This University Forum brings together three distinguished leaders to share their perspectives on family business, succession planning, and the evolving economic landscape of Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Their reflections highlight the wisdom and values that shape the future of family enterprises and regional development.

Sharing Session 1

Family Business Succession Planning on the Mainland (2:15pm - 2:30pm)

Speaker

Mr. Vincent H.S. Lo, GBM, GBS, JP

Chairman of Shui On Group

Biography

Mr. Vincent H. S. Lo, is the founder and Chairman of the Shui On Group which was established in 1971. The Group is principally engaged in property development, premium commercial properties' investment and management, construction businesses with interests in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

Mr. Lo was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal (GBM) in 2017, the Gold Bauhinia Star (GBS) in 1998 and appointed Justice of the Peace in 1999 by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

In addition to his business capacity, Mr. Lo has been active in community services. He participated in the preparatory works of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and served as Chairman of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Chairman of The Airport Authority Hong Kong. He currently serves as the Honorary Court Chairman of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Honorary President of Council for the Promotion & Development of Yangtze, among his other positions.

Sharing Session 2:

Family Business and the Three Preservations （2:30pm - 2:45pm)

Speaker

Professor Roger King

Honorary Court Member of HKUST

Abstract

Professor King will discuss the historical practices, current issues and challenges, as well as potential future pathways for Chinese family businesses: transitioning from a family business to a business family, and from a family business to a family office. Drawing on his own family’s experience, Professor King will illustrate the importance of the “Three Preservations”: preserving family wealth, preserving family harmony, and preserving family values and legacy.

Biography

Roger King is Senior Advisor and Founding Director of both the Roger King Center for Asian Family Business and Family Office and the Thompson Center for Business Case Studies, and Adjunct Professor of Finance at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). His teaching and research interests include family business, family office, entrepreneurship, and corporate and family governance.

Professor King was a former US Naval Officer; member of Technical Staff of Bell Telephone Laboratories (USA). He served at various leading positions: Chief Operating Officer of Orient Overseas (Holdings) Limited, listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (SEHK); Chairman and Founder of ODS System-Pro Computers Limited; Chairman of Euro-Asia Shipyard Limited; Chairman of Pacific Coffee Limited; President and Chief Executive Officer of Sa Sa International Holdings Limited, listed on SEHK; Board Director of Arrow Electronics Corporation, listed on the New York Stock Exchange; Supervisory Board member of TNT Express, listed on Amsterdam Exchange; President of Harvard Business School Association of Hong Kong; Honorary Consul for the Republic of Latvia in HKSAR; Standing Committee Member of the Zhejiang Province People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Professor King is currently Honorary Court Member of HKUST; Board of Directors, Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy; member of the Board of Governors of Tel Aviv University (TAU); member of the Ernst & Young Family Business Advisory Council; member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Family Business Strategy. Professor King is a graduate of the University of Michigan, BSEE; New York University, MSEE; Harvard Business School, AMP; and HKUST, PhD (Finance). He is the 2011 recipient of the HKUST Honorary Fellowship.

Sharing Session 3:

Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area: What Next? (2:45pm - 3:00pm)

Speaker

Mr. Michael Yong-Haron, CFA

Chairman of APInvest Partners

Abstract

The topic examines the evolution of Hong Kong's economy through three distinct phases: industrialization (1950s–1990s), emergence as a global financial hub (1970s–1997 and beyond), and the real estate boom (1990s–2000s). These phases are intricately linked to China's economic transformations, underscoring a symbiotic relationship that has shaped regional development.

The analysis explores Hong Kong's strategic transition into the 4.0 era, characterized by the convergence of technological innovation and financial services to support the dynamic Greater Bay Area. As China advances its technological ambitions, Hong Kong is strategically positioned to serve as a critical financial and service hub, facilitating essential funding, connectivity, and investment opportunities for tech companies.

Furthermore, the discussion highlights Hong Kong's potential to establish itself as a premier location for family offices, offering specialized asset management and wealth transition services amidst evolving wealth distribution patterns in China. By leveraging its financial expertise and embracing technological innovation, Hong Kong can strengthen the Greater Bay Area's ecosystem and drive sustainable economic growth.

Biography

Michael is the Founder and Executive Chairman of APInvest Partners, APInvest Consultants and Beta Asia. He established this group of companies to fully integrate the supply chain of asset management, investment advice, business consulting and fintech research and development. In addition, he is the Chief Growth Officer of Lumen Global Investments LLC, a fintech company based in USA Silicon Valley.

A banking veteran since 1997, Michael was the CEO of BNP Paribas Wealth Management in Hong Kong and North Asia, managing USD 50 billion of assets and led 400 professionals. He held leadership positions at Standard Chartered Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, Credit Suisse and Credit Agricole Indosuez earlier in his career. At HKUST, he is currently Chairman of Kellogg-HKUST Global Nexus Leaders Award, a Founding Member of the Foundation Board, a Member of Institutional Advancement and Outreach Committee of the Council and a Member of the Court.

He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and HKUST, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Law with First Class Honours from the University of Wales. 

Panel Discussion （3:00pm - 3:45 pm）

With our 3 distinguished guests, chaired by Professor Wei Shyy, Former President of HKUST.