This year, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) secured the top spot in Bloomberg’s B-School Rankings for the Asia-Pacific region. But what sets HKUST’s MBA apart? This article explores what makes HKUST’s top-ranked MBA program unique with Associate Dean Stephen Shih.
In 2023, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) secured the coveted top position in Bloomberg Businessweek’s B-Schools rankings for the Asia-Pacific region.
Over the years, HKUST has earned a reputation for its science, engineering, and business excellence. However, institutions need more than great academics in order to climb the business school rankings.
We discussed HKUST’s journey to the top with Stephen Shih, the Associate Dean for the MBA programs at HKUST and Adjunct Professor in the Management department.
When asked what sets the HKUST MBA apart, Stephen told us that its unwavering commitment to its mission is at the heart of HKUST’s success.
“Our mission is a commitment to develop leaders in Asia for the world,” Stephen says. “We are really here to help our students learn how to make an impact and how to be successful after they graduate from the program.” (00:31)
This mission serves as a North Star directing every effort toward helping students become impactful business leaders.
Based on this clear direction, HKUST places great emphasis on both teaching and learning. That’s why their faculty is a balanced blend of researchers and experienced business leaders.
Combining current academic knowledge with practical experience, this comprehensive approach prepares students to realize the institution’s mission.
Another core aspect that places HKUST’s program as a top-ranked MBA is its focus on staying relevant with a forward-thinking curriculum.
The HKUST MBA’s flexible curriculum is one of the most forward-thinking in Asia, constantly adapting to the rapidly changing times. One of their stand-out features is the program’s emphasis on technology and innovation.
To prepare future business leaders, HKUST requires students to understand technology’s critical role in any modern business.
Stephen says, “This is a critical skill for business leaders of the future. To really understand how to manage technology within the company. But also how to respond to external changes & new technologies and how to guide their companies through that.” (02:43)
They also offer a wide range of technology-focused electives. In those courses, students can explore new fields of study or strengthen their skills in the area they want to specialize in, such as Artificial Intelligence, Deep Learning, and Cryptocurrencies, to name a few.
Another jewel of the curriculum is its Enhancing Professional Skills course, an intensive, one-week hands-on experience. It is led by a team of four faculty members from different disciplines.
This course equips MBA students with the practical skills they need for real-world challenges. First, students learn how to define a problem. Then, they put the analytical skills they’ve learned in other courses to work on one final project. Finally, they develop professional-level presentations suitable for a company’s board. (03:26)
HKUST’s rise to the top of the Bloomberg Businessweek B-Schools rankings is rooted in its commitment to listening to its stakeholders. The school engages with alumni, faculty, and students to understand what can be improved.
“We continuously ask our students what courses they think would help them,” Stephen explains. Through that, we make sure that we have courses that are up to date, highly relevant, and that will meet the needs of our students.” (05:04)
Additionally, HKUST relies on a Corporate Advisory Board to ensure they remain on the pulse of industry trends and shifting demands. The Board is composed of influential alumni and industry experts.
“We ask them for their advice on key trends that we need to be preparing our students for. Our faculty are also often at the leading edge of research areas, and they can bring new ideas to us as well,” Stephen says. (04:52)
This collaboration with experienced professionals bridges the gap between academia and the dynamic business world, ensuring that HKUST’s curriculum remains aligned with real-world needs.
Hong Kong presents a distinctive setting for emerging business leaders, offering a prime environment to engage with international business from an Asian perspective.
The city’s dynamic business scene and extensive global networks create a perfect backdrop for HKUST MBA students. This lively city offers abundant chances for students to network with industry experts and forge essential business connections. HKUST MBA’s Career and Professional Development Team helps students become proactive networkers.
“We believe that we are preparing students not just for their first job after graduation but for their future careers. And all of our research has shown that students who are able to understand and develop skills around networking are able to have continued career progression and also make a bigger contribution with the companies that they are working with,” Stephen tells us. (06:01)
The career services at HKUST also provide opportunities for students to engage with various companies and executives. Some of these initiatives include company visits, networking events, and immersive, real-life challenges.
Of course, networking isn’t only for building business connections. A vital element of HKUST’s esteemed MBA program is its extensive and supportive alumni network.
“We believe that the supportive Alumni network we have is one of our assets in creating a world-class MBA program. We rely heavily on our volunteer alumni leaders. They have a lot of interesting passions, and they are always willing to support our students,” says Stephen. (07:06)
The alumni community plays a significant role in various student activities, motivated by the concept of “Red Birds teaching Red Birds”.
Alumni helped organize company visits when the MBA class went to Japan. In Hong Kong, they help each other enhance their public speaking skills through the Toastmasters Club. And on the mainland, they team up in unique activities like the Gobi desert challenge.
HKUST’s global alumni community is always ready to assist students in a myriad of ways.
HKUST’s top-ranked MBA program stands out because it focuses on practical skills, adapts quickly to changes in the real world, and meets the needs of its students, teachers, and alumni. This keeps HKUST at the forefront of MBA education.
Want to know what it’s really like to be a student at a top-ranked MBA program? Then don’t hesitate to reach out to HKUST’s student ambassadors who will be happy to share their experiences and insights with you.
