Interview with Professor Hing Kai Chan, Campus Dean for the College of Business and Public Management

The core philosophy of Kean Business School is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to become impactful global citizens. They are committed to using their expertise to build a better future for businesses, government, and communities.

Professor Hing Kai Chan has been listed for several consecutive years among the "World’s Top 2% Scientists", as well as named a "Highly Cited Chinese Researcher." He has made significant academic contributions, with over 250 research papers published and nine books (authored or edited) to his name. In recent years, he has led international, national, provincial, and municipal research projects, and has been granted several invention patents.

As the new Campus Dean of the CBPM, how will he unlock the institution’s development potential and infuse innovation and momentum into the collaboration among industry, academia, and research? Recently, we had an interview with Dean Hing Kai Chan.

Could you briefly introduce your educational background and academic research interests?My initial training was in electronic engineering. After working in the electronic manufacturing industry for a few years, I then moved to industrial management and industrial engineering. I also studied Economics and Management to broaden my horizons. My doctoral degree is about supply chain management, with a focus on flexibility and adaptability in supply chains. Currently, my primary research interests are digital transformation and operations, intelligent manufacturing, sustainable operations and supply chains.

What brought you to Wenzhou-Kean University? What was the biggest attraction of WKU?WKU is a truly unique and transformative institution that represents the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western educational philosophies. It was an incredible opportunity for me to be part of it.The biggest attraction of WKU was the commitment to fostering innovation, critical thinking, and leadership among students. I was inspired by WKU's vision of preparing future global leaders with the skills they need to flourish in a dynamic world.Beyond academics, the vibrant campus life, dedicated faculty, and the strong sense of community here are unmatched, to enable students and educators develop and grow. It’s an honor to be part of such a unique institution that strives for excellence in both academic and personal development.

What short-term and long-term development goals have you set for the CBPM?In the short term, my focus is on strengthening the already-very-good academic foundation of CBPM. This includes enhancing curriculum alignment with industry demands, fostering greater collaboration between faculty and students, and expanding experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and student consultancy projects, which could lead to valuable case studies. I also aim to build stronger partnerships with businesses and public organizations both locally and globally, ensuring our students are well-prepared for real-world challenges. 

Looking ahead, my vision for CBPM is to establish it as a leading institution for business education in the region and beyond. This involves cultivating a reputation for academic excellence and innovative research that addresses global challenges. We aim to produce graduates who are not only competent professionals but also ethical leaders. Building world-class facilities, advancing faculty development, and leveraging technology to stay at the forefront of educational innovation are integral to this vision, making CBPM a hub for collaboration, inspiration, and impact in the business sectors.

What are your next steps to create an excellent teaching and research environment for both faculty and students?My next steps at WKU focus on fostering an environment for academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. For both faculty and students, this means prioritizing resources and strategies that enhance teaching and research capabilities. Promoting interdisciplinary partnerships, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, and ensuring access to advanced tools and technologies that empower both educators and learners to excel are the essentials.

On the teaching side, this involves aligning our curriculum with global industry trends while incorporating local perspectives to equip students with the skills and insights needed for success in a dynamic and interconnected world. Additionally, I want to embed experiential learning opportunities—such as internships, industry projects, and case competitions—into our programs, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

On the research side, I envision cultivating a culture of inquiry and innovation, encouraging faculty and students to explore cutting-edge topics that contribute to both academic advancement and societal impact. By emphasizing collaboration with business communities, governmental organizations, and global partners, CBPM can become a hub of transformative ideas and a catalyst for positive change.

What motivates your strong perseverance and passion for scientific research? How do you stay aligned with cutting-edge industry trends and maintain innovation and forward-thinking in your research and patent applications?What motivates me in my scientific research journey is the excitement of discovery and the pursuit of solutions to real-world challenges. The opportunity to contribute to knowledge, improve lives, and make a lasting impact drives my perseverance. I also draw inspiration from collaboration—working alongside brilliant minds across disciplines fuels my passion and helps transform ideas into tangible innovations.

To stay aligned with cutting-edge industry trends and maintain a forward-thinking approach, I prioritize continuous learning, actively engaging with the latest research, attending international conferences, and fostering partnerships with industry leaders. Innovation blossoms when research is not only informed by emerging developments but also anticipates the future needs of society and industry.

In my view, the most valuable outcome of scientific research lies in its ability to create a positive and lasting impact on society. Research should not only advance theoretical knowledge but also provide practical solutions that address pressing challenges. For me, successfully translating research into invention patents is a way to bridge the gap between academic exploration and real-world application. These outcomes can drive innovation, support industry transformation, and improve quality of life, which is ultimately what makes scientific research so rewarding. 

Looking ahead, how do you plan to integrate your research expertise with the unique characteristics of Wenzhou-Kean University to bring innovation and momentum to WKU’s research development?I plan to integrate my research expertise with the unique characteristics of Wenzhou-Kean University by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging our global network, and embracing our multicultural educational philosophy. My goal is to establish a dynamic research ecosystem that empowers both faculty and students to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries and impactful solutions.

This involves identifying key areas of focus that align with WKU’s strengths and strategic vision, such as digital transformation, sustainable business practices, and business innovations. By embedding research initiatives into our teaching, we can create a seamless integration of theory and practice, further enhancing WKU’s reputation as a hub for academic excellence and societal impact.

Ultimately, I envision cultivating a culture of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration that drives WKU’s research development forward.

What potential do you see for CBPM in advancing industry-academia-research integration in the future?The College of Business and Public Management (CBPM) is uniquely positioned to lead the way in university-industry research collaboration. With a multidisciplinary approach and access to diverse global perspectives, CBPM has the potential to become a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. Building on my research experience, I envision creating more opportunities for partnerships with businesses, government organizations, and international institutions.

These collaborations can foster applied research projects, consulting initiatives, and innovation labs where students and faculty work together to tackle complex challenges. By integrating cutting-edge research into our teaching and training programs, we can prepare students to navigate and shape the future of industries. Additionally, this knowledge-transfer approach can support enterprises in achieving their innovation goals while contributing to the development of forward-thinking public policies.

Ultimately, CBPM can establish itself as a hub where academic excellence meets industry relevance, producing research that not only enriches scholarly understanding but also drives tangible progress in the world.

Please deliver a message of encouragement to the students at CBPM.To our fellow students at the College of Business and Public Management, I hope your study is not limited to the classroom. Please go outside the classroom and study the real-world problem. I hope you can understand that studying is not just about academics. This is a place for you to explore your development, explore your passion and develop your career. I hope the College of Business and Public Management at WKU can provide you with a platform to achieve these objectives.