BUS News

81 outstanding graduates and students of the School of Business of the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) were honoured with lifetime memberships of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) at the 7th Induction Ceremony of BGS Hong Kong Baptist University Chapter on 26 April 2017. Dr. Merle A. Hinrich, Executive Chairman of Global Sources, was awarded the Chapter Honouree for his significant contribution to fostering business and technology innovation in global trade.

 

Professor Ed Snape, Dean of HKBU School of Business, welcomed guests by highlighting the School of Business’s commitment to creating a better business environment through responsible business engagement, and to equipping students with the requisite skills for a successful business career. “Being one of the 556 BGS chapters around the globe, HKBU School of Business is proud to provide our students with such a valuable opportunity to connect with top business graduates and business leaders worldwide.”

 

Throughout his journey of driving cross-border trade using technology for nearly half a century, Dr. Hinrich has experienced enormous changes in business networks and global economy. “Maybe there was a time in history that lifelong learning was not as important as it is today. However, as the Economist recently noted, lifelong learning is becoming an economic imperative – technological change demands stronger and more continuous connections between education and employment, so today it has become ingrained in you to plan and budget for this new reality. Whether your aspirations are business, in other areas, or to be an entrepreneur, it is essentially relevant. And the starting point lies with you as students.”

 

This is where Dr. Hinrich sees the important role of university education. “Inconceivable as it may seem, not many universities are suitably focused on the employability of their students backed by a true lifelong curriculum. HKBU School of Business has been proactive in working with us to advance integrated learn and work opportunities. I believe that this not only provides graduates with a competitive advantage, but is also the beginning of a lifelong learning journey.”

 

Dr. Alex Fung, Chapter Advisor of BGS HKBU Chapter and Senior Lecturer of Department of Finance and Decision Sciences, emphasized the conviction shared by Dr. Hinrich and HKBU School of Business – to effectively bridge East and West, helping to drive global economic sustainability and prosperity. “Dr. Hinrich has been a champion promoting sustainable global trade, while our School is dedicated to inspiring business practice, creating value for stakeholders, and enhancing social and economic growth and development through quality business education and research in specific strategic areas including business ethics and corporate sustainability.”

 

Established in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) is the international honour society serving business programmes accredited by AACSB International, with chapters in 160 regions and countries and members of more than 75,000 around the globe. The BGS HKBU Chapter was founded in 2010, with the aim to honour distinguished students of the School, unleash their leadership potential and expand their global network to connect with the professional leaders. Members and chapters of BGS are committed to upholding the founding principles and values of the Society: honour and integrity, pursuit of wisdom, earnestness and service.