The 27th World Business Congress

The Department of Marketing (MKT) and the Research Institute for Business (RIB), in conjunction with the International Management Development Association (IMDA), hosted the 27th World Business Congress on the campus of Hang Seng Management College (HSMC) from 11 – 13 June 2018.  Centering on the timely theme of Transformation, Coopetition, and Sustainability in the Era of Globalization, Engagement, and Disruptive Technology, this annual conference was well attended by 120 academics and senior executives from 20 countries and regions.  Participants shared insights and exchanged views on major business topics, such as the Belt and Road initiative and the creative and sharing economy in Greater China.

The conference was opened by President Simon Ho of HSMC.  Dr. Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, then delivered a keynote speech on Belt and Road.  In his speech, Dr. Chan emphasized how Hong Kong can play an important role in Belt and Road.  For example, Hong Kong universities can develop talents in engineering, finance, and management to support the infrastructure and investment projects arising from Belt and Road.  Dr. Chan also answered a series of questions raised by academics and senior executives on pertinent issues ranging from property rights to business risks.

Experts from academia and business led three inspiring plenary sessions.  Dr. Thomas Chan (Director of One Belt One Road Research Institute of Chu Hai College) and Mr. Morris Cheung (President of MTR Academy) addressed the long-term impacts of Belt and Road on business communities in Greater China.  Dr. Thomas Man (Director of HSMC’s Wu Jieh Yee Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), Prof. Barry Unger (Boston University, USA), Prof. Zhang Shujun (Sun Yat-sen University, PRC), and Mr. Garrick Lau (Junior Achievement Hong Kong) brainstormed opportunities and challenges underlying the fledgling creative and sharing economy in Greater China.  The Deans’ Forum hosted by Prof. Bradley Barnes (HSMC), Prof. Erdener Kaynak (Pennsylvania State University, USA), Prof. Piyush Sharma (Curtin University, Australia), Prof. Wendy Wan (Tunghai University, Taiwan), and Prof. Oliver Yau (The Open University of Hong Kong) generated thought-provoking discussions on business education in Greater China.

Researchers from around the world presented over 60 topics in 22 academic sessions, which covered a wide spectrum of topics from brand management, digital marketing, and global marketing to business education, business ethics, and sustainability.  Among the presenters were a dozen or so HSMC colleagues from six different academic departments.

Three best paper awards were presented by Prof. Erdener Kaynak of IMDA at the Gala Dinner on 12 June.  Donors and major co-workers of the 27th World Business Congress were also acknowledged during the Gala Dinner.

Welcoming addresses by Prof Ho (HSMC) & Prof Erdener Kaynak (Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg, USA ).

Welcoming address by Prof Virginia Greiman (Boston University, USA ).

Dr. Bernard Chan (Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development) delivered a keynote speech on Belt and Road.

Dr. Thomas Chan, Director of One Belt One Road Research Institute of Chu Hai College (left), and Mr. Morris Cheung, President of MTR Academy (Right), addressed the long-term impacts of Belt and Road on business communities in Greater China.

Plenary Session: Changes and Developments of Business Education in Greater China.

Plenary Session:  Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Development of Creative and Shared Economies in Greater China.