Shaping a More Holistic Business Leader 

For Sheldon Leung (Part‑Time MBA Intake 2025), Senior Counsel at HSBC, the decision to pursue an MBA emerged from a pivotal realisation: deep expertise in law was no longer enough. Having worked across Hong Kong, London, and Shanghai, he saw firsthand how modern leadership demands a broader commercial lens.

I wanted to close the knowledge gap between legal work and the commercial realities of marketing, IT, accounting, and product teams.

With AI, digital assets, and automation reshaping financial services, he also recognised the urgency of staying future‑ready. “The industry is changing fast. Staying relevant means continuously upgrading myself.”

This clarity of purpose became the foundation for his MBA journey—and ultimately led him to HKUST. 

Why HKUST: Reputation, Relevance, and Real Impact 

For Sheldon, choosing HKUST was not merely about convenience; it was about alignment. HKUST stood out for its reputation, especially within the banking and financial services community. 

Everyone I spoke to said the same thing — HKUST delivers real impact.

Several factors cemented HKUST as the ideal program for him:

• Deep industry credibility within banking and financial services
• A curriculum designed for cross‑functional fluency, covering marketing, finance, technology, strategy, and leadership
• A learning model tailored for full-time professionals, allowing him to grow without pausing his career
• A diverse cohort that brings real-world perspectives from industries far beyond his legal background

All of this aligned with his goals to broaden his thinking and grow into a more versatile business leader. 

Stepping Beyond Comfort, Broadening His View 

Since joining the program, Sheldon has intentionally selected electives outside his legal comfort zone. Courses on marketing, technology, and strategy have not only broadened his understanding but reshaped the way he collaborates with business teams. 

If I only stayed in my area of expertise, I wouldn’t grow. The value of the MBA is pushing yourself to think differently

A Mindset of Growth, Not Pressure 

Balancing a demanding role with part‑time study is no small task, yet Sheldon approaches it with optimism and discipline. He believes that how you frame the experience matters. 

The MBA is not overwhelming if you manage your time. With the right mindset, it becomes a journey of growth rather than a source of stress.

This approach has allowed him to remain fully engaged, whether in class discussions, group projects, or experiential learning opportunities. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom 

Sheldon believes that true growth happens when you stay open to what unfolds beyond the classroom. For him, the richest learning comes from the people you meet, the questions you ask and the conversations that challenge you to think differently.

He actively connects with classmates and industry leaders, even hosting a fireside chat with an AI founder. These experiences have expanded his perspective and deepened his understanding of emerging technologies shaping the future of finance. 

Advice for Future Students 

His message to prospective candidates captures the essence of his journey: 

Stay curious. Say yes to opportunities. The true value of the MBA lies in the people and the perspectives you gain.

Through HKUST, Sheldon is not only strengthening his business acumen but building the foundation for his next chapter as an influential leader in global financial services.