FinTech Visionary and Academic Leader Bridging Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia in Global Digital Transformation
Professor Hui Kai-Lung’s career has been shaped by a simple but powerful vision: to prepare leaders and institutions for the digital future.
Today, as Acting Dean of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School, Elman Family Professor of Business, and Chair Professor in Information Systems, he stands at the forefront of fintech, digital governance, and cybersecurity.
His work spans Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia, where he supports the growth of innovative financial ecosystems, talent development, and cross-border collaboration aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Academic Journey and Leadership
A proud HKUST alumnus, Prof. Hui earned both his BBA and PhD in Information Systems at the university before embarking on an academic journey that took him to the National University of Singapore and City University of Hong Kong. He returned to HKUST in 2008, where he has since held a series of leadership roles including Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, Associate Dean for Research, Senior Associate Dean, and Head of the Department of Information Systems, Business Statistics and Operations Management.
He also directed the globally acclaimed Kellogg-HKUST Executive MBA program, preparing senior executives for the challenges of an increasingly digital economy.
Contributions to FinTech Education and Research
Prof. Hui is widely recognized for his pioneering role in fintech education. As Academic Director of HKUST’s MSc in Financial Technology, he helped design one of Asia’s most innovative curricula—integrating blockchain, AI, digital payments, and real-world applications.
His influence extends beyond Hong Kong. He has worked closely with regional and global institutions, including teaching multiple cohorts of Saudi Aramco executives in Saudi Arabia, where he delivered modules on IT management and competitive strategy. These experiences highlight his commitment to talent development and cross-border collaboration.
Research and Thought Leadership
A prolific researcher, Prof. Hui’s work explores the critical intersections of technology, policy, and business. His studies on cybercrime economics, digital privacy, IT governance, and fintech regulation have been published in leading journals such as Management Science, MIS Quarterly, and Information Systems Research.
With over 6,200 citations and recognition as one of the world’s top-ranked scholars in information systems, his research continues to influence both academic debates and policy decisions. Beyond academia, he has written more than 100 op-eds for major newspapers, guiding public understanding of emerging technologies.
Regional Relevance – Saudi Arabia and Beyond
Prof. Hui’s expertise is particularly relevant to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, where fintech is a central driver of economic diversification and innovation. His insights on blockchain, digital payments, and data governance directly support the Kingdom’s fintech strategy.
Through his long-standing engagements—including collaborations with The Financial Academy and Saudi Aramco—he highlights the opportunities for Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia to build shared expertise in digital policy, fintech innovation, and talent cultivation.
Awards and Honours
- Franklin Prize for Teaching Excellence (HKUST) – Recognized three times for outstanding teaching and dedication to student success.
- Distinguished Member, Association for Information Systems (AIS), Cum Laude (2021) – A prestigious honour reserved for scholars who have made exceptional contributions to the global information systems discipline.
- Global Research Ranking – Ranked among the Top 22 scholars worldwide (2017–2021), Top 2 in Asia, and #1 in Greater China for publications in Information Systems Research and MIS Quarterly, two of the field’s leading journals.
- Scholarly Impact – Author of numerous high-impact papers with 6,200+ citations, an h-index of 32, and an i10-index of 48, reflecting the depth and influence of his research.
Personal Interests
Beyond academia, Prof. Hui is passionate about lifelong learning, global affairs, and contributing to public discourse on digital transformation. He is also an avid bridge player, having represented Hong Kong in the Pacific Asia Bridge Championship, and enjoys running and horse racing in his leisure time.
