NU and HKUST to Launch Asia’s First Joint Program in Eurasian Business, DKNews.kz reports.
NU Graduate School of Business (NU GSB) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the launch of a joint Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program in Eurasian Business — the first of its kind in Asia. NU GSB and the HKUST Business School formalized the initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding. The groundbreaking program was officially unveiled at the 10th Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit, underscoring both institutions’ shared commitment to advancing higher education collaboration within the framework of the BRI.
The signing ceremony was attended by NU Acting Provost Dr. Loretta O’Donnell; Acting Dean of HKUST Business School Prof. Hui Kai-Lung; NU Chief Operating Officer Mr. Maksat Mamashev; NUGSB Dean Prof. Joep Konings; Commissioner for the Belt and Road of the HKSAR Government Mr. Nicholas Ho Lik-Chi; and HKUST Vice-President for Administration and Business Prof. Tam Kar-Yan.
“Higher education collaboration is pivotal in furthering BRI’s objectives by nurturing globally oriented talent, promoting international mobility, and deepening cross-cultural exchange,” said HKUST Vice-President for Administration and Business, Prof. Tam Kar-Yan, “This MoU marks a significant step in expanding our academic footprint across the rapidly growing BRI region. We believe this partnership will not only help solidify Hong Kong’s position as a global talent hub but also catalyze the talent flow between Hong Kong and Central Asia, driving shared growth, innovation, and cross-cultural understanding.”
NU Acting Provost Dr. Loretta O'DONNELL remarked, “Chinese President Xi Jinping first introduced the Silk Road Economic Belt initiative during his 2013 speech at NU, making the start of a transformative vision for regional connectivity. Today’s partnership with HKUST advances that vision by developing future business leaders with both global perspective and regional insight. By linking Hong Kong and Central Asia, we are opening new avenues for talent development, innovation, and inclusive prosperity across the Belt and Road landscape. This collaboration is a forward-looking step in redefining cross-borders business education —leveraging academic excellence and cultural diversity to prepare students for leadership in a rapidly transforming global economy.”
The historical connection of NU with the BRI dates back to 2013, when President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping first presented the concept of the “Silk Road Economic Belt” at NU. This historic event established NU as a key symbol of cooperation between China and Kazakhstan.
Earlier, NU and SOAS University of London announced a new joint master’s program in Global Affairs and Eurasian Studies.
The new program aligns with the Hong Kong government’s BRI and “Study in Hong Kong” initiatives. HKUST has enhanced its recruitment efforts in Belt and Road countries by offering scholarships and bursaries to top students from those regions, while organizing exchange programs, internships and placements for students from ASEAN countries. Slated to launch in 2026, the joint BBA program will be HKUST’s first joint university undergraduate program focused on emerging markets within the BRI region. The MoU also outlines plans for executive education programs to foster business innovation in Central Asia and includes a study trip to Hong Kong to provide NUGSB’ Executive Master of Business Administration students with immersive exposure to Asia’s dynamic business landscape. The MoU builds upon a partnership established last year, which has already facilitated student exchanges between the two schools.
