The PolyU Faculty of Business has long been at the forefront of business education, striving to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the fast-paced, evolving world of commerce. With the advent of blockchain technology and the rise of Web3, the demand for professional knowledge in this area has surged. Recognising the potential of this technology, the Faculty of Business is well-positioned to explore collaborations with industry-leading Web3 partners such as Chainlink, BNB Chain, and Moonbeam. Collaboration with Chainlink Chainlink is the industry-standard Web3 services platform that powers some of the biggest projects in industries such as decentralised finance (DeFi), insurance, gaming, and NFTs. As the leading decentralised oracle network, Chainlink provides a bridge between the on-chain and off-chain worlds by giving smart contracts access to real-world data. This could be an invaluable resource for the Faculty’s curriculum, which seeks to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the rapidly evolving digital business landscape. The integration of Chainlink's decentralised oracles into coursework would provide students with first-hand exposure to how real-world data is integrated with blockchain networks. This understanding would be critical for students focusing on areas like finance and data analytics, where the ability to use real-time and reliable data is a key competitive advantage. Chainlink Labs, with its focus on developing and integrating the Chainlink network, could collaborate with PolyU faculty to design tailored courses or modules on blockchain technology and its applications. Experts from Chainlink could offer guest lectures, hands-on workshops, and even mentor students on specific projects. Collaborative research projects could also delve into the potential applications and challenges of integrating real-world data with blockchain, contributing to the wider academic discourse on this topic. This collaboration could also inspire innovative uses of this technology, from creating more efficient supply chain solutions to developing more transparent and accountable governance models. Furthermore, Chainlink events such as presentations, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops could be valuable platforms for students to engage with industry experts, network with their peers, and stay abreast of the latest trends and developments in the blockchain industry. This exposure would provide students with the unique insights and perspectives they need to succeed in this burgeoning field.

Dr Yong Jimmy Jin Assistant Dean (Fund-raising and Development) Faculty of Business Associate Professor School of Accounting and Finance

Prof. Xin Xu Associate Dean (External Relations and Development) Faculty of Business Professor Department of Management and Marketing

Mr Derek Yoo CEO & Founder Moonbeam

Teaming up with BNB Chain

BNB Chain is a decentralised and censorship-resistant blockchain that has processed billions of transactions from millions of unique addresses. BNB Chain comprises BNB Beacon Chain and BNB Smart Chain (BSC), which together support a multi-chain ecosystem. The blockchain's EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) compatibility ensures a robust platform for smart contracts, which automate the execution of transactions based on predefined rules.

By collaborating with BNB Chain, the Faculty could deepen students’ understanding of how smart contracts operate and how they enable transactions on a decentralised platform. As smart contracts form the backbone of many blockchain applications - from cryptocurrencies to DeFi platforms - this knowledge will be vital for students interested in careers in blockchain technology.

As BNB Chain actively participates in education through university roadshows, workshops, and hackathons, this partnership could offer PolyU students practical, hands-on experience with blockchain technology. Students could learn how to develop and deploy smart contracts, gain insights into the workings of BNB Chain, and become familiar with the kind of technical challenges they might face in their professional lives. This exposure would give them a solid grounding in blockchain technology, equipping them with the skills to drive innovation in this field.

The wide range of applications powered by BNB Chain - from DeFi and Metaverse applications to blockchain games and NFTs - presents a diverse, multifaceted landscape for exploration. Understanding these applications would give students insight into the diverse ways in which blockchain technology can be used, opening their minds to its limitless possibilities.

Partnership with Moonbeam

Moonbeam is a smart contract platform that provides a unified framework for building cross-chain connected applications, bridging the gap between Ethereum, Cosmos, Polkadot, and other blockchains. The platform uses integrated cross-chain messaging to allow developers to create smart contracts that access services across many remote blockchains.

Partnering with Moonbeam could bring an exciting dimension to the curriculum at PolyU by providing students with a comprehensive understanding of cross-chain interoperability. Through Moonbuilders Academy, students could gain an immersive experience in building multi-chain applications, and gain the necessary skills to thrive in the emerging Web3 tech industry. The academy offers comprehensive training on building multi-chain applications using Moonbeam and Moonriver, empowering students to develop, deploy, and interact with smart contracts on multiple chains.

The Moonbeam DevRel team provides comprehensive, user-friendly documentation, making it easier for developers, including students, to learn about and work with the Moonbeam platform. This includes beginner-friendly materials for learning smart contracts, best practices for integration, and cross-chain interoperability use cases. This valuable resource could enhance the learning process and encourage innovation within the blockchain community at PolyU.

The Moonbeam hackathon also offers a unique opportunity for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Supported by Moonbeam developer relations engineers, participants can showcase their skills, turn what they have learned into tangible results, and potentially secure initial funding for their project ideas. The hackathons, supported by universities, could provide students with valuable exposure to Web3 technologies and potentially set the stage for a rewarding career in the field.

Conclusion

By pursuing collaborations with Chainlink, BNB Chain, and Moonbeam, there is potential to significantly enrich the learning experience at the Faculty of Business and prepare students for the future of digital business. Such partnerships offer an unprecedented opportunity for students to gain practical skills and insights into the revolutionary field of blockchain technology, while at the same time encouraging a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. By engaging with these industry-leading Web3 partners, PolyU is demonstrating its commitment to staying at the forefront of business education, ensuring that its graduates are well-equipped to lead the way in the digital economy of the future.

At the event “Link Web3 to PolyU” held on 14th of April 2023