The University of Macau (UM) has appointed Prof. Jacky Yuk-Chow So as the new Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration (FBA) upon the approval of the University Council. Prof. Jacky So is expected to assume office on 1 January 2010. Like the appointment of the new Rector and Vice Rectors, appointment of the new Dean of FBA is also based on global open recruitment which attracted 18 outstanding scholars from around the world. After several rounds of discussion, interview and presentation a unanimous decision has been reached by the Judge Panel that Prof. Jacky So be appointed as the new Dean of FBA.

An outstanding expert and renowned scholar in finance with over 21 years’ academic and administrative experience, Prof. Jacky So has scored remarkable achievements in tertiary education and scientific research. He said: “I hope that after I take up office I can build on the existing good foundation laid by my predecessors and recruit more outstanding teachers because only by having a high-quality faculty team can we attract more elite students. In terms of programme design, emphasis will be put on strengthening general education and moral education with the aim of nurturing all-round talents of a high caliber and a global perspective.” His objective is to develop FBA into a first-rate business administration faculty in Macao and beyond and elevate Macao’s business administration education to new heights.

UM Rector Wei Zhao said “we are confident that this new deanship, under the existing good foundation, will lead FBA to new heights and foster business elites that can help promote future economic development in Macao, China and beyond.

Prof. So received his primary, secondary and undergraduate education in Hong Kong and obtained a BS degree in Management from Hong Kong Baptist College. After that, Prof. So pursued further study at the Western Illinois University (U.S.A) and the Ohio State University (U.S.A), where he obtained his MBA in Finance in 1977 and Ph.D. in International Finance and International Business in 1983 respectively. Prof. So embarked on the career of tertiary education in 1979. In 1988 he was granted the tenure as Associate Professor of Finance in the South Illinois University at Edwardsville and was later promoted to Professor of Finance. In 2004 he joined the Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) as Dean of Jr. School of Business and Distinguished Professor of Finance.

Caption: UM has appointed Prof. Jacky So as the new Dean of FBA