#China #Greater Bay Area #Guangzhou #Lingnan University #AIB Conference

Lingnan University Hosts the 2024 AIB Asia Pacific Regional Conference

From December 4 to 6, 2024, Guangzhou was the backdrop for a significant assembly of economic minds at the Academy of International Business (AIB) Asia Pacific Regional Conference, which brought together nearly 200 scholars and professionals. The theme of this year’s event was "Reimagine International Business: Accelerate Growth through Collaboration and Digital Transformation," highlighting the need for revitalized strategies in a fast-evolving global landscape.

Prof. Bradley R. Barnes, President of the AIB Asia Pacific Chapter, alongside Prof. Cui Geng from Lingnan University, provided leadership in shaping the conference agenda. Prof. Geng, who is currently on a sabbatical at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS), played a crucial role in both organizing and hosting the event. This collaboration signified an important step in reinforcing academic and practical connections within the region.

The conference featured a plenary session moderated by Assistant Professor Sebastian Chung Yu-ho, focusing on the integration of Hong Kong and Mainland China's economies. Panelists included representatives from the Education University of Hong Kong and GDUFS, along with insights from the Zowoyoo Group. This discussion underscored the challenges and opportunities presented by their economic tie, particularly in light of developments like the Greater Bay Area strategic initiative and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the discussions, experts emphasized how the pandemic disrupted traditional economic practices but also served as a catalyst for accelerating digital transformation efforts. The panelists collectively articulated the potential of the Greater Bay Area as a pivotal framework for enhancing Hong Kong's status as a economic bridge to the Mainland, while also cautioning that such a transition must be managed to preserve its unique competitive edges.

Adding to the richness of the conference, researchers from Lingnan University unveiled their work on the Hong Kong-Mainland Economic Integration Index, which aims to quantify the progress and provide insights into this evolving economic landscape. Participants received detailed booklets outlining this index, as it serves as a resource for professionals and scholars aiming to understand the intricate developments of the past 40 years in this domain. The interactive Q&A sessions allowed for deeper exchanges on these findings and how they could inform future strategies.

The event was a splendid opportunity for Lingnan University not only to showcase its commitment to international business education but also to actively engage with leading figures in the field. Attendees left with enhanced perspectives on the dynamics shaping the future of international business, and new connections that could yield collaborative opportunities for further research and practice.

As the conference concluded, the amplification of voices and viewpoints shared at this event represented a significant advancement towards a more integrated and collaborative approach in international business, reflecting Lingnan University's active role in shaping these dialogues within the Asia Pacific region.