Prof. Stephen Teng Sun is an Associate Professor with a joint appointment in the Department of Accountancy and the Department of Economics and Finance at the City University of Hong Kong. He also serves as the programme leader for the Master of Arts in International Accounting. He obtained a Ph.D. in Economics from Stanford University in 2015 and previously taught at Guanghua School of Management, Peking University. His research has been published in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Financial Economics, Journal of Accounting and Economics, Journal of International Economics, Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of the European Economic Association, Journal of Public Economics, and Journal of Development Economics. His research has been awarded the Roger F. Murray Prize by The Institute for Quantitative Research in Finance.

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

I recommend "Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson.

Understanding the mindset of one of the most influential entrepreneurs of our time offers valuable lessons about innovation, resilience, and leadership during uncertain times.

Musk’s journey shows how vision, risk-taking, and execution come together. These qualities are very important for business leaders dealing with disruption and technological change.

One career advice to our CityUHK MBA students.

Embrace uncertainty.

Our world is increasingly shaped by volatility, novel technologies, and shifting global dynamics.

Instead of fearing the unknown, approach it with curiosity and flexibility. Those who keep an open mind and adapt quickly will be best positioned to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Any other information that you feel comfortable sharing with our prospective students?

The MBA journey is not just about acquiring a degree or network—it’s about transformation.

I encourage students to experiment, question assumptions, and actively engage with peers from diverse backgrounds.

The more you invest in stretching your thinking and broadening your perspectives, the more rewarding your MBA experience will be.