Source: CCTV.com

06-21-2007 17:30

Special Report:   HK 10 Years

"I love it here."

"I absolutely enjoy studying here and living here."

"I definitely feel that the experience here will improve my chances of working again in Asia."

"My experience here has just been so amazing and different. I wouldn't change it for anything in the world."

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology overlooks Port Shelter on the Clear Water Bay peninsula. It's a 30 minute drive from central Hong Kong. HKUST was founded in 1991, and focuses on science, engineering, business, humanities and the social sciences. This is the only science and technology research university in Hong Kong, and the only one that has an all-PhD faculty. Forty percent of students are enrolled in the school's strongest programs: engineering and science. The school's stated mission is to assist in the economic development of Hong Kong.

This is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, but most foreigners come here to study business. The University attracts top professors from around the world. And in research, the university ranks among the top 25 globally. But students come here, not only for the quality of education, but for the chance to become future leaders in business.

Although HKUST's business school opened just 10 years ago, it has developed quickly and is the only business school in Asia accredited by two top international organizations, the AACSB and EFMD. The Financial Times ranks HKUST's MBA program number one in the Asia-Pacific region. Isabel Boren is from Sweden. She's an international student, which means she will earn her full degree here. After studying in the Republic of Korea and Australia, Isabel says she came to HKUST for its business school and social science program.

Isabel Boren: "I wanted to continue my degree. I wanted to finish my business degree and I was looking at the different options, whether I could get an Asian perspective as well, an Asian angle. So I was looking into Hong Kong, I was looking into Singapore, but at the end of the day this university had what I was looking for. A good social science department, Chinese studies as well as a very good business school."

Mr. Tam: "I think its quite natural, because China is booming, a lot of students studying business overseas, they would like to have a firsthand experience of China. And Hong Kong is a good place, because its like east meets west and they would like to take classes. All of the courses are in English. During the holidays they can go to Shanghai and Beijing, or visit other Asian countries. So it's a very good location for that."

HKUST's business school emphasizes scientific and logical analysis. Professors use textbooks and case studies to develop students' analytical abilities. Students are encouraged to ask questions and debate their professors and classmates. The MBA program alone has over 50 institutional partners worldwide and overseas exchange opportunities are guaranteed for all MBA students. HKUST offers many internships at blue-chip companies. The term of the internship varies from the summer holiday to one year, with locations in HK, China's mainland, and overseas. Students say these real-life learning opportunities broaden their exposure.

Isabel Boren: "You get good opportunities to get in contact with people, and their working environment and so on. I think it's a very good opportunity for students to learn about working life as well, and also see how things are running in the real life."