The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Value Partners Group Limited (SEHK: 806) jointly announce today the launch of the Value Partners Center for Investing at the HKUST Business School - the first academic center of its kind in Hong Kong to support research and training on investment management.
The Value Partners Center for Investing aims to contribute to Hong Kong's role as a pre-eminent regional asset management center through promoting and supporting a wide range of activities in relation to investment research and training. The realization of the Center has been made possible through a generous donation from Value Partners Group Limited of close to HK$10 million. The Center will become fully operational in September 2011.
Officiating the Center's inauguration ceremony held today were Dr Eddy C Fong, Chairman of Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, Prof Tony F Chan, President of HKUST, Prof Leonard Cheng, Dean of the HKUST Business School, Mr Cheah Cheng Hye, Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Value Partners Group Limited, and Mr Jimmy Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Value Partners Group Limited.
The Center's activities include the provision of investment management training courses for HKUST business students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate (MBA) levels; the establishment of a Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF); the enhancement of industry-academia interactions through outreach activities including seminars, conferences and publications; and support for scientific and policy research on investment management in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
As a key activity of the Center, the SMIF provides students with hands-on experience in managing an investment portfolio with real funds subject to a rigorous investment process under faculty supervision. This real-world training platform helps equip students with practical knowledge and skills for their career development in the investment management industry.
At the inauguration ceremony, Dr Eddy C Fong of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission said: "The global financial landscape is constantly changing. To keep up with its latest developments and to stay ahead in the game, we need talents and ideas. This is why joint initiatives like the present one, between a leading local market player and a renowned education institution, is so important to the sustainable growth of the asset management industry in Hong Kong."
Prof Tony F Chan of HKUST said: "I would like to express my gratitude for the support and generosity of Value Partners in nurturing financial investment talents in Hong Kong and the region. The establishment of the Center is a perfect partnership that enables us to promote the shared vision of training business leaders with vision and experience who contribute to Hong Kong's role as an international financial center."
Mr Cheah Cheng Hye of Value Partners Group Limited said: "Good fund managers contribute to a market's economy by ensuring a society's surplus wealth is not wasted, and is utilized effectively to make our community more productive. As a home grown fund management firm, Value Partners is proud to be joining hands with HKUST to take up this important role in nurturing young investment professionals in Hong Kong. I am sure this partnership of academic and industry excellence can provide the knowledge and practical experience to those who have career aspirations in investment management."
About the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (www.ust.hk) is a top ranked international research university. The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asian University Rankings 2011 has rated HKUST the top university in Asia. Established in 1991, the University's schools of Science, Engineering, Business and Management and Humanities and Social Science offer a wide array of academic programs. The University promotes interdisciplinary studies and nurtures well-rounded graduates characterized by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking and relevant skills to thrive in a knowledge economy. Currently, HKUST has about 6,100 undergraduate students and 3,700 graduate students.
The School of Business and Management (HKUST Business School) (www.bm.ust.hk) is one of the most respected business schools in Asia and the world, having attained consistent recognition and high global rankings for its research achievements and teaching programs. It was first in the region to be awarded dual accreditation by both the US-based Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). The School's Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program and HKUST MBA program are ranked No. 1 and No. 6 in the world respectively by the Financial Times' most recent global rankings.
About Value Partners Group Limited
Value Partners Group Limited (www.valuepartners.com.hk) is an independent, value-oriented asset management firm. Founded in Hong Kong in February 1993, Value Partners has been ranked among the top performing fund management firms in the industry. The Group was listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong in November 2007 (Stock code: 806 HK).
Focused on the Greater China and Asia-Pacific regions, Value Partners has built a strong reputation across the international asset management industry as a leading value investor. The Group's products and services apply classic value investing practices, through products that include absolute return long-biased funds, long-short hedge funds, exchange-traded funds, quantitative funds, and private equity funds. As at 30 April 2011, the unaudited assets under management of Value Partners Group were approximately US$9.0 billion.
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For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Alice Lo
HKUST Business School
Tel: 2358 8104
Email: alo@ust.hk
Value Partners Group Limited
Teresa Yu
Associate Director, Corporate Communications
Tel: 2143 0320 Email: teresayu@vp.com.hk
Anne Lui
Head of Marketing and Communications
Tel: 2143 0365
Email: annelui@vp.com.hk
