On December 5th, the first academic conference organized by Lingnan University-Jinan University Joint Research Centre for Financial Inclusion and Digital Economy was successfully held at Lingnan University. Titled "Sustainable Finance and Development in the Digital Age", the conference focused on the intersection of financial innovation and sustainable development, featuring three keynote speeches, seven paper presentations, and a PhD student paper session. The event aimed to foster knowledge exchange, disseminate high-quality research, and strengthen academic networks by exploring critical topics such as ESG, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency. Over 40 international scholars and experts attended. School of Management Dean Wenjing LI led a delegation of Youchao TAN, Xiaoxi LI, Fangbo SI, Xiaohui LI, Ruixue ZHOU, and Yiyuan SUN to attend the conference.

The conference kicked off with opening remarks from Mingming LENG, Dean of Lingnan University Business School, and Wenjing LI. LENG welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of sustainable finance in the digital era, aligning with the conference's theme. He expressed hope that the discussions would generate new insights and strategies to contribute to the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Wenjing LI emphasized the significance of sustainable finance in enhancing financial institution competitiveness, promoting economic sustainability, and fostering social equity and inclusive growth. He introduced Jinan University and School of Management, highlighting its mission to “cultivate Chinese business elites, promote the spirit of Chinese commerce, and disseminate Chinese business culture”. He also praised the collaboration as a meaningful initiative between the two institutions, expressing hope that participants would gain valuable insights and drive further exploration and excellence through vibrant discussions.

During the conference, Xiaohui LI presented her paper, "Transmission Effect of Insurers’ Climate Risk Disclosures on Their Corporate Bond Investees". The study explored how mandatory climate risk disclosures, as measured by the Climate Risk Disclosure Survey (CRDS), influence the environmental friendliness of insurance companies' bond investors.

Fangbo SI shared his research titled "From Disclosure to Action: Evidence from Informed Trading and Information Tipping in Cybersecurity Incidents". In the context of escalating cybersecurity threats, the paper examined the gap between firms' actual risks and their disclosed information due to discretionary disclosure practices. It further explored the implications of this disconnect for insider trading and market integrity.

The successful hosting of this conference marks a significant step forward in exploring innovative collaboration models between the two institutions. By leveraging their complementary strengths, Lingnan University and Jinan University achieved a synergistic effect, collectively enhancing their international influence. Looking ahead, both institutions are committed to deepening their partnership to jointly contribute to the development and prosperity of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Image: Faculty of Business, Lingnan University

Written: Weiyuan HUANG, Ruixue ZHOU

Edited: Qiulian GAN

Proofread: Jiecong LI, Guitong CHEN

First Review: Di LONG

Second Review: Jun QI