The objectives of the programme are: to equip students with advanced knowledge in modern economics for understanding, analyzing, and solving real world problems; to develop students' conceptual and analytical capabilities in analyzing economic policy and making competent business decision; to impart in-depth knowledge and skills in theory and empirical methods that facilitate applied research in economics.

The programme admitted its first class of 46 students in September 2005. The students were taught by a strong team of teaching staff including a few internationally renowned scholars headed by Professor Gregory Chow from Princeton University. To broaden the horizon of the students, various distinguished guest speakers, including the Chief Economist of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, were invited to give seminars on a wide variety of current issues. Furthermore, co-curricular activities such as annual dinner, visiting The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and hiking in the woods had been organized, so as to enhance professional exposure and to raise the rapport between students and faculty.

Among the 170 graduates in the past 4 academic years, some received scholarships to pursue further studies in world-renowned universities (2005-07) while most of them were able to take up positions as analysts, policy researchers, investment strategists and consultants in multinational corporations, investment banks, trade associations, governmental bodies and policy research institutes in Hong Kong, Mainland China or other Asia Pacific regions.