One of China’s big state-owned lenders has teamed up with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) to provide fintech and MBA qualifications to students, as well as better integrate the financial sectors of mainland China and Hong Kong.
China Construction Bank (CCB) and HKUST executed a memorandum of cooperation in Beijing and Hong Kong on 5 April, as well as officially launched the “CCB – HKUST Fintech Master’s Program” (中国建设银行—香港科技大学金融科技硕士项目) and the “Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Mini-MBA Program” (中小微企业Mini—MBA项目).
CCB chair Tian Guoli (田国立) said in a speech that cooperation between the two parties was an important measure for driving the development of the Greater Bay Region and integration between the markets, operations and human talent of mainland China and Hong Kong.
“The fintech MBA program and mini-MBA program have the goal of creating a model for cooperation between banks and universities in the mainland and Hong Kong, and achieving breakthrough innovations in areas including the integration of youths in both locations, as well as enterprise integration and academic integration.
“The program will enable mainland students to better understand Hong Kong and grasp advanced international fintech development trends, as well as enable Hong Kong students to deeply understand the mainland, and strengthen the sense of belonging and support of Hong Kong youths for the mother country.”
Wei Shyy, HKUST president, said that the programs represented a new form of academic and enterprise cooperation.
“China Construction Bank, as a financial sector leader, has always actively driven fintech growth,” said Wei.
“HKUST will make effective use of this cooperative opportunity, and employ its leading advantages in the area of fintech research to further aid the promotion and implementation of fintech, and cultivate more talent that possesses an innovative mindset and relevant specialist knowledge.”
