On November 28, 2024, the Faculty of Finance, City University of Macau held a lecture as part of its finance series at the Ho Yin Convention Center on the Taipa Campus. The lecture featured Mrs. Ling Qiao Li, General Manager of the Corporate Banking Department at China Guangfa Bank Macau Branch, as the keynote speaker.  The theme of the seminar was “Effective Communication Skills.”  Guests attending the forum included Dean of the Faculty of Finance Professor Adrian Cheung, and Associate Dean Eva Khong.

Mrs. Ling began by defining communication as the process of establishing channels to ensure smooth and mutual understanding between individuals or groups. She introduced the concept of the communication funnel, emphasizing its importance, particularly in the financial industry‘s need for high-quality service. The seminar also highlighted the importance of active listening, outlining different levels of listening. Ms. Ling encouraged students to actively acquire communication skills to enhance understanding and improve communication effectiveness with various types of clients.

During an interactive Q&A session, Mrs. Ling stressed the importance for students to understand effective communication strategies within an organizational hierarchy (upward and downward) and across departments. She provided practical tips for handling various communication challenges, enhancing students' understanding of soft skills crucial for the workplace. She used Guangfa Bank as an example, highlighting its comprehensive financial services, including cross-border financing consulting, project finance, wealth management, investment and financing support, cross-border payment solutions, payment clearing brands, Greater Bay Area convenience services, and collaborations with China Life Insurance. She emphasized that students entering the financial industry need not only financial expertise but also strong interpersonal skills.

Faculty and students expressed their gratitude to Ms. Ling for her insightful presentation, noting that the seminar significantly enhanced their understanding of the importance of developing soft skills to improve their competitiveness in the job market and facilitate future career development.