Meet UBC Sauder’s new faculty – Ming Yi Hung

Each year, UBC Sauder welcomes new lecturers and faculty to the school. In this article, we introduce you to Ming Yi Hung, Professor in the Accounting & Information Systems Division, and the R. & H. Mattessich Professor of Accounting Theory in Accounting.

Where are you from, and what brought you to UBC Sauder? 
 

I was born in Taiwan, but have worked in Boston, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. I came to UBC Sauder because of the active research environment, beautiful location, and campus culture.

What are your areas of research or your fields of expertise, and how did you get into this field? 

My research focuses on corporate disclosures and institutional development in global capital markets.

What continues to fuel your research or interest in these areas?

I have been fortunate to live and travel in places with diverse cultures, economies, and political environments. These experiences have inspired me to study how institutions change and how these changes influence human behavior. I am particularly interested in corporate disclosure and reporting for several reasons. First, they reflect how firms communicate and strategize their communication with various stakeholders, including investors, creditors, customers, suppliers, and employees. Second, they are crucial at resolving information asymmetry between firms and their stakeholders, which can have significant consequences, such as affecting firm value, capital investment, and social externality.

What inspires you to teach? 

The desire to share what I know and to encourage students’ passion for learning. In my financial accounting courses, I aim to build students' knowledge of financial statements and accounting reports from around the world, while also enhancing their understanding of judgment issues related to accounting policies in international capital markets. It is undoubtedly rewarding seeing how these skills can help students prepare for their career and make informed decisions on financial reporting issues in global business environments. 
 

What’s one of the most interesting things you’ve discovered through your research or through your educational journey?

I have studied the effects of various financial and non-financial reporting regulations around the world, including the global adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, China’s mandate for corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosures, the EU’s Non-Financial Reporting Disclosure Regulation, and Canada’s mandatory gender diversity disclosure.

This research finds that while mandatory financial disclosures tend to reduce agency problems and improve firms’ access to external financing, mandatory nonfinancial disclosures can generate positive externalities at the expense of shareholders, leading to decreased firm profitability and increased environmental performance. Although the CSR disclosure mandate may impose “pain” on shareholders, it also brings some benefit to society.

What do you believe is the future of your industry? 

I anticipate that the auditing industry will become more technology-driven and will include a wider range of nonfinancial assurance services. The adoption of AI and the increasing importance of sustainability disclosure will continue to grow. AI has had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on how firms prepare their financial reporting and disclosures, how auditors perform their tasks, and how stakeholders process information. It is important to learn how we can better equip ourselves to work alongside AI, rather than being replaced by it.

Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

My husband and I enjoy outdoor activities together. He is a marathon runner, while I prefer leisurely hikes and jogs. We had many enjoyable family trips with our lovely daughters. Now that both are in college, we have learned to adjust and explored new routines. 

What are you most looking forward to in Vancouver? 

I’m looking forward to exploring the greater Vancouver area and all the beautiful natural scenery the city has to offer.