Dedicated students from the HKUST Business School's BBA in Global Business program today (27 September) launches the Global Business Conference 2011 - the first large-scale international conference led by undergraduate students at the School. Attended by around 100 student delegates from 30 universities located in 17 countries, the four-day Conference (27-30 September) aims to provide a dynamic platform for top undergraduate students from around the world to discuss global business issues and broaden their international perspectives. The Conference is organized in celebration of HKUST's 20th anniversary and the 10th anniversary of the Global Business program.
Themed on "Emerging Markets' Opportunities", the Global Business Conference 2011 kicks off with an Opening Ceremony held today. The Ceremony featured two keynote addresses delivered by honorable guests Ms. Umran Beba, President of PepsiCo Asia Pacific, and Ms. Amy Fong, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Global Banking Asia Pacific. Student delegates benefited from Ms. Beba's insights on how PepsiCo as a global company understands the mindset of local customers and the importance of building strong brands and leadership to compete in emerging markets; and from Ms. Fong who shared the pitfalls of emerging market strategy and lessons drawn for students' career development. The Opening Ceremony was joined by all student delegates, over 50 alumni, 100 current students, and many friends of the HKUST Business School.
Over the next three days, the Conference will offer a range of seminars and workshops led by HKUST faculty members and seasoned business leaders to explore such topics as finance, sustainability, entrepreneurship, business case studies, career management and community investments. The Conference program also includes firm visits and cultural exchanges activities.
Upcoming highlights are two panel discussions with business leaders and HKUST faculty. Speaking at the sustainability panel will be Mr. Johnny Fung from Walmart, Mr. Philippe Lacamp from Swire, and Ms. Christine Loh, Founder of Civic Exchange. The finance panel will focus on the topic of the development of RMB offshore market and will be joined by Mr. Pius Chong from HSBC and Mr. Tee Choon Hong from Standard Chartered Bank. The Conference will conclude with a keynote address by Dr William Fung of Li & Fung Limited at the Closing Ceremony on 30 September.
In his welcome remarks at the Opening Ceremony, HKUST Business School Dean Prof. Leonard Cheng, said, "Right from the School's beginning, close engagement with the business community has always been one of our key development directions. In line with such a direction, this student-led Conference provides an excellent platform for future business leaders to meet and interact with today's business leaders, and for delegates to learn and share cross-cultural perspectives."
Prof. Emily Nason, Program Director of Global Business Program, said, "We are very proud of the initiatives of our students who put together an impressive program to bring together undergraduate students from around the globe, and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming three days of events."
The BBA in Global Business program at HKUST Business School, launched in 2001, is the first of its kind in Hong Kong, and is designed for a dynamic group of highly capable and motivated students who aspire to be responsible leaders with a global perspective.
