On 14 March 2026, the Global Business Programmes hosted the signature Global Business Forum, bringing together industry leaders, educators, students, and alumni to explore global business trends and foster meaningful professional networks. It was a pleasure to also welcome partners and students from the Asian Business Education Network (ABEN), fostering friendship and exchange in global insights.

A Student-led Initiative

From ESG Compliance to Creating Shared Value

Speaker Series: The Sustainability Landscape and Capital for Change

Mr. Andy LAW, Partner in Sustainability and Emerging Assurance at Deloitte China, outlined the shift of sustainability from a reputational consideration to a strategic financial imperative, emphasising the central role of ESG frameworks in risk assessment and board-level decision-making.

Ms. Alice SUEN, Managing Director and Head of Sustainable Finance and Transition, Hong Kong, HSBC, examined the key financial instruments enabling the transition to a sustainable economy.

Fireside Chat: Strategic Transformation

Mr. Garrick LAU, Head of Sustainability and Shared Value at Nan Fung Development Limited shared Nan Fung’s strategic transformation journey from a traditional property developer into a corporate sustainability pioneer, highlighting its “sustainability-as-a-service” framework. The session was co-moderated by Ms. Virginie OSTROWSKI, Chief Executive Officer of Shared Value Initiative Hong Kong, and Ms. Melinda CHAN (IBCE, Year 2).

Panel Session: Partnership for Impact

A dynamic panel discussion with esteemed speakers including Ms. Gladys LAW, Senior Manager (Innovation), Innovation Department, Sino Group, Mr. Bosco LEUNG, Social Responsibility Lead, Environmental and Social Responsibility Department, MTR Corporation, and Mr. Francis NGAI, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Social Ventures Hong Kong, moderated by Mr. Parkin SO (GBS, Year 4), explored sustainability priorities, the enabling role of partnerships, and the trade-offs inhered in developing sustainable business models.

Turning Insights into Action

Dr. Fred KU, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) closed the forum with three key takeaways: the importance of embedding sustainability across all roles to avoid siloed thinking, embracing complexity and trade-offs, and turning insights gained into immediate and meaningful action.

A Touching Celebration of Milestones and Memories

The Global Business Dinner reinforced the importance of connection within the global business community. Echoing the forum’s theme, Ms. Janice WONG (IBCE 2014), advisory board member of GBS and IBCE programmes, delivered an inspiring sharing on the responsibility and impact as future business leaders.

The evening concluded with a heartfelt celebration of the graduating cohorts, honouring their shared journey, achievements, and transformation into confident leaders. The strong camaraderie and sense of purpose demonstrated throughout the night will undoubtedly serve as a lasting source of inspiration for junior students in the years ahead.