A forum was organized at the HKUST Business School in Singapore, where experts from academia and the industry were invited to share their insights on the most dynamic developments in family office and supply chain management in the region, exploring closer collaboration for new opportunities and strengthening ties between Hong Kong and Singapore.
The forum provided a platform for many practitioners in the industry and alumni of the school, allowing interaction, insightful discussions, and meaningful networking that set bases for new avenues of collaboration. The school was offered a chance to reach its alumnus and nurture a professional network.
In the opening speech, Prof. HUI Kai-Lung noted, "Hong Kong and Singapore personify Asia's rise. Many opportunities exist to build collaboration between them." By leveraging our industry connections and the intellectual prowess of our dedicated research centers, this forum has managed to strengthen the ties with school alumni and the industry in Singapore. The organizers would like to express their deepest gratitude to the forum speakers and participants for their active engagement and fruitful exchange".
A keynote panel discussion on the synergy between Singapore and Hong Kong in terms of family business and family office set the tone for the forum. The panel consisted of Mr. Richie EU, Managing Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Eu Yan Sang International Limited; Prof. Roger KING, Senior Advisor and Founding Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office; Prof. Winnie PENG, Director of Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office; and Mr. Daniel TEO, Chairman and Managing Director of Hong How Group.
It also brought out the potential for tapping into research focused on ethnic Chinese family businesses to realise synergies between the two cities with large ethnic Chinese populations. Prof. Peng added that both Hong Kong and Singapore have put in place family office management ecosystems, offering scope for collaboration in areas such as geographical asset diversification, impact investing and philanthropy. "Managing family legacy centers on preserving the harmony, values and wealth of the family", she observed.
Another panel, chaired by Prof. CHEUNG Ki-Ling, Representative in the Executive Committee of HKUST Li & Fung Supply Chain Institute, discussed how to build up the preparedness of supply chains against changes in the global economy. The panelists were Mr. Bill FONG, Senior Director of Global Supply Management at Micron Technology Inc; Mr. Robert SINCLAIR, Former President of Supply Chain at Global Brands Group, which is a member of the Fung Group; and Ms. ZHANG Ting-Ting, CEO of the Singapore Fashion Council. "In the fast-changing global SCM sector, challenges and opportunities are interwoven", said Prof. Cheung. Building on insights from Singapore and Hong Kong-the key gateways to Southeast Asia and Mainland China, respectively-the School aims to engross business leaders in thought-provoking discussions and integrative ideas that would help thrive in this dynamic landscape.
The two research centers in these sectors will be represented by faculty participants. The HKUST Li & Fung Supply Chain Institute was established in May 2024. Drawing on HKUST's research excellence and Li & Fung's industry prowess in SCM, it aims to create real impact in the world. The Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office is established to provide a platform that brings together academics, practitioners, and policy-makers with an interest in promoting high-quality development of the family business and family office sectors in Hong Kong and beyond.
This forum is an initiative that would emphasize HKUST Business School's commitment to cross-city collaboration and key sector development in the Asia-Pacific region, thus contributing to regional economic growth and innovation.
