News and Events

Global Business Forum and INDEX Symposium 2024/2025 (Part 2)

Following the insightful Global Business Forum, the 2024/25 Industry Project-based Experiential Learning (INDEX) Symposium continued to captivate participants with a series of thought-provoking presentations and discussions.

Held from 4 -7 March 2025, the INDEX Symposium brought together over 40 experts and professionals from diverse regions, including Canada, Hong Kong, Iraq, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mainland China, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. Passionate educators, researchers, and industry practitioners dedicated to advancing experiential learning gathered to share their invaluable experiences and insights on crafting future-ready curricula and innovative approaches to global business education.

Initiated by Singapore Management University (SMU) in 2023, the INDEX Symposium took place in Hong Kong this year, hosted by the Undergraduate Office at CUHK Business School. On the first day of the symposium, Prof. Zhou Lin, Dean of CUHK Business School, warmly welcomed all speakers and delegates. In his address, he stressed the importance of transforming educational approaches to keep pace with our rapidly changing world. He also underscored the value of the INDEX Symposium as a platform for sharing experiences and advancing experiential learning.

Prof. Timothy Clark, Provost of SMU, also joined us to inaugurate the four-day symposium. He remarked, “The INDEX Symposium has become more than just a gathering of minds – it is a platform where we challenge conventional learning models, exchange best practices, and forge new collaborations.” He highlighted the crucial role of academia and industry collaboration in equipping students with the skills necessary for the future.

Themed “Future-Ready Global Business Education: Enhancing Experiential Learning through Industry and Interdisciplinary Collaborations,” the symposium began with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Fred Ku, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies) at CUHK Business School, who was also the Convener of the 2024/25 INDEX Symposium. Representing diverse stakeholders, the panellists shared insights on how corporate projects provide real-world exposure for students while adding value to businesses. Student representatives were also invited to join the panel to share their first-hand experiences.

Panellists from left to right: Ms. Joanne Leung (BBA-JD Year 3), Mr. Oscar Yu (GBS 2024), Dr. Anson Au Yeung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate Studies), CUHK Business School, Dr. Jac Leung, Lecturer, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Mr. Steven Tsoi, CEO & Co-Founder, Sonova and Chief Impact Evangelist, Social Ventures Hong Kong, Ms. Melody Keung, General Manager, Taikoo Sugar Limited and Dr. Fred Ku, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), CUHK Business School.

Another key panel featured speakers from start-ups, NGOs, FMCG industry and educators who shared their experiences in tackling challenges in industry-academia collaboration. They discussed topics ranging from faculty engagement to managing student expectations and business priorities, providing valuable insights to the participants.

Panellists from left to right: Mr. Kevin Koh, Head of SMU-X, Singapore Management University, Dr. Fred Ku, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), CUHK Business School; Ms. Olivia Ma, Executive Director, VolTra Hong Kong, Dr. Hoe Chin Goi, Professor, NUCB Business School, Mr. Edmund Chan, Co-Founder & COO, Meat The Next, Ms. Jennifer Lin, Associate Head of Feminine Care Brands, International, Kimberly-Clark and Dr. Andrew Yuen, Director of the EMBA Programme, CUHK Business School.

In addition to the panel discussions, over 20 parallel sessions were arranged, with esteemed speakers sharing cutting-edge models of experiential learning, innovative approaches to industry partnerships, and the resources needed to bring these strategies to life. The sessions delved into the transformative role of experiential learning and the power of interdisciplinary collaborations in higher education. Both presenters and participants gained fresh ideas through immersive activities and invigorating discussions.

Download Symposium Agenda

Eight international students from seven different countries participated in the student roundtable, sharing their unique perspectives on experiential learning.

The INDEX Symposium served as a catalyst for fresh ideas in experiential learning, reaffirming the commitment of institutions across the Asia Pacific to redefine education for the future. Beyond professional insights and academic advancements, the symposium offered participants ample opportunities to bond during delightful networking lunches and social events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship. These shared experiences, engaging discussions, and social interactions helped forge strong bonds and lasting connections, creating a supportive community dedicated to advancing experiential learning.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” May the collaborative spirit fostered during the symposium continue to strengthen a culture of innovation and shape the future of education.

Here are some of the wonderful moments we shared at the INDEX Symposium: