Chris Davis - South China Morning Post

How technology is reshaping accounting

Fri, 18 Jan 2019 01:39:20 +0000

As a new era dawns in the accounting and finance sectors, increasingly driven by disruptive technologies, advances in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and machine-learning technologies are redefining established business models while creating new challenges and opportunities. Jane Cheng, head of ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Hong Kong, believes that technological advances can provide significant benefits to accounting and finance professionals if they are willing to...

Technology takes recruitment sector into new era

Mon, 05 Nov 2018 05:58:55 +0000

The fundamental objectives of recruitment have changed little over the years. It is basically still about attracting the best individuals available and getting them up to speed as quickly as possible. Click here to read more

Providing students with a 21st century future-ready education so they can thrive in a changing world

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 08:49:41 +0000

Acknowledged for pushing the boundaries of teaching and learning, while focusing on the whole-child development of its students, Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) is also at the forefront of ensuring that students are equipped with 21st century future-ready learning competencies. CDNIS was recently recognized by Cambridge Strategies Innovation 800 as one of the world’s most innovative schools. As part of its holistic view of education, CDNIS has implemented Project Innovate, a...

Bridging the digital gap with tech-smart teens is a balancing act

Tue, 09 Oct 2018 02:04:15 +0000

While there is no turning back the clock on how children engage with technology – usually through their smartphones – parents and schools need to work together to promote better understanding of the benefits and risks that technology tools such as social media can involve. “The use of smartphones and the amount of time spent using social media probably causes more arguments between parents and their children than any other topic,” said Mark Hemphill, head of the Australian International School...

How the IB encourages curiosity and why it is important in today’s world

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 03:00:22 +0000

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed to prepare students between the ages of three and 12 to be active participants in a lifelong journey of learning. It also focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, in the classroom and in the wider world. With its emphasis on inquiry around the globe, including Hong Kong, the IBPYP curriculum promotes creativity within an international context, and is increasingly popular with schools and...

Parents seek best fit for children at Kindergartens Festival

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 06:45:15 +0000

Parents seeking to provide their pre-primary school children with the best early-learning foundation are naturally anxious about choosing the “right” kindergarten or preschool but, with a range of choices available in Hong Kong, choosing a kindergarten that matches children’s needs and parent’s expectations can be confusing. Education experts at the recent South China Morning Post Kindergartens Festival, said the key to selecting the “right” kindergarten was going into the process...

South China Morning Post Kindergartens Festival reveals Hong Kong’s best preschools

Tue, 08 May 2018 05:00:15 +0000

Children are playful by nature, but the potential benefits of play in early childhood go far beyond creating imaginary worlds or kicking a ball around. Experienced educators speaking at a recent South China Morning Post Kindergartens Festival pointed out that a lack of play in early childhood could lead to anxiety and problems relating to attention and self-control later in life. Taking part in a “Let Them Play” discussion, panellists Joanna Hotung, founder, Mills International preschool; Ben...

Mobile policy: schools discuss how to protect students from online hazards

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 02:03:16 +0000

With teenagers now spending more time on social media and on their smartphones, schools and parents need to find ways to protect youngsters from the downside of online activities, without reducing the benefits of what is available on the internet, according to education experts speaking at a recent South China Morning Post EdTalk Forum. EdTalk Forum panellists Mark Blackshaw, principal at King George V, an English Schools Foundation (ESF) school; Natalie Broderick, director of student services...

Parents should encourage, not pressure preschoolers into hobbies, Hong Kong educators say

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 02:00:45 +0000

Many parents might wonder if their busy preschool children need a hobby. Experienced educators say they do. Children are naturally inquisitive about subjects ranging from music, sports, arts and crafts, to Egyptian mummies or Hong Kong trams. Research also shows that a hobby can also help preschool children to develop emotionally, mentally and physically. Such pastimes can also encourage preschoolers to learn more of the world they live in; develop a healthy imagination, and nurture a sense of...

Business schools put accent on fintech and entrepreneurship

Fri, 05 Jan 2018 02:00:15 +0000

Business schools are focusing on financial technology, or fintech, and entrepreneurship to help MBA students apply new skills. This comes as fintech innovations continue to disrupt long-standing financial structures and change the way that traditional financial instruments are used. Professor Chen Tai-yuan, associate dean (MBA Programs), at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) business school, has noticed MBA students taking a greater interest in the entrepreneurial space....

Postgraduate courses on hospitality and tourism

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 02:00:00 +0000

As Hong Kong implements strategies to consolidate its position as a hub for multidestination travel, a shifting focus from shopping hot spots to cultural and heritage, green tourism and live entertainment is creating a demand for a new breed. Efforts are being made not only to maintain a steady growth in visitor numbers, but also to attract more high-yield overnight visitors to ensure a healthy and sustainable development of the tourism industry. With more indoor and outdoor venues coming online...

British education system will survive Brexit, UK international school heads say

Fri, 13 Oct 2017 05:00:30 +0000

Hong Kong parents seeking a British-style education for their children should focus on that and not be unduly concerned by other factors such as the ongoing Brexit negotiations. That was the view expressed by several principals at the inaugural SCMP EdTalk, on the topic “Education Trends: UK Curriculum and STEAM” held on October 7. Co-organised with Hong Kong Parenting, the event featured panel discussions and networking opportunities for attendees to meet representatives from leading...

EP Insights: IB curriculum

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 16:00:00 +0000

More and more schools are offering International Baccalaureate (IB) education model, so the timing of the EP Insights: IB curriculum seminar could not have been better. Parents who attended the event listened intently to a panel discussion featuring a prestigious group of educators including David Whalley, director of education at the English Schools Foundation (ESF); Annette Brandt-Dammann, principal, German Swiss International School (GSIS); Tim Kaiser, principal, Canadian International School...

SCMP x HKUST - Expert Insight Series 2017: Brian Lin and Dustin Jefferson Onghanseng

Sun, 02 Jul 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Networking opportunities are considered to be one of the greatest strengths for MBA programmes these days. This was certainly the case for Brian Lin and Dustin Jefferson Onghanseng, whose lives changed drastically after they met through the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) programme in 2013. Their discussion on the importance of reducing air pollution grew into a concrete business plan. This led to them competing in various local and international entrepreneurial...

Children and the great outdoors

Tue, 20 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Running, jumping and skipping outdoors while making plenty of high-spirited noise might, at first glance, seem incompatible with academic learning and good test scores. But all the evidence suggests that children, especially those in the pre-school and kindergarten years, perform better in class if the unstructured outdoor play is an integral part of the curriculum. Educators, doctors and sociologists have long understood that play contributes to physical well-being by helping the development...

SCMP x HKUST - Expert Insight Series 2017: Professor Xu Yan

Sun, 11 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000

The mention of the word "innovation", especially when linked to the telecommunications industry, usually conjures up images of new products and services or new business models. But according to one of Hong Kong's leading telecommunications experts, the ability to use existing technology to improve existing products or services should not be overlooked. "Innovation doesn’t always have to involve the use of cutting-edge technology, innovation can simply mean improving a product or process or...

Banking and finance

Thu, 08 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000

With the legacy of the 2008 global finance crisis still reverberating, amidst a swiftly shifting compliance and technological landscape, Hong Kong's banking and finance sectors are facing the challenge of attracting talent to future proof the industries. "One of the major lessons that we learnt from the global financial crisis is that the banking industry cannot stay strong without the support of good talent," says Carrie Leung, CEO at the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers (HKIB). According to a...

Education Post Kindergartens Festival 2017 (Kowloon): Paving the way for success starts at a young age

Wed, 07 Jun 2017 16:00:00 +0000

More than 2,000 parents, many accompanied by their children, discovered a wide range of early-learning options at a one-stop Kindergartens Festival organised and hosted by Education Post, with co-organiser, the education consultancy Top Schools Hong Kong, and HSBC as main sponsor. The festival took place on May 27 at the Cordis Hotel in Mong Kok. A breakfast seminar was held for educators and school leaders to network and share their views. Principals, school representatives and education...

Live Report: PolyU – THE Innovation & Impact Summit - Conference Day 2

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 01:45:45 +0000

[Sponsored article] Welcome to the morning session of the second day of the two-day inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Innovation & Impact Summit, at Hotel ICON, co-hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and THE. Featuring keynote speeches and a series of thought-provoking panel discussions under the theme of "Powering Universities' Economic and Social Impact through Innovative Research and Teaching, the summit is a key celebratory event of PolyU's 80th...

Live Report: PolyU – THE Innovation & Impact Summit - Conference Day 1

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 02:00:30 +0000

[Sponsored article] Welcome to the first morning of the two-day inaugural Times Higher Education (THE) Innovation & Impact Summit, at Hotel ICON, co-hosted by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and THE. Featuring keynote speeches and a series of thought-provoking panel discussions under the theme of "Powering Universities' Economic and Social Impact through Innovative Research and Teaching, the summit is a key celebratory event of PolyU's 80th anniversary. World-class speakers include...

Event recap: ARCH Education Mock Trial Championships

Thu, 25 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Featuring a kidnapping, illegal drugs and questionable lifestyle behaviour, the fictional cases brought before the court during the 4th Hong Kong Inter-School Mock Trial Championship 2017 included all the elements of a fast-paced television courtroom drama, with plenty of tense moments and a few unexpected twists and turns. Over 200 students from 24 Hong Kong local and international schools argued their cases in front of 120 judges drawn from the Hong Kong legal community and legal professionals...

SCMP x HKUST - Expert Insight Series 2017: Professor Utpal Bhattacharya

Wed, 24 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000

While his internationally recognised research focuses on the “dark side of finance”—manipulation and dishonesty in global markets—Utpal Bhattacharya believes Hong Kong's financial infrastructure stands out as role model of efficiency and transparency. <a target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="http://vid.ly/7h4t1c" href="http://vid.ly/7h4t1c"><img data-cke-saved-src="

Combining business and psychology expertise

Sun, 14 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Set to start in mid-September, a new degree programme will be the first of its kind in Hong Kong. The BA in business management with applied psychology offered by Scotland’s Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) in conjunction with HKUSPACE (Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education) will break new ground and cater to changing needs. “We recognised the demand for a part-time course that covers these two important areas,” says Dr Josephine Jim, programme leader at HKUSPACE....

Education Post Kindergartens Festival 2017 (Hong Kong): Helping parents make the right preschool choices

Sun, 14 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Parents eager for their children to get a good start on their education journey received a clear picture of the different types of early education available at the Education Post Kindergarten Festival. The festival, held on 29 April at the JW Marriott Hotel in Admiralty, featured around 50 leading local and international kindergartens and early learning providers. Organised and hosted by Education Post, with co-organiser education consultancy Top Schools, and HSBC as the main sponsor, the...

CEIBS bringing together business expertise

Thu, 04 May 2017 16:00:00 +0000

The many ways companies in Hong Kong and the mainland can collaborate to capture opportunities created by globalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship were the main topics of discussion during a prestigious panel discussion at the second China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Hong Kong Forum 2017. Organised by the CEIBS Alumni Association Hong Kong and Macao Chapter, more than 400 participants heard insights from academics, financial experts and industrial elites how "mass...

Technology helps students improve writing skills

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

With access to online education tools greater than ever, using them to improve English writing skills in a classroom setting can make perfect sense. That’s the view of Rab Paterson, director of the Asia Association for Global Studies and principal instructor at Toyo University/UCLA Extension Center for Global Education in Tokyo. He believes free online tools such as Google Docs, LexTutor, Analyse My Writing, and StoryToolz encourage engagement and learning. “Students today are functioning in an...

Event recap: UK Curriculum Forum

Mon, 10 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Ensuring their children benefit from a school curriculum that prepares them for university, a successful career, and life in general, is a key priority for most parents. But when it comes to selecting a school that offers a curriculum that meets a child’s needs, the choices parents face can be daunting. This is especially so in Hong Kong, where school options are steadily expanding, and now include international schools that offer the National Curriculum for England. The key areas parents should...

Going global

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

In response to increasing demand for management courses delivered in Putonghua, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School Executive Education Office has designed a series of specialist programmes. Starting in May, the topics include managerial decision making, corporate innovation, and strategic innovation management. There is also a bilingual course on family business: leading generations of excellence. According to Professor Yan Xu, associate dean at HKUST’s...

Preparing for university

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Boarding schools in Britain have a longstanding track record as springboards for students looking to gain entry into top universities. This is based on their combination of first-rate instruction, multicultural learning environments, pastoral care, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. However, according to expert speakers at the recent UK Boarding Schools Festival organised by Education Post, the path to boarding school still requires careful planning. It is best to start early, and...

The choice is yours

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

A UK boarding school education is a popular choice for Hong Kong students. Such schools offer a learning experience that is valued internationally, and the qualifications obtained can lead to a wide range of options in higher education and future careers. UK boarding schools undoubtedly provide a first-class education. But Ann Johnson, head of Abbots Bromley International College and admissions at Abbots Bromley School, believes they do much more than that. One overlooked advantage of a boarding...

Student movies put focus on green themes

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

It let them express their creativity, have fun with their friends, and learn new skills. But first and foremost, it gave them a chance to raise public awareness about climate change and the nature of our carbon footprint. Open to all primary and secondary students in Hong Kong, the contest was part of the Green Mini Movies Festival 2017, one of the educational events under the Go Green Community – Jockey Club Carbon Reduction Partnership Scheme. “This is a partnership project engaging local...

Comic books teach kids monetary concepts

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 16:00:00 +0000

As a leading bank, Citi also has a tradition of involvement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) through activities designed to benefit the wider community. A prime example is the Agent Penny and Will Power Series, the first-ever comic book to introduce key concepts of financial literacy to primary school students aged 10 to 12. Launched 10-plus years ago and funded by the Citi Foundation, “The Adventures of the Agent Penny, featuring Will Power” covers a range of relevant topics; including...

STEM learning in the 21st century

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Numerous reports highlight concerns about the gender disparity between boys and girls choosing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects at school. But Sylvia Martinez, an author and advocate for student-centred project-based learning, believes a move from worksheets to more hands-on experience can help in addressing the issue. “We need to rethink how we provide STEM education in the 21st century,” she says, adding that her work with teachers around the world has shown...

CityU DBA puts focus on real-world issues

Wed, 29 Mar 2017 04:15:30 +0000

[Sponsored article] When senior IT manager Monica Tang decided to pursue a part-time doctor of business administration (DBA) degree, she set stringent criteria. “I felt taking a DBA is a major milestone, and choosing the right programme is the key to success,” Tang says. On her list of priorities, the programme had to be rigorous, practical, and offered by a world-class university. The taught courses and class meetings had to be flexible enough to fit her busy schedule. And she wanted a course...

Educated investment

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Angel investors are, more often than not, very much aware of the risk-taking nature of their profession. As such, they do their best to make analytically sound investments. But for reasons that can include a lack of awareness of trends and emerging technologies, they may be missing out on investing in high-potential "unicorns", the next Amazon, Facebook or Uber. As Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia continue to develop a vibrant start-up ecosystem, a new executive diploma in global angel...

An executive's dream come true

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 16:00:00 +0000

In today's dynamic business environment, executives must prepare for new challenges and responsibilities. That means continuously sharpening their skill sets and acquiring cutting-edge insights to help their companies remain prosperous and competitive. To that end, the HKUST Business School Executive Education Office offers a series of tailor-made management programmes every year. These range from short specialist courses lasting a few days to the comprehensive "Leading for Success" programme,...

Pushing the boundaries of research

Fri, 03 Mar 2017 01:45:15 +0000

[Sponsored Article] Recognised internationally as a progressive higher-education institution, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is dedicated to making a positive contribution to the world’s development through its innovative research and quality education. Emphasising the focus PolyU places on research with impact, Professor Alexander Wai, PolyU Vice President (Research Development) says whether researching pioneering fibre optic railway technologies, investigational new drugs (IND),...

Hong Kong needs more females in STEM subjects

Thu, 23 Feb 2017 16:00:00 +0000

A gender gap has resulted in the under-representation of Hong Kong female secondary school students that study science, technology, engineering and maths; commonly referred to as STEM subjects, could be holding females back from future high-quality, well-paying jobs in the future, according to the findings of a research report commissioned by The Women's Foundation (TWF). Involving nearly 1,000 Form Three female students and 146 STEM teachers from 13 schools, including co-education with all-girl...

Reading up on the law

Sun, 05 Feb 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Offering a well-established curriculum, the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) School of Law gives students taking the JD (juris doctor) and PCLL (postgraduate certificate in laws) the skills to succeed as solicitors or barristers. The course also prepares students for successful roles in the world of business. The intensive one-year PCLL is a prerequisite for anyone planning to enter the legal profession in Hong Kong as a trainee solicitor or pupil barrister in chambers. The programme...

The Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking 2017

Thu, 02 Feb 2017 16:00:00 +0000

When it comes to choosing a full-time MBA programme, with so many great business schools to choose from, rankings based on multiple criteria can provide a useful guide for weighing costs in terms of time and money against the rewards in terms of educational benefits, career boosts and networking opportunities. Published towards the end of January each year since 1999, the Financial Times (FT) Global MBA Ranking 2017 includes several business schools from across Asia that are ranked in the top...

KODW 2016 – Exploring the visions and planning the future of health and healthy living

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

How can the design and planning of Hong Kong’s built environment help people stay healthy for longer? How can design inspire people to exercise more and live a healthier lifestyle? What will our future hospitals look like? These topics and many more took centre stage for debate, discussion and insights at the Knowledge of Design Week (KODW) 2016, an annual week-long conference held by Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC). Featuring five days of forums, workshops and roundtable discussion, KODW 2016...

Design helps to propel cancer care into new realm

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

A world-class hospital and research institute facility may sound an unlikely building to elicit expressions of “wow" and “amazing", but these are often the response when people walk into the new A$1.2 billion Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) in Melbourne, Australia, according to Siegi Schmidmaier, Director, Strategy at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, which is located within the VCCC. "The first impression of the VCCC can be a little bit overwhelming, in a nice sort of way," said...

Design strategies evolve to meet patient healthcare expectations

Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

Whether a patient is making an appointment to see a medical practitioner, follow-up checkups or seeking advice from a doctor about health risks and treatment options, according to a branding expert, design-led planning and technology can help to improve the patient experience. Speaking at the Knowledge of Design Week 2016 (KODW), Scott Davis, Chief Growth Officer at Prophet, a consultancy firm which helps organisations grow their brands and improve businesses efficiencies, said there is a huge...

Training legal eagles

Thu, 12 Jan 2017 16:00:00 +0000

With a wide range of traditional and alternative career opportunities to choose from, postgraduate programmes offered by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Faculty of Law prepare students to pursue their aspirations in the legal profession. Offered as a two-year programme for full-time students, and a four-year programme for part-time students, the CUHK Juris Doctor (JD) programme prepares graduates to practise law, either as solicitors or barristers. "Upon graduating, many of our...

Top Asian School Debating Teams off to Compete in Britain

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Plenty of quick thinking and rigorous reasoning was in evidence at the first Asian Schools British Parliamentary Debating Championship to be staged in Hong Kong. A total of 60 teams, including 24 from local secondary schools, took part in the two-day event co-organised by Capstone Education Group and the Cambridge Union. Hosted by Munsang College in Kowloon, participants from the mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Taiwan argued the pros and cons of a host of current...

Preparing for the boardroom

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Corporate governance, accountability and leadership are topics high on the priority lists of many company boards. And independent directors are facing a host of new challenges and expectations as they come under the scrutiny of shareholders and other interested parties. With the impact of globalisation, Asian business leaders have to keep up with various reforms taking place in US, Europe and Asia countries which are changing the dynamic of boardrooms, says Hannah Carmichael, Financial Times,...

Counting on career boost

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 16:00:00 +0000

When it comes to helping the next generation of accounting and finance professionals prepare for a successful career, professional bodies need to revise their qualification processes to align with recruitment policies, career development and employer expectations. With the majority of stakeholders supporting reforms proposed by the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA), the first phase of the new Qualification Programme (QP) process is expected to be implemented in 2018....

Shaking up business

Thu, 08 Dec 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Designed to broaden and enrich knowledge and leadership skills, top-tier Executive MBA programmes equip participants with the professional development and strategic perspectives necessary to face 21st-century business challenges. Because no two business problems are ever the same, the Chicago Booth Executive MBA programme provides students with a thorough a set of core disciplines which underlie business decision-making, says Richard Johnson, Chicago Booth School of Business associate dean,...

Education in the 21st century

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:00:00 +0000

For all the theories, advice, books and apps dedicated to choosing the right school, it can still be one of the most anxiety-inducing, yet rewarding, aspects of being a parent. There is the local system run by the Education Bureau, mostly leading towards the DSE, as well as more than 50 international schools offering various curricula based on what’s being taught in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the United States. Ruth Benny founded Top Schools to guide parents...

Parents have spoken

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Parents of international school students in Hong Kong are very happy with the large number of curricula on offer. This was one of the many key findings of the 2016 SCMP International School Survey: A Parent Perspective, a first-of-its-kind study conducted by Agenda Consulting and MMG Education. Using responses of more than 1,000 parents from over 53 different schools, the study aimed to pinpoint areas where the relationship between parents and schools could be strengthened. The results were...