Enquire to study in the UK 
Organisations flexible enough to reshape and reinvent themselves need not worry about staying afloat when the next normal emerges. That said, the potential of tomorrow’s business leaders will be defined based on how they see the future, how bold their vision is, how thoughtful they are, and how aware they are of the technological revolution — especially since the business world is set to see more change in the next 10 years than in the last couple of centuries.
In Hong Kong, budding managers are gearing up for these shifts with quality business-focused academic degrees. They can be found at Hong Kong Baptist University, which is home to a dynamic School of Business — the vanguard of business education in Asia for over half a century. In light of current industry demands, two of its many postgraduate qualifications are flexing the School’s 21st century prowess with aplomb.
Master of Science in Business Management (MScBM)
The MScBM programme was designed to equip students with the competencies needed to anticipate future business challenges coming from all directions. In preparation, students explore how the digital economy, innovations, big data, entrepreneurship and creativity are powering today’s business world. At the same time, they gain a solid foundation in core, ever-relevant business disciplines.
Dr. Brandon Ng, MScBM Associate Director of the HKBU School of Business, leads a series of enrichment activities where students can network, travel abroad and apply their learning in projects.
Source: HKBU School of Business
Senior Lecturer, Director for Executive Education and Associate Director of the MScBM programme, Dr. Brandon Ng brings decades of corporate experience to classrooms — each of which is packed with perspectives due to students coming from various countries and backgrounds. To accommodate many perspectives and aspirations, Dr. Ng and his team ensure opportunities are offered in abundance.
“Our capstone project is very important,” says the passionate educator. “It sees representatives from esteemed organisations working with our students to solve their real-life business problems. Learners participate in various field trips and attend numerous seminars as well throughout their studies.”
“Apart from experiential learning opportunities and general training, the Career Services Section of the School also offer tailored coaching sessions on resume writing, interviewing and more. Furthermore, many of our faculty members have worked for overseas multinationals, meaning they have plenty to share when it comes to organisational needs and international economies.”
Dr. Ng leads a series of enrichment activities such as the Executive Development Series providing plenty of networking opportunities for students and business leaders to network (via seminars and company visits), Business Field Studies for students to visit overseas universities and multinational organisations, and the Capstone Business Project for students to apply their knowledge to tackle real-world strategic problems.
Non-Hong Kong graduates can apply to stay and work in Hong Kong for 12 months after graduation regardless of their employment status. Therefore, most international students will remain in Hong Kong once they graduate.
Source: Melissa Moore from the USA / HKBU School of Business
Alumnus Melissa Moore from the US chose the MScBM programme to follow in the footsteps of her business-savvy parents. During her studies, she realised her knack for marketing. Comprehensive lessons gave her “deeper insight into the field”. Today, Melissa uses the knowledge and skills that she gained from the MScBM programme as a communications specialist at a Hong Kong-based British education start-up.
“The MScBM programme stands out because it doesn’t just nurture us for one specific career path after graduation,” she says. “Instead, it is helping us develop skills used across the business world, preparing us for many opportunities post-graduation.”
Master of Science in Finance (FinTech and Financial Analytics) (MScFTFA)
Designed for the future-focused, the MScFTFA programme teaches tomorrow’s finance professionals to take advantage of new opportunities fuelled by disruptive technologies and the new generation of Big Data and FinTech. Alongside faculty members who specialise in Finance, Information Systems and Business Intelligence, students explore the ins and outs of Finance, FinTech, Financial Analytics, Machine Learning, Financial Computing, Textual Analysis, Cybersecurity and Privacy, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, Algorithmic Trading, Financial Fraud, and Regulatory Compliance.
Professor Aris Stouraitis, MScFTFA’s Programme Director of the HKBU School of Business, shared that their programme curriculum has been reviewed, evaluated, and advised by academic advisers of esteemed overseas universities, as well as industry advisers from the most prestigious companies worldwide.
Source: HKBU School of Business
“We revamp the programme every year,” shares MScFTFA Programme Director and Head of the Department of Finance and Decision Sciences, Professor Aris Stouraitis. “This is why we leverage the insights of industry experts with day jobs that revolve around the latest technologies and developments used in the finance world.”
Input from industry advisers not only ensure the programme’s quality, but also accurately incorporate current and future FinTech industrial trends and demands to the curriculum.
MScFTFA students are encouraged to take on industry experiences as well. For example, through partnerships with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as well as numerous established financial institutions and growing start-ups across the country, students gain hands-on knowledge well before graduating. These help them get a clearer vision of what they would like to achieve professionally. Opportunities to collaborate abound as well.
Hong Kong is more than just a concrete jungle of tall skyscrapers. In fact, around 70% of Hong Kong is countryside, with various hiking trails and stunning scenic views for students to explore.
Source: Pieter Maes from Belgium / HKBU School of Business
Working in groups taught Pieter Maes from Belgium to master the art of merging many views to achieve a common goal while sticking to strict deadlines — something he still uses today. “I am currently a Technology Consultant at PwC Belgium, where I serve as a business analyst for different clients both in the public and private sectors,” he says.
“I applied for this job around March 2022 while still in Hong Kong. I feel like the MScFTFA programme greatly facilitated my application process. The recruiters were very impressed with the programme and were convinced that I would be of great use in the technology division of a Big Four firm.”
Applications for the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2023-24 intake are now open, with deadlines ranging from February 2023 to April 2023. Click here to learn more about various programmes offered by the HKBU School of Business. Let’s not forget the abundant scholarships offered to international students. Competition for scholarships increases as the year progresses, so all applicants are recommended to submit their applications early. Click here to act now.
Follow HKBU School of Business on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and WeChat.
