Hong Kong Baptist University visits UTAR to explore finance and management excellence

UTAR had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) for the MBA Seminar 2/2025 on 4 July 2025 at its Sungai Long Campus. The visit also included a guided tour of the Faculty of Accountancy and Management (FAM). The event provided a valuable opportunity for academic collaboration, exchange of ideas, and cross-cultural engagement between staff and students of both institutions.

The seminar commenced with a warm welcome address by FAM Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Sia Bik Kai, who delivered an insightful presentation on FAM’s postgraduate programmes. Highlighting the faculty’s commitment to academic rigour and industry relevance, Dr Sia elaborated on the curriculum’s alignment with current market demands and FAM’s research excellence in finance and management disciplines.

In a reciprocal gesture, Prof Dr Monique Wan Shui Ki, Associate Dean for Taught Postgraduate Studies at HKBU and Adjunct Professor at UTAR, shared an engaging overview of HKBU’s educational philosophy and its diverse postgraduate offerings. Her presentation not only showcased HKBU’s innovative pedagogical approaches but also sparked lively discussions on potential joint academic ventures, including collaborative research projects and student exchange initiatives. Her dual affiliation with both institutions further highlighted the strong academic ties between UTAR and HKBU, paving the way for deeper institutional cooperation.

A keynote session by Dr Jack Lin Kok Leong, a distinguished FAM PhD alumnus and industry expert, further elevated the seminar. Titled Fundamental Analysis: Financial Ratios to Analyse Stocks, his presentation captivated attendees with real-world case studies and actionable strategies for financial analysis. Dr Jack Lin meticulously covered core principles of fundamental analysis, including country-level economic performance indicators, sector-specific benchmarks for industry analysis, and key financial ratios for stock evaluation. His expertise resonated strongly with MBA candidates, offering them valuable insights into applying theoretical knowledge in practical investment scenarios.

The event ended in a dynamic networking lunch, where students and academics from both institutions exchanged perspectives on global business trends, emerging career opportunities, and the evolving demands of the finance and management sectors. This productive dialogue not only strengthened institutional ties but also explored avenues for future collaborative projects.