There will be roughly 13, three-unit elective courses starting in the spring term this year.

CUHK students will earn their credits within the semester, and acquire practical knowledge in the insurance industry.

Some 50 students are expected to enrol.

Senior executives from HSBC Insurance will give lectures and lead project discussions throughout the 13 dedicated lectures.

In addition, the HSBC Insurance Scholarship, amounting to HK$100,000, will be awarded to outstanding students.

The programme also provides an invaluable six-month placement opportunity for selected students to gain practical insurance training and acquire solid skills.

David Fried, chairman and CEO of HSBC Insurance for Asia-Pacific, says: 'We are pleased to partner with CUHK to launch the first-of-its-kind company insurance course in Hong Kong.

'This novel programme not only signifies the joint efforts of two leading institutions, but also underscores HSBC Insurance's long-term commitment to nurturing the future [professionals] of the insurance industry.'

Professor Benjamin Wah, acting vice-chancellor of CUHK, said at the launch ceremony that the Insurance, Financial and Actuarial Analysis programme by its nature has an interwoven connection with the finance and insurance industry.

'It is the only programme in Hong Kong, and probably the world, which puts together insurance and quantitative training in the same curriculum,' Wah said. He added that the strategic partnership, which provides CUHK students with an unparalled opportunity to learn the ropes from seasoned insurance professionals, would offer good guidance for them to start their careers in the field.

'I would like to take this opportunity to show our gratitude to the generous support from HSBC. The partnership denotes our shared commitment of nurturing future business leaders,' Wah said.

For HSBC Insurance, it would help promote the brand image through a highly regarded educational institution and support the development and awareness of insurance among Hongkongers.

The training programme will also help graduates get a firsthand account of the way the insurance industry works. Fried says the banking institution hopes that the sharing of real-life experiences from the insurance team at the bank would provide students with an in-depth understanding of the industry's practices and reveal valuable insights.

'I am sure that this programme, integrating textbook theories and practical experiences, will unlock and develop the potential of the next generation in this exciting industry,' he says.

Lecture topics include actuarial analysis, insurance risk management, insurance life operations, economic situation of the insurance industry and the development of insurance strategy.