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HKBU School of Business PhD Student Named Champion at Madam Kwok Chung Bo Fun PhD Student Research Excellence Awards 2026/27

8 Oct, 2026

Ms Grace Yuekun Gao (centre), recipient of the Champion title, is joined by Professor Kimmy Chan (far left), Associate Dean (Research & Impact), HKBU School of Business; Professor Christy Cheung (second from left), Director of HKBU’s Research Office and Chair Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems (MMIS); Professor Lyu Aiping (second from right), HKBU Vice-President (Research and Development) and Dean of Graduate School; and Professor Danny Wang (far right), Associate Head (Research), Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems (MMIS). Ms Grace Yuekun Gao (centre), recipient of the Champion title, is joined by Professor Kimmy Chan (far left), Associate Dean (Research & Impact), HKBU School of Business; Professor Christy Cheung (second from left), Director of HKBU’s Research Office and Chair Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems (MMIS); Professor Lyu Aiping (second from right), HKBU Vice-President (Research and Development) and Dean of Graduate School; and Professor Danny Wang (far right), Associate Head (Research), Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems (MMIS).

Ms Grace Yuekun Gao (centre), recipient of the Champion title, is joined by Professor Kimmy Chan (far left), Associate Dean (Research & Impact), HKBU School of Business; Professor Christy Cheung (second from left), Director of HKBU’s Research Office and Chair Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems (MMIS); Professor Lyu Aiping (second from right), HKBU Vice-President (Research and Development) and Dean of Graduate School; and Professor Danny Wang (far right), Associate Head (Research), Department of Management, Marketing and Information Systems (MMIS).

Ms Grace Yuekun Gao, a PhD candidate in Management Information Systems at HKBU School of Business, has become the first student from the School to be named Champion at the Madam Kwok Chung Bo Fun PhD Student Research Excellence Awards 2026/27. She received the honour at the ceremony held on 8 October 2026.

Grace was one of six finalists selected from across the University. Representing the School of Business, she presented her research, entitled “Zoombombing: When Video-Conferencing Events Become Suitable Targets for Disruption”. Following presentations by the finalists, the Champion was selected based on a weighted assessment comprising 60% evaluation by a faculty selection panel and 40% votes cast by ceremony participants. Her study examines online safety challenges in video-conferencing environments, identifying factors that contribute to disruptive behaviour during online events. The findings also shed light on the broader organisational implications of digital communication technologies and the importance of effective safeguards in virtual environments.

Grace’s research focuses on how individuals interact with digital technologies and online platforms, as well as the organisational and societal impacts of information and communication technologies. Since joining the School in 2022, she has demonstrated strong academic performance and actively engaged with the international research community.

Organised by HKBU’s Graduate School, the Madam Kwok Chung Bo Fun PhD Student Research Excellence Awards recognise outstanding PhD students for their research excellence and significant academic achievements. Established with the generous support of the Madam Kwok Chung Bo Fun Charitable Fund, the Awards aim to encourage innovative and impactful research across disciplines.

The School congratulates Grace on this outstanding achievement. Her success highlights the quality and impact of research conducted by the School’s doctoral students and underscores its continued commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars who advance knowledge and address contemporary challenges.

 

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