Empowering Students To Shape A Better Future: HKBU Masters Information Day x i-ConNet Career Expo 2025

The HKBU Masters Information Day x i-ConNet Career Expo 2025, jointly hosted by the School of Business and the School of Communication at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), concluded successfully on 7th April, drawing over 2,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate.

Under the theme “i-Explore, i-ConNet, i-Shine”, the event brought together nearly 100 top-tier employers—about 12% of which hailed from Mainland China—offering internships and career opportunities in both Hong Kong and the mainland. Participants included Edelman, Google Hong Kong, Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Phoenix TV, China Resources Logistics (Group) Limited, Chevalier Group, Cathay Subsidiary Services, McDonald’s Hong Kong, Bank of China (Hong Kong), The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Swire Coca-Cola HK Limited and CLP Group, Adsale Exhibition Services Limited and more.

From the cutting-edge AI-powered mock interview system to inspiring keynote speeches, personalized CV clinics, and an innovative blend of academia and industry, the Career Expo reflected HKBU’s growing commitment to cultivating transdisciplinary talent for the fast-evolving job market.

A Vision of Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Professor Regina Chen, Head of the Department of Communication Studies unde the School of Communication, underscored “messaging for impact” as a key element of public relations. She noted that HKBU’s Public Relations curriculum strikes a balance between theory and practice, integrating human insights with technology to equip students to make meaningful contributions to society.

Her message was reinforced by Professor Zhong Bu, Dean of the School of Communication, who offered a forward-looking reflection on the necessity of transdisciplinary collaboration between the Schools.

“Our partnership is rooted in a shared vision,” he said. “The world today demands collaborative, interdisciplinary solutions. Real-world challenges aren’t confined to a single field—they require the combined strengths of business, communication, and technology.”
He also highlighted the value of human-centered skills in an age dominated by artificial intelligence. “Our School’s AI Media Centre is dedicated to developing practical AI-powered solutions that benefit society. At the same time, we focus on cultivating critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, etc. —traits that machines can’t easily replicate. Our graduates are not just prepared to coexist with AI, but to thrive alongside it.”

A Pioneering Step in Interview Prep

One of the major highlights of the Career Expo was AI Mock Job Interview, organized by HKBU’s Career Centre, a pioneering experience in a Career Expo of a Hong Kong’s university.

Supporting interactions in Cantonese, English and Mandarin, this AI-powered preparation tool provided students with detailed feedback on their communication style, logical reasoning, and overall interview demeanor. By mirroring real hiring environments, the system empowered students to refine their performance and build confidence before stepping into high-stakes interviews.

Beyond the AI interview, students engaged in face-to-face CV critiques and enjoyed networking sessions with representatives from sectors ranging from finance to media, tech to manufacturing. The keynote speech, “Reimagining the Future of PR”, delivered by Ms. Marina Watt, Vice President of the Hong Kong Public Relations Professionals’ Association, further enriched the experience with practical industry insights.

Connecting Talent with Employers

Employers at the Expo emphasized a growing need for talent who possess not only technical expertise but also strong soft skills—such as adaptability, emotional intelligence, and creative thinking—that AI cannot easily replicate.

Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Co. said, “We are honored to have been invited to participate in the i-ConNet Career Fair organized by HKBU, enabling us to directly connect with young professionals demonstrating international perspectives and cross-disciplinary competencies. Tencent enthusiastically welcomes undergraduate and postgraduate graduates from Communication &Media Studies, Business Administration, and related disciplines at HKBU to join our business domains including FinTech, Tencent’s content ecosystems, AI, digital marketing, and product planning & operation, where together we can pioneer innovative possibilities.”

Ms. Belyndia Wang, Director of Operations at Edelman Public Relations Worldwide (HK) Limited, shared a similar perspective. “We were honored to join the Career Expo and appreciated the opportunity to engage with such promising students,” she said. “Their insights and professionalism reflect the bright future of the PR industry, and we’re excited to continue working with HKBU to cultivate the next generation of communication leaders.”

Academic Excellence Meets Career Relevance

The transdisciplinary collaboration by the School of Business and the School of Communication showcased HKBU’s strong commitment to academic excellence that is grounded in real-world application and career relevance. The event also provided an opportunity for students to explore HKBU’s master’s programmes, which are specifically designed to address the demands of a rapidly changing economy.
Professor Zhang Han, Chair Professor and Dean of the School of Business, underscored the transformative value of HKBU’s postgraduate programmes.

“With over 2,000 attendees and nearly 100 companies present, today’s Expo reflects the calibre of our students and graduates. These companies came because our students represent what the future workforce needs,” he said during his opening speech.
“At HKBU, we’re not just producing graduates—we’re shaping leaders who think strategically, solve problems creatively, and understand the intersection of business and technology.”

Next Steps for Students

The Schools of Communication and Business continue their dedication to equipping youth with knowledge, creativity, and resilience for future success. Prospective graduate students can explore 15 Master’s programmes across both Schools. These include the MSc in AI and Digital Media and MSocSc in Media Management, which showcase the schools’ cross-disciplinary approach by combining advanced technology with strategic communication expertise. Additionally, the MSc in Business Management develops leadership through strategic thinking skills, while the MSc in Finance (FinTech & Financial Analytics) enables students to leverage technology in financial contexts.

Visit websites of the HKBU School of Business (https://bus.hkbu.edu.hk/study/taught-postgraduate-programmes.html) and School of Communication(https://comd.hkbu.edu.hk/masters/en/) for more information.