’ accommodation and a maximum of USD 1,500 for reimbursing airfare and travel expenses. We particularly encourage the submission of theoretical and empirical papers that have clear implications for contemporary issues in accounting and finance. We also welcome papers on other topics in accounting and finance. Accepted papers will be published in CAFR (subject to satisfactory revision).  Conference Date: 30 November 2024 (Saturday) Location: Chongqing University, Chongqing, China Theme: Contemporary Issues in Accounting and Finance Keynote Speaker: Professor Tianyu Zhang (Presidential Chair Professor, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen)   Paper Submission Please send a complete English version of your submission in Microsoft Word format, including separate files for the title page and for the blinded manuscript, by 16 August 2024 via the online Submission System (https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/cafr). Please select "Contemporary issues in accounting and finance" at Step 6: Details & Comments. Authors will be notified of their acceptance by 4 October 2024. There is no paper submission fee for the CAFR Special Issue Conference. Each paper will be peer-reviewed according to the policies of CAFR and the journal publisher Emerald. Key Dates Paper Submission Opens: 1 May 2024 Submission Deadline: Extended to 16 August 2024 Notification of Acceptance: 4 October 2024 Guest Editors Qingquan Xin, Chongqing University Cheng Zeng, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Conference Organising Committee Nancy Su, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Qiang Wu, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shijun Guo, Chongqing University Jinruo Zhang, Chongqing University Organisers School of Accounting and Finance, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Economics and Business Administration, Chongqing University  

AF Students receive Merit Award at the Fifth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Universities Accounting and Business Knowledge Competition

Congratulations to our students on winning the Merit Award at the Fifth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Universities Accounting and Business Knowledge Contest.   Our team, comprising BBA in Accounting and Finance students Chan Shi Lok and Tam Tsz Ying, and BBA in Accountancy students Ngai Chun Yin and Li Qiu Man, was selected to compete in the final round held in Dongguan, China on 8 November 2024.   Organised by the Council for the Promotion of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Cooperation and the Guangdong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the competition provides students from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao with a valuable opportunity to hone their skills in accounting and business, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of the region, and inspiring them to contribute to its growth and development.   For details of the event, please visit: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ScJk0AxP-BZ0odcdOcOlEQ (Chinese only)

AF Students Shine as Outstanding Cadets of the Year 2024 in EYAcademy Programme

We are proud to announce that two students from the School of Accounting and Finance (AF) have been recognised as Outstanding Cadets of the Year 2024 in the EYAcademy Programme. TSUI Hin Ki, Arthur, a student of BBA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance with a Secondary Major in AIDA, was named Champion, while LEE Chun Hei, Nardo, a student of BBA (Hons) in Accountancy with a Secondary Major in AIDA, received the Second Runner-up award.   We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Arthur and Nardo for their outstanding performance and dedication. Their achievements exemplify AF’s commitment to nurturing future-ready professionals who excel both academically and in the industry.   The “EYAcademy – Future Leaders” is a three-year structured programme that combines learning, practical experience, and coaching to accelerate professional growth. This award-winning initiative develops competitive, entrepreneurial, socially responsible, and globally minded future leaders, offering valuable opportunities for career development, community engagement, and personal growth, with dedicated EY teams supporting Cadets in achieving their goals and realising their full potential.