Seeking Entrepreneurs: HKUST ETA Fellowship Officially Launches

On April 16, the HKUST ETA Fellowship officially launched. As Asia’s first university-led support program for entrepreneurs pursuing Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, the Fellowship is led by the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center and HKUST MBA Program, with Search Panda™ participating as strategic partner.

The launch information session brought together more than 100 online and in-person participants. The discussion introduced the search fund and ETA model, and explained how the Fellowship supports candidates through training, mentorship, and investor network access.

Discussion Themes

• The development of ETA and search funds in Asia
• SME succession, transition, and long-term operating challenges
• The structure, application process, and long-term vision of the HKUST ETA Fellowship
• Core ETA concepts, candidate readiness, and investor communication preparation
• Practical search, acquisition, and post-acquisition operating experience

Speakers

• Professor Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of HKUST Business School
• Professor Carrie Hang-yin Ling, Director of the HKUST Entrepreneurship Center
• Leo Wang, Founder of the Search Panda™ ETA community
• Kelvin Panitpichetvong, Founder of Succession Capital

The session also introduced the candidate application form and invited investors to connect through the investor ecosystem form. Application timing, eligibility, and program arrangements should be confirmed through official HKUST communications.