Master of Science in Accounting - HKUST MSAC

HKUST MSAC and HKMA Co-Host Workshop on Agentic AI Adoption in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism

The Master of Science in Accounting (MSAC) program at HKUST Business School was represented at a landmark workshop on AI adoption in anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), co-hosted by HKUST Business School and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on campus yesterday.
The workshop drew over 200 participants, including representatives from Bank of China (Hong Kong), Deutsche Bank, UBS, and Ant Bank, focusing on how financial institutions can move AI beyond efficiency-driven applications toward predictive and preventive risk detection.

Key themes from the panel discussion included the shift from rules-based to agentic AI for continuous transaction monitoring, scalability in handling large financial datasets, and real-world implementation journeys from major banks. Attendees also gained hands-on exposure through booth demonstrations covering suspicious transaction reporting and customer onboarding corroboration — areas directly relevant to accounting and compliance professionals.

HKUST Business School Dean Professor Frederik Anseel highlighted the value of industry–academia collaboration in accelerating AI adoption across the financial sector. HKMA Executive Director Mr. Raymond Chan stressed the urgency for banks to adopt proven technologies at scale to combat increasingly sophisticated financial crime.

The insights gathered from the workshop will inform future HKMA guidance publications, reflecting the real-world impact of this collaboration.

For the original press release, please visit: https://bm.hkust.edu.hk/press-releases/2026/06/hkust-and-hkma-co-host-workshop-agentic-ai-adoption-anti-money-laundering

On 15 May 2026, we successfully conducted an Information Session spotlighting our MSc in Accounting (MSAC) Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU) in Guangzhou.

MSAC Program Director Prof. Tony SHIEH provided a comprehensive overview of the MSAC programme, emphasizing its challenging curriculum, robust support systems, and diverse career opportunities.

Following the presentations, students engaged in personalized one-on-one discussions with Prof. Tony SHIEH, enabling them to explore admissions requirements, research alignment, and application procedures. These intimate conversations bridged faculty expertise with student aspirations, creating a platform for meaningful dialogue. The impressive participation from distinguished regional universities demonstrates HKUST's reputation as a premier destination for advanced accounting education. We extend our sincere appreciation to all attendees and eagerly anticipate welcoming qualified applicants through our admissions process.

On 16 May 2026, we gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Guangzhou for an inspiring Alumni Reunion. The occasion brought together Department Head Prof. Allen HUANG, Academic Director Prof. Tony SHIEH, and over 30 distinguished alumni for a meaningful opportunity to reconnect and celebrate shared accomplishments.

Prof. Tony SHIEH captivated the audience with an insightful presentation on the program's latest developments and exciting initiatives. His visionary remarks about the future direction of our academic community struck a chord with many attendees. Throughout the three-hour gathering, participants engaged in lively discussions, shared genuine laughter, and reminisced about their cherished experiences—reinforcing the strong bonds and lasting friendships cultivated through our vibrant program community.

We are deeply grateful to every alumnus who made the effort to join us and look forward to nurturing these valued connections as we continue to support one another's professional growth and success. Stay tuned for further announcements about upcoming events celebrating our thriving and dynamic alumni network!

ACCT 5720 - Advanced Data Analytics in Accounting Collaboration Course with KPMG

As the semester draws to a close, our students successfully completed their final case presentations, demonstrating their understanding of how management and audit committees leverage data and analytics in practice.

Throughout the course, students collaborated in project teams to analyse real-world cases and present their findings using data analytics methodologies. Their dedication and analytical insights highlighted the critical role that data plays in contemporary accounting and business decisions.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed panel of judges, whose expertise and guidance enriched the presentation experience:

• Mr. Jason Cheung – Associate Director, Data and Analytics Hub, KPMG
• Mr. Andrew Wong – Partner, Audit Quality and Professional Practice, KPMG
• Mr. Longhui Loo – Partner, Risk Consulting, KPMG
• Mr. Antony Zhang – Senior Manager, IT Audit
• Ms. Philomena Siu – Manager, HK/HR, KPMG

We commend our students for their outstanding effort and thoughtful presentations, and we are grateful to our industry partners from KPMG for generously sharing their time and professional insights with us.

ACCT 5720 - Advanced Data Analytics in Accounting Collaboration Course with KPMG

During Week 7, our class participated in an engaging discussion exploring the future of the accounting profession. We examined how data analytics is reshaping the industry and identified the essential competencies required for today's emerging accounting professionals.

This insightful session was led by Mr. Andrew Wong (Partner), and Ms. Vivian Law (Manager), both from the Audit Quality and Professional Practice division at KPMG. Their expertise and perspectives proved invaluable in deepening our understanding of the rapidly evolving accounting landscape.

ACCT 5720 - Advanced Data Analytics in Accounting Collaboration Course with KPMG

In Week 6, we are honoured to welcome Mr. Longhui Loo (Partner, Risk Consulting, KPMG), Mr. Jason Cheung (Associate Director, Data and Analytics Hub, KPMG) and Ms. Fan Qi (Data Scientist, Data and Analytics Hub, KPMG) to be our instructors of the week.

The class focused on the applications of data analysis in fraud detection, including the discussion on how data analytic techniques can be utilized for fraud detection and prevention, emphasizing audit quality as a key priority.

✨HKUST Business School is pleased to announce the launch of the Priority Round for the 2027/28 intake of our full-time MSc programs.✨

Key Dates:

📌 Application Period: 02/07/2026 (10am) – 15/08/2026
📌 Eligibility: Full-time MSc Programs only

Why Apply During the Priority Round?

📌 Priority Review: Your application will be evaluated ahead of the regular admission cycle.
📌 Early Decision: Receive admission decisions sooner.
📌 Maximized Scholarship Opportunities: Early applicants are given priority consideration for scholarships.
📌 Secure Your Future: Lock in your program placement and get a head start on your academic and professional journey.

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝:
https://msc.hkust.edu.hk/priority-application

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to set yourself apart. Apply early to secure your place at HKUST Business School!

🎉 Celebrating Our Master of Accounting Graduates! 🎉

🎓 We are thrilled to celebrate the MSAC Class of 2026 with our impressive cohort of 174 graduates! The Graduation Dinner took place on May 29, 2026, at the elegant Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui. The evening was a vibrant celebration filled with genuine warmth, laughter, and inspiring speeches as we recognized the outstanding accomplishments of our graduates.

The celebration opened with a motivating address from our Academic Director, Prof. Tony SHIEH. He offered heartfelt congratulations to all graduates and spoke passionately about the critical role of resilience and adaptability in navigating today's dynamic business environment.

Mr. Andrew WONG, partner at KPMG, delivered compelling insights into the future of the accounting profession. His remarks underscored the importance of upholding ethical standards and embracing innovation as cornerstones of sustained success. He inspired our graduates to harness their expertise to create meaningful contributions within their industries.

Prof. Tony SHIEH took the opportunity to reflect on the transformative academic journey our graduates have completed. He reinforced the concept that learning extends far beyond graduation and encouraged our Class of 2026 to remain committed to continuous personal and professional development.

A touching highlight of the evening came when one of our graduates took the stage and shared a heartfelt song with the audience. This spontaneous and deeply personal performance resonated with everyone present, capturing the emotions, gratitude, and joy of the Class of 2026 in a truly memorable way.
The celebration continued with exciting energy as we held 5 rounds of lucky draws, with a total of 29 fortunate winners taking home wonderful prizes. The draws added an element of fun and anticipation, delighting our graduates and guests throughout the evening.

As a token of our deep appreciation, exclusive HKUST x Adidas T-shirts were presented by Prof. Tony SHIEH to our distinguished faculty members, esteemed guests from KPMG and our Class Committee, honoring their invaluable contributions and steadfast support throughout the academic year.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all faculty members, staff, and guests whose presence made this celebration truly special. Your dedication to our students is profoundly appreciated! We wish all our 174 graduates boundless success and fulfilment as they step into their professional careers. Here's to promising new chapters and exceptionally bright futures ahead! 🌟

ACCT 5720 - Advanced Data Analytics in Accounting Collaboration Course with KPMG

In Week 5, students delivered their mid-term presentations on Advanced Data Analytics in Accounting, showcasing their understanding and knowledge of data analytics.

The judging panel consisted of:
1. Mr. Andrew Wong, Partner of Audit Quality and Professional Practice, KPMG
2. Longhui Loo - Partner, Risk Consulting, KPMG
3. Mr. Eduard Segin - Director, IT Audit, KPMG
4. Jason Cheung - Associate Director, Data and Analytics
5. Ruiqing Liu - Senior Manager, IT Audit, KPMG

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the KPMG experts for their valuable time and insights during the presentations.

ACCT 5720 – ERP System and Importance of IT Audit

During Week 4 of the course, we explored the important topic of "ERP System and Importance of IT Audit." Our students had the opportunity to learn from industry experts at KPMG:

Mr. Andrew Wong (Partner), Mr. Mike Tang (Partner), Mr. Antony Zhang (Senior Manager, IT Audit), and Ms. Ruiqing Liu (Senior Manager) guided students through ERP functionalities, process flows, and internal controls.

A key highlight was understanding how data analytics can be used to identify exceptions and anomalies in ERP-supported processes. The practical insights and real-world experience shared by our KPMG speakers provided students with valuable knowledge applicable to their future careers in audit and IT governance.