Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance for Accounting Explores AI and Transdisciplinary Integration
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance for Accounting (the Alliance) successfully concluded the 5th Smart Accounting Teaching Conference, marking a historic milestone as this prestigious event was hosted in Hong Kong for the very first time. Convened by the Department of Accountancy of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK)—a proud member of the Alliance—this landmark conference centered on the theme “Transdisciplinary Integration: Transformations and Challenges for Accounting Education in the New Era.” The event brought together over 100 leading educators, researchers, and industry experts to address the profound paradigm shifts reshaping the accounting profession and its educational frameworks.
The conference commenced with distinguished welcome and opening remarks that set a highly collaborative tone for the day. Addressing the attendees were Professor Simon Ho, President of HSUHK; Dr. the Honourable Moses Mo-Chi Cheng, GBM, GBS, OBE, JP, Chairman of the HSUHK Council; and Professor Xiaohong Yu, Chair of the Alliance and Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen.
President Simon Ho, President of The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, giving a welcoming address to the audience
Dr. the Honourable Moses Mo-chi CHENG, GBM, GBS, OBE, JP, Chairman of the Council, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, giving a welcoming address to the audience
Professor Xiaohong YU, Professor Xiaohong YU, Permanent Member and current Chair, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao University Accounting Alliance; Dean, School of Economics and Management, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen; giving a welcoming address to the audience
🎙️ Plenary Session Insights
Chaired by Professor Sam Park, Dean of the School of Business at HSUHK, the inspiring plenary sessions featured distinguished academic leaders who provided macro-level perspectives on the future of accounting education:
- Professor Chi Pang Lau, BBS, JP, Chairman of the Panel on Education of the Legislative Council, outlined Hong Kong’s strategic vision as a global higher-education hub and an international innovation and technology centre. He emphasised the critical need to integrate academic research with practical application to drive regional and global economic ecosystems.
- Professor Joshua Ka Ho Mok, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research) of HSUHK, challenged attendees to fundamentally rethink university education in the AI era. He advocated for a definitive shift away from traditional, siloed knowledge toward transdisciplinary curricula that blend accounting expertise with technology, ethics, strategic thinking, and compassion, with an emphasis on “care for learning and learning to care.”
Professor Sam PARK, Dean, School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, giving an address to the audience
Professor Chi Pang LAU, BBS, JP, Chairman, Panel on Education, Legislative Council of the HKSAR, giving an address to the audience
Professor Joshua Ka Ho MOK, Provost and Vice-President (Academic and Research), The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, giving an address to the audience
📊 Conference Highlights & Key Discussions
To translate these high-level visions into actionable, classroom-ready insights, the conference featured deep-dive panel discussions and comprehensive research presentations:
The first panel, moderated by Dr. Linsey Chen (Assistant Professor, Department of Accountancy, HSUHK), addressed the urgent ethical and legal challenges posed by AI in business and accounting. Experts from the accountancy and legal professions emphasised that as algorithms increasingly assume analytical tasks, the next generation of accountants must prioritise transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.
Following this, the second panel, moderated by Mr. Ricky Lam (Associate Dean of Enterprise and Business Engagement, School of Business, HSUHK), focused on AI in the classroom, examining its vital role in shaping future skills. The discussions among professors and representatives from professional accounting bodies challenged educators to move beyond traditional knowledge transmission to actively cultivate critical thinking, adaptability, and technological fluency among students.
From the left:
– Mr. Nathan WONG, Joint Managing Partner of Haldanes and Solicitor Advocate; FCCA.
– Dr. Darron SUN, Fellow Member, CPA Australia
– Professor Zhijun LIN, Senior Advisor to the President and Accounting Professor, Macau University
of Science and Technology
– Mr. Jason WK HO, Partner, Financial Services Technology Risk Consulting Leader, Ernst & Young
– Mr. William GEE, Chair, Virtual Assets Reporting Advisory Panel, Hong Kong Institute of Certified
Public Accountants; Council Member & Vice Chair, Tech Faculty Board, The Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales
– Dr. Linsey CHEN, Assistant Professor, Department of Accountancy, The Hang Seng University of
Hong Kong
From the left:
– Mr. Ricky LAM, Associate Dean (Enterprise and Business Engagement), School of Business,
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong
– Mr. Adrian CHONG, Manager, Policy & Insights, ACCA
– Professor Xiaohui QU, Professor, Xiamen University
– Dr. Xinyuan SHAO, Assistant Professor, School of Accountancy,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
– Dr. Albert WONG, Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (Australia); Partner, Public Sector Consulting,
PricewaterhouseCoopers Hong Kong
– Mr. Kit WONG, Director of Education and Training, Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Additionally, the event showcased 18 outstanding academic paper presentations. These sessions detailed diverse, innovative research exploring not only how AI is reshaping teaching methodologies and pedagogy, but also how various industries are actively adopting digital transformation within their operations. The wide range of topics reflected the high academic rigor and forward-thinking creativity needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving educational and business landscapes.
🚀 Closing Remarks & Looking Ahead
In her closing remarks, Professor Phyllis Mo, Head of the Department of Accountancy at HSUHK, emphasised that despite the rapid advancement of technology dominating the sessions, the overarching consensus of the conference was clear: human participation remains indispensable. She highlighted participants’ shared belief that professional judgment, ethical standards, and a “caring heart” cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence, reinforcing the enduring value of human-centric education and collaboration.
As the AI era transitions from a distant future into a present reality, the Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to bringing these vital insights back to their respective institutions. By continuing to leverage the collective strength of the network, member universities are dedicated to sharing best practices, fostering cross-border research, and building transdisciplinary curricula that will empower students for the challenges and opportunities across the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
Professor Phyllis MO, Head, Department of Accountancy, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, giving a closing speech to the audience
🤝 Acknowledgments & Support
The successful execution of this inaugural Hong Kong conference was made possible through the generous backing of industry and professional partners. The HSUHK Department of Accountancy and the Alliance extend their deepest gratitude for the invaluable sponsorship and support provided by ACCA, HKICPA, China Distance Education Holdings Ltd, Xiamen Netinnet Software Co., CPA Australia, and Friends of Accounting.
Mr. Wilson CHENG, Chairman, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (Hong Kong), giving a closing speech to the audience
Mr. Calvin TSE, Vice-President, Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants, giving a closing speech to the audience
Mr. Ninggui LU, Senior Vice President, China Distance Education Holdings Ltd., giving a closing speech to the audience
Dr. Albert WONG, Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (Australia); Partner, Public Sector Consulting, PricewaterhouseCoopers Hong Kong, giving a closing speech to the audience
Mr. Xue XIAO, Chief Editor, Friends of Accounting, giving a closing speech to the audience
