Whether you are a seasoned executive or an ambitious professional early in your career, the HKUST-NYU Stern Master of Science in Global Finance (MSGF) program offers a unique opportunity to deepen your finance expertise, expand your professional network, and stay ahead of the global finance trends.
In celebration of Father’s Day, we are pleased to present an interview with two remarkable MSGF alumni: Victor Mok (MSGF Class of 2015), former Chairman and CEO of Asset Service at GLP China, and his son, Colin Mok (MSGF Class of 2024), Group Strategy and Investment Manager at bolttech.
With their distinct career stages, Victor and Colin entered the program with different expectations. Our conversation with the Moks uncovers intriguing similarities and contrasts in their perspectives, offering valuable insights into what participants can expect from the MSGF program and how each individual uniquely benefits from it.
Hi Victor and Colin, it’s lovely to meet you both! Let’s begin by discussing how you decided to apply to the MSGF program. Victor, since you graduated from MSGF in 2015, did you and Colin discuss his application?
Victor: Coming into the course, I already had attained other master’s degrees including an EMBA, but I believe in and enjoy lifelong learning. What was important to me was the unique learning experience it offered, and the opportunity to learn with executives from different disciplines and age brackets. I got what I wanted from the MSGF.
Colin made his own decision about pursuing the MSGF. At the time I was in the course, he was in college, and he did join some of our after-class gatherings. When considering joining MSGF, he did talk to the professionals from my program to get some insight. I still stay in touch with many of my MSGF classmates, particularly those based in Hong Kong. It is a very strong network.
Colin: I didn't have much recollection of my father’s MSGF experience, but I got to know some of his classmates. It was impressive to see such a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, ages and perspectives; they were all very smart, but also down-to-earth. That was my first impression of the program.
I knew that if I joined the MSGF, I would be one of the youngest in the class, so I wanted to find mentors and connect with peers on a personal level. Meeting my dad’s cohort was encouraging and gave me a good sense of the caliber of people I could expect to encounter, but the program also speaks for itself with the strong reputation it holds.
I had always considered further study but realized that an MBA was too general for me, and I wanted to continue working. I did my research and found that while there are many options available in Hong Kong and globally, few offer the dual perspective that MSGF does, through two very reputable schools – one in Hong Kong and one in New York – effectively covering East and West perspectives. It’s a very holistic and enriching experience.
What was your impression of the curriculum?
Victor: I found the program having a good balance between academic rigor and business relevance. It provides in-depth learning that is highly relevant to those already working in or considering a career in capital markets or finance. We dove deep into many financial subjects, through a well proven program structure that connected different modules meaningfully together.
Colin: It was enriching for me to learn the theoretical and conceptual elements of the curriculum and discuss them with classmates who were already in the finance industry and could share how they applied class concepts to real-life experiences.
Speaking of in-class discussions, what was your in-person experience like with the program, and how important do you think the in-person element is for your overall learning?
Colin: Interactions with your classmates and teachers are so valuable. In some courses offered by other institutions, everything is virtual and done remotely, which makes it impossible to have the same sense of intimacy and opportunity for discussion.
All of the courses in the MSGF program are conducted in person, and some of my biggest learning moments happened during break-out sessions where we collaborated to solve complex problems. Without the in-person format, I just don't think the course would have the same impact.
The class atmosphere also promotes healthy competition. We always wanted to know who was doing the best in the class – you know, people in business and finance are naturally competitive!
You start to recognize each other’s strengths when tackling problems together. That’s also how you form groups for the integrative project. It’s both transparent and healthy because we each play different roles. I never felt ostracized or pressured by my peers; it was very much a group effort.
A key aspect of the MSGF program is its global modules, where the cohort travels to Hong Kong, New York, and a rotating global location for immersive classes. How do you think this feature adds value to the MSGF experience?
Victor: When considering this program, the opportunity to have classes in New York and in Hong Kong is a significant advantage, because geographical diversity is important. I have travelled extensively in my career, but for professionals who haven’t, this program gives the chance to study and spend time in various parts of the world.
There are also modules in other Asian cities – Beijing when I took the course and Shanghai when Colin did – and now the Middle East is covered too, with Abu Dhabi included for 2026. This is valuable because the program focuses on global finance, and gaining a cross-national perspective through classes in major financial markets and emerging markets is very useful.
It is never too early to build a network in your career, and a global program like this is very helpful in enriching your people resources and developing, in my case, also some very valuable friendships.
As we wrap up, could you share how the program has impacted your career prospects?
Colin: I come from a non-traditional education background in political science, so I wanted to do something more business-related after, which led me to consider the MSGF program. Now, I'm working in a strategy role for a start-up. While not all the Finance components of the program are directly related to my current role, the program has certainly improved my confidence in discussing global macro topics and other finance related topics with my peers. These are some of the immediate benefits of the MSGF.
Given I’m still in the early stage of my career, I believe the full benefits from the program are yet to come. I’m confident the MSGF program will open more doors through its global reputation and vast resources from both the HKUST and NYU alumni network.
Victor: For me it was less about job development as I joined the MSGF at a later stage of my career. Yet many subjects I learned during the program have become more relevant when later on I took up more responsibilities related to investment and asset management.
Also, I have been observing my younger colleagues in the course who were in the early stages of their careers at that time. In the years since, I’ve followed their professional progress and seen them establish themselves very well both in their careers and personal development, building strong reputations on their own track. I think the program is a strong building block for expanding your knowledge and building your network.
The MSGF program has demonstrated its ability to evolve and meet the diverse needs of professionals across generations. By offering global exposure, diverse learning environments, and invaluable networking opportunities, we aim to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating today’s complex financial landscape. As we see our alumni thrive in their careers, we are grateful to play a role in their journeys and remain committed to fostering their growth and success.