BEA Banker Calls for Tighter Integration with the Mainland

Dr. David Li Kwok-po, chairman and chief executive of the Bank of East Asia, was the first speaker in the Distinguished Speakers' Series organized by the Faculty of Business Administration to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the MBA Programmes. Dr. Li delivered a talk on 'A Banker's Perspective on Closer Integration with the Mainland' to an audience of over 150 on 15th March at Hotel Conrad. These included alumni, students, professors and business partners of the faculty, as well as eminent members of the banking, finance, and other industries.

(From left) Prof. Lee Tien-sheng, dean of business administration, Prof. Kenneth Young, pro-vice-chancellor, Dr. David Li, Prof. Jack Cheng, pro-vice-chancellor, and Prof. Cheung Wai-man, associate dean (graduate studies) of the Faculty of Business Administration

In his talk, Dr. Li addressed how we can prepare for Hong Kong's rise as an international financial hub for China. While much of our economy has already become integrated into the mainland, one notable exception remains — banking and finance. Dr. Li believes that there is a need to develop better integration between Hong Kong and the mainland in the banking and finance sector.

The series will feature two other speakers: Dr. Vincent Cheng, chairman of HSBC, on 6th April, and Dr. Joseph Yam Chi-kwong, chief executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, on 20th April. Following the talks, other programmes will be organized by the faculty to celebrate its 40th anniversary.