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HKU Business School held its 25th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the JW Marriott Hotel on 15 March 2026, a landmark celebration honouring a quarter-century of academic excellence, transformative leadership, and groundbreaking contributions to the business world. The Gala Dinner brought together over 500 distinguished guests, faculty members, alumni and friends to celebrate the School's achievements under the theme "Beyond 25" and look ahead to its ambitious future.

The Gala Dinner began with welcoming remarks from Professor Xiang ZHANG, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hong Kong (HKU): “Over these 25 years, HKU Business School has navigated economic shifts, technological revolutions and global challenges with resilience, innovation and creativity. Its contributions to society reflect HKU’s vision to transform humanity’s future as a world-leading university. I am confident that the School will continue to drive innovation, nurture talent and help build a more sustainable and prosperous world.”

Mr. Paul CHAN, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, then delivered the keynote speech.  He said, “AI is advancing at a breathtaking pace, faster than many of us anticipated. It is already reshaping virtually every industry and every walk of life.  In this new era of technological progress and business innovation, business management education matters more than ever, because the challenge is not just about knowing what technology can do, but about leading people through change.” He added that, “HKU Business School is exceptionally well placed to play this role. You bring together outstanding talent across the business community and beyond. Your alumni and students come from business, technology, finance and public administration. The School is a place where ideas are translated into real-world impact for companies, markets and the wider community.”

Olympic Diving Champion Ms. GUO Jingjing reflected on her remarkable journey—from a young girl once afraid of water, to an Olympic champion, an international referee, and now a passionate advocate for public welfare and health. She shared that “What sports have given me most are not medals, but two enduring strengths deeply rooted in my beliefs. One is perseverance—the determination to stay committed to a cause, a responsibility, and a conviction. The other is courage—the willingness to step beyond my comfort zone, to explore new frontiers, and to say ‘I want to try again’ even when the journey becomes difficult.” Ms. Guo encouraged everyone at the Gala Dinner to “discover their passion, hold on to their original purpose, and keep moving forward—step by step—to make the world a little better.”

Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean and Chair of Economics of HKU Business School, remarked, “Today, as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of HKU Business School, I am proud to reaffirm our vision: to become the top business school in the world. This vision is anchored in our 3D strategies — height in thought leadership, depth in China engagement, and breadth in international collaborations.

Guided by these strategies, we have made remarkable progress. We are ranked No. 6 in the 2025 UTD Business School Research Ranking and No. 11 in the Financial Times Research Ranking. Our outstanding scholars have delivered high-quality research across diverse fields, advancing our goal to become a globally impactful business school.

With our centres established in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, alongside a growing presence in Vietnam and Europe, we have built a robust network across Greater China while actively expanding our global footprint. Furthermore, by integrating AI into business education and research, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of innovation and laying a solid foundation for a promising future.”

The Gala Dinner featured awards presentations recognising the support of the HKU Business School's alumni networks in the Chinese Mainland, as well as the establishment of the Honorary Board of the HKU Business School Alumni Association with appointees. This was followed by a live auction, supported by sponsors, that raised funds for the School's Beyond 25 initiatives. The evening included performances by an undergraduate student and the Mingde Choir, bringing the HKU Business School community together in celebration.

Since its founding in 2001, HKU Business School has grown from a visionary institution into a powerhouse of business, economics and finance education, consistently ranked among the top business schools in the world. Over the years, the School has educated tens of thousands of graduates who now hold important positions in multinational corporations, startups, government, and NGOs across the globe.

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