PBS celebrated the accomplishments of 2,530 graduates at its graduation ceremonies held from 13 to 15 November. This year’s cohort included 797 undergraduates, 1,703 taught postgraduates, and 30 research candidates.

Across seven sessions over three days, graduates received bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, MPhil degrees, and doctoral degrees. The ceremonies marked an important milestone on our students’ academic and professional journeys, and celebrated their dedication and success.

At the ceremony

PBS hosted three graduation dinners in November to celebrate the accomplishments of our postgraduate students. The first event, held on 14 November, honoured our doctoral graduates. This was followed the next evening by two gatherings for our master’s graduates.

These dinners offered graduates an opportunity to reconnect with classmates, share their academic journeys, and reflect on their achievements. The warm and festive atmosphere made each evening a meaningful celebration of perseverance, dedication, and success.

PolyU DBA, DMgt and DFinTech Graduation Dinner

PolyU MBA Graduation Dinner

PolyU MSc in Business Management Graduation Dinner

PBS recently participated in a series of international education fairs organised by Advent Group, Begin Group, Education International Cooperation (EIC) Group, Times Higher Education (THE), Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), and Oh!Study. These global events allowed us to connect with enthusiastic students from all corners of the world who are eager to explore new academic horizons.

At our consultation booths and information sessions, we introduced the unique strengths of our undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programmes. The lively exchanges sparked strong interest among prospective students and inspired many to consider embarking on their academic journey in the dynamic and international city of Hong Kong.

PBS's recruitment tours

At the consultation booths

On 29 November, PBS had the privilege of hosting Prof. Cao Jiannong for an enlightening talk titled 'From Pervasive Computing to Ubiquitous Intelligence'. Prof. Cao explored how Edge-AI applications are reshaping industries and driving innovation across sectors.

The session sparked lively discussions among our doctoral students and alumni, who exchanged insights on the growing influence of artificial intelligence in a wide range of fields.

Prof. Cao presenting at the talk

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Faculty of Business and TGG Digital Limited jointly held a launch event and forum on 16 Oct to establish the ‘PolyU Faculty of Business – TGG Innovation Centre for Stablecoin and Real-World Assets’.

This collaboration responds to Hong Kong’s ‘Stablecoin Regulation’ and ‘Digital Asset Development Policy Declaration 2.0’, both implemented in 2025, which together create a regulatory framework for issuing and operating regulated stablecoins and for tokening real-world assets. The PolyU Faculty of Business brings academic expertise in fintech regulation, AI-based asset valuation, and market analysis, while TGG Digital contributes experience in blockchain financial applications and industry implementation. Together, they aim to create a global leading innovation hub for digital assets that will integrate research, education, incubation, and industry collaboration.

PolyU Business School has strong foundations in theoretical research and talent cultivation, while TGG Digital has a comprehensive practical delivery system and proven implementation in stablecoins, real-world assets (RWA), and compliance infrastructure. By leveraging these complementary strengths, both parties will promote the adoption and practical implementation of digital asset knowledge, contributing to the sustainable development of the fintech industry.

Going forward, the centre will conduct joint academic research, publish research reports, and host a series of international summit forums to explore technological breakthroughs and industry trends related to digital assets, stablecoins, and RWA. These will support Hong Kong’s development as a global Web3 strategic hub.

At the launch event and forum

JINGDONG Coinlink Technology (Hong Kong) Limited (“JD Coinlink”) and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (“PolyU”) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly advance the development of financial technology and stablecoin industry. This strategic collaboration includes joint research initiatives, technology development and application, talent cultivation, and knowledge exchange, all with the aim of promoting innovation and practical advancement in these crucial fields.

By leveraging their respective strengths in technological resources and real-world application scenarios, the partners aim to build an end-to-end innovation ecosystem that seamlessly integrates industry, academia, research, and practical application. Ultimately, this collaboration is set to inject new momentum into the innovative development of financial infrastructure, both in Hong Kong and worldwide. It also establishes a groundbreaking model for successful industry-academia collaboration.

Looking ahead, JD Coinlink and PolyU Business School plan to further deepen their collaboration, including exploring the establishment of joint laboratories to accelerate breakthroughs in key technologies and facilitate the translate research outcomes into practical applications. Through innovative applications in both Hong Kong and international markets, the collaboration will significantly contribute to the prosperity of Hong Kong’s digital economy. It will further solidify the city’s leading position as a global fintech hub, injecting new vitality into the high-quality development of the financial technology sector.

PBS launched the Doctor of Business Management (DBM) programme on 18 July. This new initiative is designed to cultivate young ‘scholar-leaders’, particularly those with little or no working experience who want to apply scientific thinking and sound business knowledge to real-world business and management challenges.

To mark the launch, PBS hosted an engaging seminar featuring open lectures by DBM Deputy Programme Director Prof. Kai Pan and PBS Assistant Dean Prof. Jimmy Jin. Prof. Pan explored how data analytics is transforming operations management in areas such as store development, retail, transportation, and smart cities. Prof. Jin explained how blockchain can reduce cybersecurity risks and introduced the growing field of digital assets.

Prof. Pan speaking at the open lecture

The PolyU FB - Li Jinglong Specialist Centre for New Retail Business was officially inaugurated on 8 Jul at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University's (PolyU). Initiated and endowed by Prof. Li Gui, founder of Wotuo Commercial Trading Limited, the Centre aims to pool collective wisdom for exploring innovative pathways in new retail – the integration of online and offline experiences with technology – providing robust support for the industry's high-quality development.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, delivered the inaugural address. She emphasised that the Centre will serve as a nexus for collaboration, bringing together academia, industry, and government to co-create solutions that are both visionary and pragmatic. "This collaboration," she stated, "epitomises the defining impact of a modern university."

Ir Prof. T.C. Edwin Cheng, Dean of the Faculty of Business, addressed the assembly, highlighting the Centre's pivotal role in professional development. "Through specialised workshops and programmes,” he noted, “the Centre will equip retail professionals with critical skills to thrive in rapidly evolving environments, empowering them to lead transformation.” He added, “It will inspire high-impact research and drive innovation in an era where change is the only constant."

Prof. Li Gui, founder of Wotuo Commercial Trading Limited, then took the podium. "PolyU's innovative DNA is globally renowned, and the Faculty of Business serves as a cradle of industrial transformation,” he affirmed. “This endowment pays tribute to academic foundations while investing in our industry's future. The Centre's mission is clear and action-oriented: to crystallise wisdom, empower talent, and co-build ecosystems." Invoking Hong Kong's pioneering spirit, he concluded: "Dare to pioneer, dare to innovate, dare to shoulder responsibility. May this Centre become a beacon illuminating the future of retail, elevating China's retail sector to global pre-eminence."

The ceremony culminated with a symbolic unveiling of the commemorative plaque by Prof. Miranda Lou, Ir Prof. T.C. Edwin Cheng, Prof. Chelsea Jiang, and Prof. Li Gui.

At the opening ceremony

PBS brought together academic and industry leaders for an enlightening "FB Don × CEO Luncheon" aimed at shaping the future of smart retail. Held on 3 Jul, the event fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas on leveraging emerging technologies and social dynamics to refine strategies and strengthen competitiveness in the evolving era of smart retail.

Associate Professor in the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, Dr Xiaomeng GUO, delivered a thought-provoking presentation, followed by a dynamic Q&A session led by Associate Dean (Academic Support) Prof. Mike LAI.,

The luncheon sparked insightful discussions among the participants, who shared perspectives and explored innovative approaches to navigating the future of smart retail.

(From left) Prof. Mike Lai, Dr Xiaomeng Guo, and Dean of PolyU Business School Ir Prof. Edwin Cheng

More than 60 talented students took part in Stage 2 of PBS’s Technology in Business Case Competition on 5–6 July. Working individually and in teams, they tackled real-world business challenges and applied cutting-edge tech solutions to address them. Over the two-day event, participants gained insights from industry professionals, while pushing the boundaries of their creativity and sharpening their problem-solving skills.

Launched in 2024, the competition has quickly attracted strong interest and participation. Building on last year’s success, PBS was excited to host the competition again this year. The event featured two stages, with Stage 1 successfully wrapped up on 25 April.

At the competition

PolyU and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 11 November, marking a new milestone in their shared commitment to enhancing diversity and developing future talent in the accountancy profession.

Under the MoU, the ‘PolyU x ACCA NextGen Business Professional Accelerator’ will offer Accounting and Finance students an accelerated pathway to complete the ACCA Strategic Professional level examinations, supporting their pursuit of diverse career goals with a globally recognised professional qualification. This collaboration strengthens the bridge between academic and professional learning through ACCA’s expert guidance and teaching resources. Together, ACCA and PolyU aim to broaden diversity, foster internationalisation within the PolyU student community, and enhance graduate employability through tailored activities and co-designed support initiatives that deepen connections with the profession.

At the signing ceremony

A team of four BBA students from the School of Accounting and Finance has been crowned champions of the Hong Kong Undergraduate Financial Planners of the Year Award 2025, organised by the Society of Registered Financial Planners (HKRFP). The winning team members were Luk Wai Lok, Wan Chenlin, Liang Xunyue, and Xu Zhenhan. Liang Xunyue also received the Best Presenter Award.

Held on 15 November, the competition aims to raise awareness of financial planning among undergraduates and equip them with essential knowledge for future careers in the field. The team’s outstanding performance reflects their hard work, dedication, and innovative thinking.

(From left) Luk Wai Lok, Xu Zhenhan, Wan Chenlin, Liang Xinyue, Dr Josephine Wong (Coach), and Vicky Lau (Alumna)

BBA in Accounting and Finance student Law Chun Kit, Jacky, was honoured as one of the Top 20 ‘2025 Hong Kong Excellent University Students’ in the ‘2025 Hong Kong Outstanding University Students Award’ organised by the Hong Kong Mingde Association.

Established in 2020, the award recognises university students who excel in academic performance, leadership, and community service. The selection process is highly competitive, with Jacky chosen from over 300 applicants—an impressive achievement.

The award ceremony took place on 10 November. Prof. George Wong, Associate Head of the School of Accounting and Finance, accepted the award on Jacky’s behalf.

(Third from left) Prof. George Wong receiving the award on behalf of Law Chun Kit, Jacky

A recent joint survey conducted by Bright Smart Securities and PolyU found that investor confidence in Hong Kong has reached a record high, fuelled by a bullish market. More than 60% of retail investors plan to increase their investments in local stocks, with many having realised significant profits this year.

Prof. Zhao Jing, Associate Professor at the School of Accounting and Finance, notes that the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut cycle is favourable for Hong Kong’s stock and property markets. She also observes that US-led global tariff measures are reshaping trade patterns by forcing countries to recalibrate their export strategies.

As an expert in behavioural finance, Prof. Zhao emphasises the importance of staying informed about global economic trends and their implications for local markets. Her insights offer valuable guidance for both investors and industry professionals.

Prof. Zhao Jing (middle)

The Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Scheme 2025, jointly organised by the Center for Economic Sustainability and Entrepreneurial Finance (CESEF) of the School of Accounting and Finance, and Sing Tao News Corporation Limited, has attracted strong participation from well-known companies since its launch in 2023. The scheme recognises outstanding companies that actively implement ESG principles, and supports them in enhancing their ESG performance through professional advice and up-to-date knowledge.

The ‘Outstanding ESG Enterprises Recognition Ceremony and Sustainable Development Forum 2025’ was held on 21 October, celebrating companies at the forefront of ESG excellence. The event featured panel discussions where industry leaders shared insights on a wide range of ESG topics, alongside the presentation of this year’s awards.

Honours included the ‘Prestigious ESG Accomplishment of the Year’, ‘Outstanding ESG Environmental/Social/Corporate Governance Performance Awards’, ‘ESG Commendation Certification’, ‘ESG Innovation and Technology Application Awards’, and the new ‘ESG SME Pioneer Award’, which recognises small and medium-sized enterprises committed to sustainable development.

Awardees also joined specialised ESG training workshops designed to equip enterprises with practical strategies for advancing sustainability.

At the award ceremony

BBA in Accounting and Finance student Hayden Yau has been named among 25 awardees of this year’s Innovation and Technology Scholarship, a prestigious scheme jointly launched by the Innovation and Technology Commission, HSBC, and the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups.

The scholarship recognises exceptional Hong Kong undergraduates, offering them opportunities to broaden their global exposure, deepen their industry experience, and foster their passion for science and technology. Each awardee received a scholarship of up to HK$150,000 to support their participation in overseas or Mainland attachments, mentorship programmes, local internships, and service projects.

Hayden Yau (left) receiving the scholarship at the Award Presentation Ceremony

Two students from the BBA (Hons) in Supply Chain Management and Analytics programme, Zhu Yingfan and Lu Ka-yin, received top honours at the Best Student Awards 2025 organised by the Hong Kong branch of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). Zhu Yingfan won the Gold Prize, while Lu Ka-yin received the Bronze Prize.

Both students demonstrated their knowledge and skills by by delivering a presentation on the theme of ‘Future Leaders in Procurement and Supply’ and participating in a formal panel interview exploring key issues in the procurement and supply chain management profession.

(From left) Lu Ka-yin; Prof. Anthony Pang, Associate Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies; and Zhu Yingfan

The Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) officially launched the Maritime Talent Cultivation Alliance at the Greater Bay Maritime Forum on 19 November during Hong Kong Maritime Week 2025. The Alliance brings together tertiary institutions and industry stakeholders, with HKSOA serving as its convenor. PolyU’s Shipping Research Centre is proud to be a founding member.

The Alliance aims to strengthen the connection between academic learning and practical industry needs. By fostering closer collaboration between academia and the maritime sector, it seeks to equip emerging maritime professionals with the knowledge and skills essential to address the evolving challenges of sustainability, digitalisation, and global connectivity.

At the launch ceremony

Prof. Achim I. Czerny, a founding Executive Committee member of the European Aviation Conference Institute (EACI), continues to play an active role in encouraging interaction between academic researchers, industry representatives, and regulatory bodies on key management and economic issues in the aviation industry. The EACI organises annual conferences sponsored by the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, with Prof. Czerny involved in coordinating the conference agendas.

The theme of this year’s European Aviation Conference (EAC) was ‘Looking East: Aviation Policy, Geopolitics and Business Strategy in Eastern Europe’. The aviation sector in Central and Eastern Europe has recovered from the COVID pandemic faster than Western Europe, driven largely by the growth of low-cost carriers. These dynamic developments in the region present both challenges and opportunities for the aviation industry, which were explored through panel sessions and keynote speeches. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

Next year’s conference will be hosted by the University of St. Gallen and will focus on the theme 'Taxes and Sustainability'.

Prof. Czerny at the conference

Prof. Xin Xu of the Department of Management and Marketing and his team presented the first-phase results of the Survey on University Students’ Awareness of Scams. The study, conducted with the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC), was unveiled at a press conference hosted by the Hong Kong Police Force. The findings revealed that university students are highly vulnerable to scams, highlighting the need for stronger anti-fraud education and greater privacy awareness.

The survey collected responses from 3,189 students at four major Hong Kong universities and found that 82% had encountered scams, with 6% suffering financial losses averaging HK$40,000. Students from Mainland China were found to be at greater risk, losing an average of HK$77,000, with some cases reaching HK$1.7 million. Notably, 20% of victims did not seek help, often due to embarrassment or inconvenience, highlighting gaps in anti-fraud awareness and self-protection.

Prof. Xu’s team will continue the research with a second-phase study and plans to collaborate with government units and academic institutions to strengthen anti-fraud education. The initiative underscores the university’s commitment to promoting campus safety, social awareness, and community engagement in Hong Kong.

Prof. Xin Xu (right) at the press conference