Lingnan University and Jinan University host their first joint conference on Sustainable Finance and Development in the Digital Era
Group photo of the Lingnan representative and speakers.
Prof Leng Mingming, Dean of the Faculty of Business at Lingnan University, gives a welcome address.
Prof Li Wenjing, Dean of the School of Management at Jinan University, makes the opening remarks.
Prof Yang Liyan from the University of Toronto delivers the first keynote address titled "Fragility of Financial Markets".
Prof William Cong Lin from Cornell University discusses the role of big data in biodiversity conservation in his keynote session.
Prof Lin Chen from the University of Hong Kong delivers the final keynote address, on the impact of climate change on corporate investment decisions.
Prof Wei Lai, Head and Professor of the Department of Finance at Lingnan University, talks to young researchers during the PhD Student Paper session.
The Lingnan University-Jinan University Joint Research Centre for Financial Inclusion and Digital Economy hosted the first conference on “Sustainable Finance and Development in the Digital Era” on 5 December 2024. Supported by Lingnan University’s Hong Kong Institute of Business Studies and the Department of Finance, and Jinan University’s School of Management, the hybrid event, which attracted over 80 on-site attendees and more than 14,000 online viewers, emphasising the conference's commitment to both inclusivity and accessibility, brought together leading scholars, industry experts, and thought leaders for discussions on financial innovation and sustainable development in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The conference began with a welcome address by Prof Leng Mingming, Dean of the Faculty of Business at Lingnan University, thanking all participants and hoping for a vibrant exchange of ideas. A second welcome address was given by Prof Li Wenjing, Dean of the School of Management at Jinan University, which underscored the significance of focusing on sustainable finance and development in the digital era.
Keynote speakers included Prof Yang Liyan from the University of Toronto, who delivered the first address, titled "Fragility of Financial Markets", providing an insightful analysis of the vulnerabilities and systemic risks within the modern financial system. Prof William Cong Lin from Cornell University discussed the role of big data in biodiversity conservation in “Big Data Tells: Unintended Consequences of Biodiversity Conservation”, and Prof Lin Chen from the University of Hong Kong delivered the final address, “Climate Change, Demand Uncertainty, and Firms’ Investments: Evidence from Planned Power Plants”, discussing the influence of climate change on corporate investment decisions, especially in the energy sector.
The paper presentation session addressed key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics, as well as the latest developments and challenges in Web3 and cryptocurrency. Presenters included Prof Jo Chanik from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prof Li Xiaohui and Prof Si Fangbo from Jinan University, Prof Zhao Xiaofeng from Lingnan University, Prof Yang Shijie from the Southern University of Science and Technology, Prof Yang Nan from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Prof Yang Guochao from the Zhongnan University of Law and Economics.
The conference concluded with a PhD Student Paper session, providing young researchers with the opportunity to present their work and gain valuable feedback from experts.
The conference was the first flagship event to be held by the Lingnan University-Jinan University Joint Research Centre for Financial Inclusion and Digital Economy since it was formed in 2023, and it stressed the role of digital transformation in fostering resilient and inclusive economic growth, with a particular focus on sustainability. Discussions centred primarily on the integration of ESG criteria into financial practices. In the future, the Joint Conference will continue to serve as a platform for the academic community to explore a wide range of topics related to financial innovation and sustainable development.
For more details and photos, please visit the event webpage.