About HKUST & Why HKUST MBA | HKUST MBA

About HKUST &
Why HKUST MBA

Full-time MBA Overview Career & Professional Development Global Exposure Financing your MBA Degree

Part-time MBA Overview Opportunities Beyond The Classroom Global Exposure Financing your MBA Degree

Asia-Pacific Part-time MBA Overview Opportunities Beyond The Classroom Global Exposure Financing your MBA Degree

Full-time MBA Overview Career & Professional Development Global Exposure Financing your MBA Degree

Part-time MBA Overview Opportunities Beyond The Classroom Global Exposure Financing your MBA Degree

Asia-Pacific Part-time MBA Overview Opportunities Beyond The Classroom Global Exposure Financing your MBA Degree

Why HKUST MBA Our History Vision Video Integrate Practice and Theory Rankings Upcoming Events

Why HKUST MBA

A program committed to developing leaders
in Asia for the World.

HKUST Business School has been a trailblazer in MBA education in Asia for over 30 years. Anchored in the region yet globally oriented, we uphold world-class academic standards while cultivating visionary leaders equipped to thrive in today’s interconnected economy. Our program not only prepares leaders for the unique challenges of the region but also connects them to opportunities worldwide (seeing our alum relocating from east to west and east again), reflecting our commitment to shaping global business professionals. By pioneering MBA education in Asia and nurturing global talent, HKUST continues to shape leaders who drive innovation and impact worldwide

Our History

In 1991, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) enrolled its first MBA students. The founders of HKUST anticipated the need for a business school that would develop leaders equipped for the two most fundamental opportunities of the 21st century: Asia’s economic growth and Technology’s transformation of business.

The founding faculty members- recruited from top business schools globally- launched our flagship MBA program to meet this need. The vision was clear: to cultivate adaptable, forward-thinking graduates who could navigate the complexities of the Asia-Pacific Region, capitalize on the opportunities in a technology-driven economy and leverage Hong Kong’s established strengths in finance and international trade.

To ensure the program achieved world-class standards of excellence, during the early days HKUST evaluated and adopted best practices from business schools around the world. HKUST’s faculty and staff also worked with seconded UCLA Anderson School of Management academic and administrative staff to set up the program on an accelerated schedule. From that foundation and drawing on our faculty’s expertise, HKUST developed an MBA program tailored for Asia, with a curriculum that emphasized a rigorous quantitative and analytical approach, complemented by a deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and practical leadership skills.

Early students were drawn to HKUST's unique proposition: a truly world-class MBA program incorporating global best practices and customized to develop leaders in Asia-Pacific. They recognized the program's forward-looking approach, its uniqueness in all of Asia, and its potential to unlock their leadership potential.

A significant milestone for HKUST in 1998 was the establishment of the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA program. This partnership not only signaled recognition of HKUST’s quality standards from a leading global business school, but also further encouraged HKUST’s faculty to continue their quest to set new standards of excellence in management education.

Today, the HKUST MBA program remains committed to its founding vision. It continues to attract a professionally diverse cohort of energetic students from around the world who seek a rigorous, challenging education and aspire to do their best in contributing to their communities.

As the only member in Hong Kong of the Global Network for Advanced Management, and with over 30 exchange school partners worldwide, HKUST continues to help students build international connections and understanding. Through strong ties with the scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs of HKUST’s ecosystem, our MBA program equips graduates to lead in the age of AI. Now offering a variety of study modes, we are able to enroll students from around the world in pursuit of our mission to develop leaders in Asia for the world.

Leaders of Tomorrow, The Vision to Lead

A Strong MBA at a Leading Research University

HKUST’s MBA program is rooted in a world-class research environment, offering more than just business fundamentals. Students explore topics like Responsible Leadership, Behavioral Economics, and Doing Tech in Asia and China—courses that reflect the region’s complexity and global relevance. Beyond the classroom, they engage with HKUST’s wider community through cross-disciplinary events, innovation networks, and resources that span science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. It’s a setting that sharpens leadership instincts and broadens perspectives.

Business Technology for Future Leaders

Technology sits at the heart of modern business strategy. At HKUST, MBA students learn how AI, big data, blockchain, and other emerging tools are reshaping industries across Asia and beyond. The focus isn’t just on understanding the tech—it’s on applying it to solve problems, create value, and lead transformation. Through hands-on projects and exposure to HKUST’s tech ecosystem, students gain the confidence to make technology work for their goals.

Enterprise and Financial Leadership

HKUST’s MBA prepares students to lead in a fast-moving global economy. The curriculum blends core business knowledge with future-focused courses in strategy, finance, and ESG. Whether leading a startup, scaling a regional enterprise, or navigating financial markets, students build a strong foundation in decision-making, perspective taking, and innovation. With access to cutting-edge research and industry insights, they graduate ready to drive change with clarity and purpose.

Dynamic and Entrepreneurial HKUST Community

Learning the craft of business and leadership

Business Minds Behind a Practical MBA

Bringing experience into the classroom

At HKUST, students build on research and evidence-based management—they also learn from professionals who’ve led at the highest levels. Our faculty includes seasoned experts from global businesses and innovative start-ups who bring decades of hands-on experience into the classroom. They share practical frameworks, real-world insights, and strategic thinking that build on theory. It’s a rare opportunity to gain direct access to the minds behind major business decisions.

Learn from Leaders

HKUST MBA students regularly hear from senior executives who’ve faced real challenges and driven meaningful change. These guest speakers come from a range of industries, offering firsthand stories of leadership, innovation, and decision-making under pressure. Their experiences bring business concepts to life and offer valuable lessons that students carry into their own careers.

Powerhouse for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

For many HKUST MBA students, launching a startup isn’t just a dream—it’s a goal. Entrepreneurship is built into the structure and spirit of the program, supported by a university culture that values bold thinking and real-world impact. HKUST offers a robust ecosystem for aspiring founders, including the Entrepreneurship Center, HKUST Entrepreneurship Fund, and the Blue Bay Incubator in Shenzhen. These platforms provide mentorship, funding, and access to one of Asia’s most vibrant startup communities.

Rankings

A Globally Recognized MBA

MBA program in

Asia-Pacific

Bloomberg Businessweek Best Business Schools & MBA Programs 2023-24 , 2024-25

Financial Times Global MBA Ranking 2008 – 2022, 2024-5

MBA program in

Asia

Poets&Quants International MBA Ranking 2023-24, A Times Higher Education Partner

China

by CEOWORLD Magazine (2025)

Upcoming Events

Discover what makes the HKUST MBA experience unique. Whether you join us online from anywhere in the world or visit our campus in person, each event offers a closer look at our program, our people, and the journey that could shape your future

01/06