“In the digital economy, data is no longer a cost center to be managed; it is a liquid asset to be monetized,” Alex Zhang, Head of Data Monetisation at HKT, told students and faculty at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.
On 16 April 2026, the Department of Economics and Finance hosted a technical seminar, titled “Transform Data to Revenue with AI.” Moving beyond the theoretical hype of Artificial Intelligence, the session provided a masterclass in how large companies convert raw information into measurable business impact.
Embedding AI into the Business DNA
Alex Zhang, a 25-year industry veteran with a career spanning BCG GAMMA, JPMorgan Chase, and Citibank, challenged the audience to rethink the role of the data scientist. He argued that the true breakthrough in AI isn’t found in the complexity of the code, but in its application.
“The goal isn’t just to ‘know’ what happened,” Zhang noted during his keynote. “The goal is to embed advanced analytics directly into the business process so that the outcome is an automated, revenue-generating decision.”
Bridging the Global-Local Gap
For the School of Business students in attendance, the seminar served as a bridge between classroom theory and high-stakes industry practice. Zhang’s expertise in leading data monetization for Hong Kong’s largest telecommunications provider, HKT, offered a roadmap for aspiring professionals.
Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
The event underscores the Department of Economics and Finance commitment to fostering first-hand authority and industry-aligned knowledge.
As the seminar concluded, a clear sign is shown which the dialogue between academia and industry is more vital than ever. The EAF Department continues to serve as a hub where data meets strategy, and where students learn to turn information into impact.