Saint Francis University (SFU) hosted the "CEO Dialogue in the AI Era — 2026 Leadership Conference" today (January 30), exploring how technology is reshaping financial markets and business strategies. This was an inaugural event organised by SFU's newly established Industry University Partnerships Office (IUPO), to help promote the University's related initiatives and strengthen its role as a University of Applied Sciences (UAS).
In his welcome address, SFU President Professor Stephen Cheung Yan-leung said, "The main objective of establishing the new IUPO is to better align our internship programmes, graduate employment, research and community outreach with industry needs. In the technological wave of AI, this is especially important as we are reshaping the very paradigms of leadership, strategy, and value creation across every sector. While embracing these advancements, we at SFU place equal emphasis on the cultivation of positive values and AI ethics."
Ms Grace Li Wai-ting, Principal Assistant Secretary for Education (Further Education), welcomed the establishment of IUPO, adding that the Bureau had provided support through its Quality Enhancement Support Scheme. She said, "Vocational and Professional Education and Training forms a vital pillar of Hong Kong's education policy, through which the Government is committed to elevating its status and advancing the development of UAS, so as to offer young people an alternative pathway to success."
Other guests of honour included Mr Albert Chow Hing-pong, Executive Director of Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications and Ms Jennifer Veigel, Austrian Trade Commissioner Hong Kong and Macau, together with 100 industry leaders, academics, experts and students, including 15 industry supporting organisations and members.
The keynote speakers included Mr Esmond Lee Kin Ying, Honorary Advisor of the HK Institute of Bankers and Former Executive Director of HK Monetary Authority; Professor Sunny Wong Hak-kun, Executive Director of the Chinese Western Cultural Association and Former Chairman of Carlsberg Greater China; and Dr Ted Suen Yiu-tat, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute. They shared their insights into Artificial Intelligence (AI), financial markets, and strategic leadership.
Mr Esmond Lee shared with the audience his analysis of the new era and how concepts like AI-anchored stablecoins could redefine monetary systems. Another speaker Professor Sunny Wong emphasised that employing generative AI tools requires empathy, self-awareness and communication skills, and technological transformation could lead to new "people + AI" productivity. Dr Ted Suen stressed that the greatest promise of AI lies in "AI+", which means its convergence with technologies like 5G and blockchain. He believes a collaborative ecosystem could help realise this vision and drive Hong Kong toward a smarter, more sustainable future.