On May 20, 2025, SAFTI students embarked on a one-day corporate tour in Hong Kong. In this international metropolis where finance and technological innovation thrive side by side, they visited KPMG China, Campus France, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), gaining firsthand experience of the dynamic fintech ecosystem and feeling the unique appeal of international education.
01 | Inside KPMG: The Latest Fintech Developments and Strategic Pathways in Hong Kong
As a leading professional service provider in the world, KPMG China is one of the Big Four accounting firms, offering a wide range of long-term professional services including audit, tax, and consultation to Fortune 500 companies and government agencies worldwide.
During the visit, students were invited to engage with KPMG China’s Technology Consulting team, delving into the latest developments and future trends of Hong Kong’s fintech ecosystem. Manager Jonathan Pang provided an in-depth introduction on Hong Kong’s fintech development strategy, covering government’s policy support for the industry, the growth of Hong Kong’s fintech unicorns, and the collaborative mechanism between universities, markets, and regulators. Jonathan highlighted real-world fintech applications in key areas such as regulatory compliance and digital identity management. He also shared his hands-on experience in the HKMA projects, particularly his work on application design to ensure residents’ ID security.
Additionally, Partner Angel Mok discussed how KPMG’s Technology Consulting team has helped financial institutions realize paperless office and driven technological transformation and upgrade.
During the Q&A session, Angel encouraged students to actively explore industry opportunities during their academic years, and emphasized that KPMG values holistic competencies in candidates, such as rapid learning agility, market acumen, and an exploratory mindset, which are far more important than the check-the-box qualifications. Seizing this rare opportunity, students engaged in vibrant discussions with all three speakers to further deepen their multidimensional perception of the fintech industry.
02｜Campus France: A Panoramic View into French Higher Education
Campus France, an official agency led by the French government, is responsible for promoting French higher education institutions worldwide while providing study-abroad consultation and international student support services. It offers professional guidance to students intending to study in France, covering all aspects from university selection, visa applications, scholarship programs to career development opportunities.
In the afternoon session, students attended the second presentation of the day — an introduction on France’s higher education system and career development pathways delivered by Campus France. The agency’s representative Jonathan delivered a systematic presentation of French university classifications, popular academic programs, and application procedures. He went on to offer detailed practical advice covering all aspects of international student life in France, including the basic living arrangements, visa applications, and post-graduation employment options, helping students develop a comprehensive and clear understanding of what to expect when studying and living in France.
During the Q&A session, students enthusiastically raised numerous questions ranging from specific application document requirements and language proficiency standards to various scholarship mechanisms, demonstrating their keen interest in France’s academic and career opportunities.
03 | HKMA Up Close: A Look into the Future of CBDC and Fintech
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) serves as Hong Kong’s central banking institution, with major functions including maintaining currency stability, promoting the safety of Hong Kong’s banking system, and keeping Hong Kong’s status as an international financial center.
During the visit to HKMA headquarters, Mr. Michael Law, Senior Fintech Director, delivered an insightful presentation. He outlined HKMA’s strategic initiatives in fintech, highlighting both the forward-looking “Fintech 2025” strategy and current developments in Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). Mr. Law also introduced HKMA’s annual summer and winter internship programs, emphasizing their welcome for outstanding candidates from diverse backgrounds. He particularly noted that applicants’ learning agility and profound understanding of the financial industry would be key evaluation criteria.
The Q&A session featured in-depth discussions on cutting-edge topics such as “balancing financial stability with innovation” and “HKMA’s approach to preventing double-spending risks in CBDC,” demonstrating students’ keen awareness of fintech trends.
The visit culminated with a guided tour of HKMA’s Information Center, where students explored the evolution of Hong Kong’s currency. Through detailed exhibits spanning from banknote design transformations to monetary system, they gained an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong’s unique currency framework. The Hong Kong Dollar served as a revealing lens through which students developed tangible and analytical perspectives into Hong Kong’s evolutionary trajectory toward a global financial hub.
The tour to Hong Kong provided students with both immersive exposure to real-world fintech applications and valuable first-hand insights into international education choices and career pathways. Whether it is the “learning agility and market acumen” strongly advocated by KPMG, or the advanced governance concept of “balancing fintech innovation with stability” consistently upheld by HKMA, they all serve as important career guideposts for students’ professional development.
The geographical proximity between Shenzhen and Hong Kong facilitates ongoing academic exchanges and intellectual exploration. We anticipate broader student participation to catalyze the collision and integration of innovative thinking and unlock larger developmental opportunities.
