The international reputation of HKUST's business and management programs received a further boost when the Executive MBA (EMBA) program, jointly run with the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University in the US, was ranked ninth in the world by the Financial Times of London. It was the first time the EMBA had been eligible for these rankings and was singled out by the Financial Times as the highest ranked new school in the survey. Celebrations of the highest order ensued with an evening reception at Government House and praise from Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa, who attended the gathering.

There was more to cheer when the Business School was ranked first in Asia Pacific for customized non-degree executive education programs by the Financial Times, for the second consecutive year. Custom courses are tailor-made by the School for companies to develop and train their executives.