Professor Yaxuan Qi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and Finance and Co-Director of the EMBA (Chinese) Programme at City University of Hong Kong. She earned her Ph.D. in Finance from Rutgers University. Before joining CityUHK, she was a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Finance at Concordia University, Canada.

Professor Qi's research explores the dynamic interplay between corporate finance and various external institutional factors. Her work examines how corporations adapt their investment and financing strategies in response to institutional changes, integrating perspectives from law, political science, and environmental studies. Her research has been published in leading journals such as the Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, The Accounting Review, Journal of Public Economics, Journal of Law and Economics, and Journal of International Business Studies.

She teaches “Corporate Finance” and “Sustainable Finance” across various academic levels, from undergraduate to executive education, and is deeply involved in doctoral education, supervising Ph.D., DBA (English), and IDBA (Chinese) students. She currently serves as an Associate Director of CityUHK's EMBA programme and as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Financial Stability.

What do you enjoy most about teaching CityUHK MBA students?

I enjoy inspiring CityUHK MBA students with practical, cutting-edge business insights while fostering their global perspectives. Their diverse backgrounds and enthusiasm create a dynamic, collaborative learning environment, making each class a rewarding opportunity to shape future leaders.

How do you combine theoretical concepts with the latest industry practices and business trends?

In my Sustainable Finance course, I integrate cutting-edge and widely debated theories with real-world corporate practices, sparking dynamic discussions and knowledge-sharing among students. This approach bridges theoretical concepts with the latest industry trends, fostering critical thinking and practical insights.

What books would you recommend CityUHK MBA students to read? Why?

I recommend The Lean Startup by Eric Ries for its practical innovation framework and Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman to sharpen decision-making. Both books provide CityUHK MBA students with essential tools to navigate complex markets and lead effectively in today’s fast-evolving business landscape.

What business topics should CityUHK MBA students be the most familiar with when they graduate from our programme?

CityUHK MBA graduates should master sustainable development, technological advancements, AI and big data tools, as well as leadership.

One career advice to our CityUHK MBA students.

Embrace adaptability—continuously upskill in emerging technologies and sustainability to thrive in dynamic markets.