A group of students from the Department of Accountancy, including CHEN Sitong Anny, SHI Meiqi Iris, and FU Yibo, had the privilege of attending the HKICPA × IFAC PAIB Conference, themed “Forging What’s Next: PAIBs at the Helm of Change.” The prestigious event was held on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.
The conference brought together distinguished leaders from the accounting and finance professions to discuss the evolving strategic role of Professional Accountants in Business (PAIBs). Experts highlighted their importance in driving change, fostering resilience, creating long-term value, and ensuring sustainable growth in a volatile global economy.
The event featured a welcome address by Mr. Stephen Law, JP, President of HKICPA, and a speech from the Guest of Honour, The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government.
Keynote speeches by Dr. Kelvin Wong, SBS, JP, Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission on the topic “The future of global financial centres: Competition, collaboration and sustainable growth”, and Mr. Michael George Fitzgerald, Finance Director of MTR Corporation Limited on the topic “Strategic leadership for PAIBs: Building resilience and long-term value”, both delivered forward-looking insights. Students were exposed to career-defining topics, including:
- Leveraging AI and Technology: The importance of enhancing digital and AI literacy to transform finance functions from routine tasks into strategic analysis.
- Navigating Geopolitics: The critical need for finance professionals to understand shifting geopolitical and economic patterns to manage cross-border risks effectively.
- Driving Sustainability: The central role of finance in the green transition and capturing trillion-dollar investment opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable industries.
Engaging panel discussions with senior executives from State Grid Overseas Investment Limited, Hang Lung Properties, InvestHK, Sino Group, and Miramar Hotel and Investment Company Limited provided students with practical insights into how leading businesses are shaping the future.
This practice-based learning experience not only updated our students on global finance trends but also provided a valuable networking platform, deepening their understanding of how PAIBs are pioneering the future of the business world.
The Department of Accountancy would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for graciously inviting our students to this event.
We look forward to more collaborative opportunities that enrich our students’ learning experiences and professional development.
Group photo of Accountancy students with Ms Christie Leung, Co-Chair of Leaders Under 40 Committee of ICAEW
Group photo of Accountancy students with Ms Stacy Ho, Head of Hong Kong at ICAEW, Ms Christie Leung of ICAEW and guests