The HKICPA Business Case Competition provided an opportunity for students from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, with diverse educational backgrounds, to demonstrate their academic competencies and business acumen in solving real-life challenges and honing their skills, while also fostering their professional judgment and global perspectives.

This year, the competition focused on the Digital Entertainment Industry. Students were required to submit a business proposal including an executive summary, analysis of the business model, recommendations on addressing ethical dilemmas, as well as evaluation of key performance indicators and acquisition targets. Over 530 students, 180 teams from 16 institutions registered for the competition. Following two rounds of review on 139 submitted business proposals, six finalist teams were shortlisted to present their ideas to a panel of judges based on their proposals.

Website / Image URL:

https://www.hkicpa.org.hk/bcc2023

https://www.hkicpa.org.hk/en/Become-a-Hong-Kong-CPA/QP-Student-support-and-benefits/QP-Affiliate-Club/HKICPA-Business-Case-Competition/BCC-2023—Promote-draft

Award(s):

2^nd Runner Up

Awardees:

Ms. Luo Regina, BBA(IBGM), Year 1 (Team Leader)

Ms. Chen Man Chin, BBA(IBGM), Year 1

Ms. Ho Ying Tung Crystal, BBA(IBGM), Year 1

Ms. Tan Xinyi Veronica, BBA(IBGM), Year 1

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Matthias Buehlmaier

Dr Jing Li

Students Sharing:

“Taking part in this competition was an extraordinary experience that allowed me to expand my business knowledge and fostered my growth in several soft skills. Our team was able to use our critical thinking skills to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a business and make recommendations to support its long-term growth. It was a fresh new experience as we learnt to think outside the box and make decisions based on different platforms by putting ourselves in the shoes of the gaming company. Communication and presentation skills were another key takeaway from the competition for me. I learnt how to listen, ask questions and give feedback during teamwork and how to present a concise argument to convince the judges within the time limit during the presentation.

In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to HKU Business School for providing endless opportunities for students to learn outside the classroom, to Ms. Pipin Tasdyata, case competition coach, for teaching us practical skills in presentation before the finals, and most importantly, to my teammates, who were all dedicated team players who strived to be the best throughout the competition. The competition was truly a wonderful and invaluable experience.”

(By LUO Regina)

“Participating in this competition was an invaluable experience that significantly contributed to our personal growth. For me, tackling complex problems and developing viable solutions for the gaming company presented a great challenge, especially considering my limited familiarity with the gaming sector. However, this opportunity allowed me to acquire a wealth of knowledge in this field and improve my critical thinking abilities, information evaluation skills, and problem-solving capabilities.

Furthermore, presenting the proposed solutions in front of a panel of judges greatly enhanced my communication and presentation skills. In the business world, the ability to deliver a compelling and concise argument effectively is crucial. Therefore, this experience holds lifelong importance for my future career path.”

(By CHEN Man Chin)

“Participating in this competition was an extraordinary experience. The opportunity to analyze a complex business problem, present it to a panel of judges, and work closely with my teammates was both challenging and rewarding. I learnt how to dissect the case critically, approach problems systematically, and formulate innovative and comprehensive solutions. Such analytical abilities will enable me to tackle more complex business cases in the future. Moreover, the competition provided me with a platform to refine my presentation skills. I was more capable of communicating my ideas compellingly and persuasively in front of an audience. Last but not least, I am deeply grateful to my teammates who motivated and inspired each other throughout the countless hours spent working on the competition. Our collective effort contributed to our success. Looking back, I have learnt invaluable lessons that have not only enhanced my business acumen but also shaped me as an individual. I am confident that the skills and knowledge I have gained in this competition will serve as a solid foundation for my future endeavors in the world of business.”

(By HO Ying Tung Crystal)

 “It was truly an extraordinary and lifetime experience for me to participate in this case competition. This opportunity allowed me to delve deep into a company’s market and business analysis, explore its core competencies, identify ethical dilemmas, and ultimately offer robust suggestions regarding potential acquisition targets. The case materials, along with the thought-provoking questions and comments from the judges, offered fresh perspectives that broadened my perception and provided valuable insights. The business models and the ethical dilemmas we encountered presented significant challenges for our team, especially given the context of the gaming industry this year. It required us to step out of our comfort zone and acquire industry-specific knowledge beforehand. Thanks to the dedication and support from my wonderful teammates, we overcame these obstacles and ultimately lifted the trophy. Our collective effort and perseverance proved to be truly rewarding. Lastly, I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who guided and supported us throughout the preparation process.”

(By TAN Xinyi Veronica)

Faculty Outstanding Researcher Award 2022-23

Professor Hailiang Chen

Professor Hailing Chen has been awarded the Faculty Outstanding Researcher Award 2022-23. Professor Chen’s research focuses on social media, FinTech, and data analytics. The recognition of his advancement was evidenced by having five articles published in “A” journals over the past five years, including Information Systems Research; Journal of Financial Economics; Journal of Management Information Systems and Management Science. He was also very productive in grant applications. He received four GRF grants with an amount of HK$2.85M. His 2021 ISR paper received the award of Essential Science Indicators’ (ESI) Highly Cited Paper (Top 1% in the field of Social Sciences, General).

Faculty Output Prize 2022

Dr. Jinzhao Du

The aim of the prize was to honour  Faculty’s best research output published in the preceding calendar year. Dr. Jinzhao Du was awarded the Faculty Output Prize 2022 for the publication:

Wilfred Amaldoss, Jinzhao Du, and Woochoel Shin (2021),“Media Platforms’ Content Provision Strategies and Sources of Profits,” Marketing Science, 40 (3), 527-547.

This paper creatively emplies a three-sided game-theoretical model, which incorporates the interaction between a media platform and three groups of strategic players: consumers, advertisers, and content suppliers. It generates new and important insights on a media platform’s content provision strategies and their implications for platforms’ profits and content suppliers’ profits. The paper was published at Marketing Science, the leading journal in the field of marketing and is the first Marketing Science publication that is affiliated with HKU

Faculty KE Award 2023

Professor Haipeng Shen, Dr Dan Yang and Dr Zhengli Wang

Prof. Shen, Dr. Yang, and Dr. Wang received the Faculty KE Award 2023 for the KE project “Transforming Industries: Empowering Organizations through Big Data Analytics.”

The teams has consistently participated in KE activities, leading to significant advancements in the application of big data analysis and machine learning across diverse industries. Their involvement has sparked transformative changes in organizational operations within mainland China and the Greater Bay Area, spanning sectors such as healthcare, finance, real estate, banking, dairy, and manufacturing.

FBE Student Contribution and Innovation Award aims to recognise and reward HKU Business School undergraduate students who have demonstrated contribution and innovation to the School, University and the wider community through their leadership and/or entrepreneurship; and to promote experiential learning through students’ participation in extra-curricular activities, involvement in community service and student leadership.

Website / Image URL: 

FBE Student Contribution and Innovation Award

Awardees and Awards:

Miss Chan Chun Yan Natalie, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 3

Mr. Fung Pui Him, BBA, Year 4

Mr. Gandhi Devansh, BBA, Year 3

Mr. Tamang Simon Daryl B., BBA, Year 6

Mr. Whitfield Iii Gerald Bruce, BBA(IBGM), Year 2

Students Sharing:

“It is my great honour to receive the award from HKU Business School. This recognition not only affirms my abilities but also provides a platform to further develop my skills and make a meaningful impact. It fuels my determination to excel, lead, and make a meaningful difference. I would also like to express my gratitude for the school in supporting my pursuits through diverse enrichment experiences.

As an awardee, I am motivated to push the boundaries of my potential and explore new avenues for personal and professional growth. I aspire to become a catalyst for positive change and innovation in my field of study and beyond through engaging in collaborative projects, lead teams, and inspiring others to embrace their own leadership abilities and make a difference in their own unique ways.”

– Chan Chun Yan Natalie, BBA(Law)&LLB

” I am deeply honoured to receive the prestigious FBE Student Contribution and Innovation Award, marking a significant milestone in my enriching journey at HKU Business School.

As an entrepreneur, I am dedicated to upholding the mission of BOOST TEAM Ltd. Our company strives to empower the digital transformation of traditional industries by offering innovative tech consultancy and operational solutions. We firmly believe that embracing technology is the key to unlocking limitless future business potential.

Furthermore, as the co-founder of Grief Me Light, I am committed to leading our non-profit organization in providing essential psychological services to individuals grappling with grief and loss. In 2024, we aim to publish a book addressing the grief experienced when losing a beloved pet, aiming to educate the public on life-death topics and combat the stigmatization surrounding grief.

Together, let us forge a path where technology and empathy intertwine, igniting a brighter future of limitless possibilities for all. ”

– Fung Pui Him, BBA

“Receiving the FBE Student Innovation and Contribution Award is a profound honour, marking a significant milestone in my journey. It motivates me to strive further to build diverse communities of innovation, particularly through my roles in the Entrepreneurship Society at HKU and as a founder. I want to thank my team at Entrepreneur Society and my other ventures for helping me achieve this.

This journey has been driven by a passion for creating inclusive, sustainable and impactful ventures. In the future, I aspire to further contribute by leveraging my experiences and skills to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit among my peers and foster entrepreneurs. I will also focus on developing a tech-driven solution that addresses dementia. This award acknowledges my past efforts and fuels my dedication to continue making a meaningful impact in the world of entrepreneurship.”

– Gandhi Devansh, BBA

“Being acknowledged as a recipient of the esteemed FBE Student Contribution and Innovation Award at HKU is a profound honour. This award not only recognizes my commitment to making meaningful contributions to the business school but also signifies that I am heading in the right direction in creating an impact on those around me.

As a co-founder of the Entrepreneur Society HKU (ESo), I maintain unwavering optimism for the future of Hong Kong’s startup ecosystem. The overwhelming reception from the HKU student body since the establishment of our society in 2019 strengthens this confidence. We are fortunate to find ourselves in an exceptionally exciting era where being a part of the HKU Business School Community presents unparalleled prospects.

As I transition to the next chapter of my life, the constant I foresee is my dedication to the platform we have created at HKU. I am committed to assisting HKU undergraduates in discovering their interests through unwavering support and encouragement, ultimately helping them unlock their fullest potential.”

– Tamang Simon Daryl B., BBA

“I feel incredibly honoured to have been selected for the FBE Student Contribution and Innovation Award. I am immensely grateful for the support and recognition that I have had from HKU Business School in my efforts around the university thus far. I am also thankful for my fellow executive committee members in the ISS, without whom this would have not been possible.

I aspire to continue my contributions in supporting non-local students and bringing together the diverse student body through the HKUBS International Student Society. As has been my goal since entering university, I also strive to cultivate and promote HKU as a viable and attractive destination for ambitious talent from all over the world. I hope to serve as an example for the boundless opportunities available in Hong Kong and HKU, and this award is a meaningful reflection of this.”

– Whitfield Iii Gerald Bruce, BBA(IBGM)

Background:

The Deloitte Tax Championship (DTC) is an annual case competition for students to demonstrate their expertise in China Tax and International Tax. The competition aimed to provide an opportunity for students to develop comprehensive tax strategies, critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills while demonstrating an in-depth understanding of complex tax regulations to a panel of judges.

This year’s competition consisted of three rounds, including a Preliminary Round, National Semi-final, and Final Round. The HKU team excelled and advanced to the National Round, where they competed in a simulated case held in Chongqing and brought home the Merit Team Award.

Website / Image URL:

2023德勤税务精英挑战赛初赛圆满结束 | 德勤中国 (deloitte.com) (Chinese version only)

https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/competition/deloitte-tax-championship-2023

Award(s):

Merit Team Award in the National Round

Top 3 in the Regional Round

Faculty Advisors and Awardees:

Dr. Jasmine Kwong	Dr. Christina Ng

Students Sharing:

“Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine myself getting into the national round of the competition twice, and I am privileged to have formed a group with four extraordinary teammates. Before joining this competition, past participants of DTC Annie had already told me that this competition was going to be really tough and mentally draining. It was way more complicated than we expected. The four of us still had the guts to challenge ourselves and gave it a try.

I want to thank the Faculty Advisors, Dr. Christina Ng and Dr. Jasmine Kwong, for all the support you have given to our team. You two were our backbone. Thank you for the ongoing support throughout the entire journey. Without you both, we would not have been able to come this far and achieve such remarkable results.

I also want to thank the faculty administrative staff, Kit and Joanne for the continuous support throughout the competition. You two are always the unsung heroes of our faculty. You are super helpful in guiding and taking care of all of us. Without you, the journey would not have been so smooth.

I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, Jason, Cherry, and Howard for their hard work and devotion to the competition. We have formed an unbreakable bond and lasting friendships. One of the adjudicators came to find Howard during the ceremony and mentioned that he outperformed other candidates in the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) part as he provided an in-depth evaluation of its underlying principles, delineating all three key components. I can still vividly remember the smiling faces of those who made me feel so proud of Howard. Also, I would like to thank Cherry, our mastermind, who is truly skilled at making PowerPoint slides. Lastly, I would like to thank Jason for his hard work in handling the most technical questions and calculations.

Once again, I would like to reiterate that having the courage to take up this challenge is already a great leap towards success. We have an iron-willed spirit with unwavering commitment and unswerving dedication to the competition, allowing us to withstand the pressure of analyzing lengthy case materials in three hours and delivering a speech in front of adjudicators and teachers from other schools.

“The process is more important than the result.” We all enjoyed the competition moments, particularly the impromptu queries from the adjudicators. They understood that Hong Kong has a simple tax structure and we are not that familiar with China tax and transfer pricing, so they did not pose strong challenges related to those issues. Instead, they provided us with guidance to help us interpret the case questions.”

(By LAU Chun Ho Darren)

“From the moment our team decided to participate in the tax competition, I felt a surge of excitement mixed with a tinge of nervousness. As the designated expert in technical matters, I knew that I would play a crucial role in our team’s success. With unwavering determination, I dove into an intensive phase of preparation, immersing myself in tax laws, regulations, and case studies.

Deloitte Tax Championship is definitely a challenging and demanding case competition which examines contestants’ practical knowledge of China tax and international tax strategies. As Hong Kong undergraduate students, we receive less training and education in China tax than universities from mainland, but our team still demonstrated strong logical thinking and commercial awareness in the competition. Therefore, we achieved distinctive results in the Regional Preliminary Round and won the Merit Team Award in the National Round.

Participating in the tax competition pushed me beyond my comfort zone and expanded my technical expertise in ways I never imagined. It provided me with an opportunity to refine my critical thinking skills, improve my problem-solving abilities, and deepen my understanding of tax laws and regulations.

Moreover, the experience taught me the value of continuous learning and self-improvement. I recognized areas where I could further enhance my technical knowledge and have since been actively seeking opportunities to broaden my understanding of tax concepts.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Christina Ng and Dr. Jasmine Kwong for their ongoing support and guidance throughout the competition. Not only do they provide training given their tight teaching schedule, they also spend their personal time to support us in the national round in Chongqing. Their support is definitely an inevitable part of our team’s success.”

(By CHENG Ting Cheung Jason)

“Participating in the tax competition has been an unforgettable experience for me, symbolizing our dedication to academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge. We have demonstrated invaluable critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for navigating the complex world of taxation.

From the beginning, our participation in the tax competition was driven by a shared ambition to excel and a desire to test our knowledge and skills in the field of taxation. Our team, comprised of passionate students, embarked on a rigorous preparation process that included studying tax laws, analyzing case studies, and engaging in mock simulations.

The competition itself was a rigorous test of our expertise, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. We were required to develop comprehensive tax strategies, demonstrate an in-depth understanding of complex tax regulations, and convincingly present our findings. Our team’s meticulous attention to details, innovative approaches, and ability to think on our feet contributed significantly to our success.

Lastly, I must express my sincere gratitude for the generous help and comprehensive teaching on taxation that I received from Dr. Christina Ng at HKU Business School. This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our school, the guidance of our faculty advisors, and the collective effort of our team members.”

(By CHOI Yu Hei Cherry)

“Reflecting on my journey through the national tax competition, I am filled with a profound sense of humility and gratitude. This experience has been an incredible learning opportunity, allowing me to delve deeply into the complexities of taxation, a field that is both challenging and immensely rewarding. 

A moment that stands out for me was when an adjudicator recognized my work on the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) component. Their acknowledgment of my ability to effectively analyze and evaluate these intricate topics was unexpected and deeply affirming. The memory of their smile is a poignant reminder of the value of hard work and the importance of a thorough understanding of such critical issues. 

The courage and determination that my team and I displayed in taking on this challenge were remarkable. We were united by our commitment to excel, facing the intense pressure of analyzing extensive case materials in a limited timeframe and presenting our findings in a high-stakes environment. 

I particularly embraced the philosophy that “process is more important than the result.” This mindset enriched every aspect of the competition for me, especially when responding to impromptu questions from the adjudicators. Their understanding of our background and their guidance in areas like China tax and transfer pricing, which were less familiar to us, were immensely helpful. 

The competition was as demanding and intense as I had anticipated, yet incredibly rewarding. I am grateful for the chance to have worked with a group of extraordinary teammates. Our collective strengths, united by a common goal to learn and succeed, made this experience not just a competition, but a journey of growth and discovery. 

In writing this article, I am reflecting not only on the achievements but also on the journey itself. It is a story that underscores the importance of humility, the strength of teamwork, and the vast potential that lies in embracing challenges with an open mind and a willing heart.”

(By NGAN Tsz Ho Howard)

Background:

The 2023 Bloomberg Global Trading Challenge (GTC) is a university investment competition taken place within the Bloomberg Terminal. This challenge brought together more than 10,000 university students from 310 schools worldwide to compete for the Grand Prize with the support of the School’s Bloomberg Terminal.

Each of the 2,007 teams was assigned a U.S. one million dollar (US$1,000,000) notional amount to invest across securities, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn about investment strategies and portfolio management with transformative experience that deepened the knowledge for trading, analytical skills, and confidence.

The Global Grand Prize winning team who achieved the highest Relative P&L not only won iPad Pro prizes, but also given opportunity to network with the Bloomberg recruiting as well as contribution to a selected charity partner of the team’s choice.

Website / Image URL:

https://portal.bloombergforeducation.com/trading_challenges

Award(s) and Awardees:

Grand Prize Winner

Ms. Darmawan Jocelyn Victoria, BSc(QFin), Year 3 (Team Leader)

Mr. Sayogo Gavin, BEcon&Fin, Year 3

Ms. Wijaya Swarna, BEcon&Fin, Year 3

Faculty Advisor:

Prof. Couvert Maxime

From left to right: Ms. Jocelyn Victoria DARMAWAN, Ms. Swarna WIJAYA, and Mr. Gavin SAYOGO

Regional Prize Winner: Asia and Oceania

Mr. Liu Donglin, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 2 (Team Leader)

Ms. Wang Yijie, BEcon&Fin, Year 2

Ms. Liu Jingyi, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 2

 (The team comprises 2 other team members from other Faculties of The University of Hong Kong)

Faculty Advisor:

Prof. Yu Jiaheng

From left to right: Mr. Tony LIU (1^st left), Ms. Elena LIU (middle), Ms. Sophia WANG (2^nd right)

Students Sharing:

From Grand Prize Winner

“It was such an amazing experience to win the challenge, and I would like to give a shout out to my teammates, Gavin and Swarna, who have dedicated a lot of their time and energy into researching and strategizing our portfolio allocation. I learned a lot about how the stock market reacts to different macroeconomic events, and how to capitalize on opportunities to achieve a high portfolio return. I also became more familiar with using the Bloomberg Terminal, and discovered all its built-in functions. Lastly, I would also like to extend my thanks to Bloomberg, HKU Business School (HKUBS), and Prof. Couvert, our faculty advisor, for their unwavering support.”

(by DARMAWAN Jocelyn Victoria)

“Winning the Bloomberg GTC feels like an incredible dream come true for me (I still can’t believe we came out as the champion among 2,000+ teams from around the world). While some may attribute their success to luck, I personally believe that consistently showcasing your objective analysis and executing trades wisely are the true keys to success in this intense six-week competition. Big thanks to HKUBS and Bloomberg for this invaluable opportunity. Equally important, I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prof. Maxime for his wonderful insights, as well as my teammates for their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout this challenge.”

 (by SAYOGO Gavin)

“This journey – from reading Bloomberg news articles to work on my assignments to actually winning the Bloomberg GTC – is another milestone I have gained throughout my study here in HKU. The challenge has not been an easy one – it started even long before the challenge started as we formulated our own portfolio allocation. We also went through long stages of trial-and-error before we found the optimal strategy; the challenge has not been an easy and straightforward one. Throughout the process, I have learned a lot about trading, which I believe should be attributed back to my supportive teammates and our faculty advisor Prof. Maxime. Finally, I would also like to express my gratitude to HKUBS and Bloomberg for supporting us throughout the challenge.”

(by WIJAYA Swarna)

From Regional Prize Winner: Asia and Oceania

“Participating in the challenge and emerging as the Regional Prize Winner for Asia and Oceania was an incredible experience that deepened my passion for trading and improved my analytical skills.

This challenge underscored the significance of teamwork as we navigated the intricacies of trading in different countries. Due to the time difference, our team members took turns trading together, often working late nights in the Bloomberg Lab. I am especially grateful for the invaluable contributions of our team members from other faculties, Sheriff and Bernice, whose daily research significantly bolstered our profitability. Simultaneously, this challenge enhanced my understanding of the investment market and fortified my ability to handle pressure. The stock market is characterized by rapid fluctuations, with fortunes reversing within minutes. While we encountered losses during our trades, we persevered and maintained our momentum.

I sincerely thank Dr. Jiaheng YU for accepting our invitation as a faculty advisor and the HKUBS for their unwavering support throughout our challenge journey. I am eager to apply the knowledge and experience gained from the Bloomberg GTC to my academic and professional pursuits.”

(by LIU Donglin Tony)

“Throughout the 2023 Bloomberg GTC, I have gained hands-on experience in trading stocks and conducting business research and analysis, which is beneficial to my learning. From just “knowing and having heard about” the Bloomberg system to proficiently using the Bloomberg Terminal for stock analysis and enterprise research, I have witnessed my efforts and progress during the six-week challenge. Along the way, I saw how stock markets, currency markets, interest rate markets, economics, politics, news, and rumors all impact portfolio performance and it was really an eye-opening journey. Taking part in this challenge also made me realize that I still lack knowledge and skills in many areas, but I am also full of confidence and willing to meet these challenges. I am grateful for this transformative trading experience with my lovely teammates and will carry this lesson throughout my learning in HKU and my career path.”

(by WANG Yijie Sophia)

“During the tight but exciting six weeks, we took turns every day to execute our trading strategy and kept updating and improving our daily returns. We have experienced losses from unsuccessful investment decisions, additional losses due to some technical surprises, and the reverse biological clock of trading time, but I am glad we stuck with it and got a satisfying prize eventually. After what we have been through, I have perceived the importance of teamwork and time management. I am immensely thankful for my team members’ insistence and their support along the way. I am also very grateful to Bloomberg for organizing this challenge, which allowed me to have such an unprecedented experience in trading. The trading and life lessons I have learned, and the deep friendships I have made in this competition definitely meant a lot to me.

(By LIU Jingyi Elena)

Background:

HSBC Global Private Banking Case Challenge is a highly competitive competition that spanned across universities in Singapore and Hong Kong. Over 500 teams participated. The HKU team, comprising of 3 students from HKU Business School and 1 student from Faculty of Arts, went through two rounds of challenges and was one of the four teams advancing to the Final Round. The Final presentation took place on 16^th October 2023 at the HSBC Building in Central with live interactions with their counterparts in Singapore.

The Case Challenge provides learning opportunities for the participants including investment themes, portfolio construction, risk management and company analysis. Each of the final round teams was assigned a mentor from HSBC Global Private Banking to provide guidance throughout the process.

Website / Image URL:

https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/competition/hsbc-global-private-banking-case-challenge-2023

Award(s):

1^st Runner-up

Awardees:

Miss Yau Tsz Ting, BFin(AMPB), Year 4 (photo position: middle)

Miss Yip Chun Yan, BFin(AMPB), Year 4 (photo position: 2^nd from left)

Mr. Chan Ho Bun Curtis, BEcon&Fin, Year 5 (photo position: 2^nd from right)

(The team comprises 1 other team member from the Faculty of Arts, The University of Hong Kong.)

Students Sharing:

“Participating in the private banking case challenge has been an enriching experience, equipping me with a diverse skill set essential for the financial sector. Through the challenge, I delved into the intricacies of market research, focusing on macroeconomic factors that influence investment decisions. This deep dive allowed me to better interpret economic trends and their impact on financial strategies. Furthermore, I honed my credit analysis skills, becoming proficient in assessing credit risk and understanding lending practices. Asset allocation was another key aspect, enhancing my ability to make informed investment decisions for clients. In addition, I learned the importance of delivering both quantity and quality service recommendations and tailoring financial solutions to individual client needs. This comprehensive experience has undoubtedly broadened my understanding of private banking and will prove invaluable in my future endeavours within the financial industries.”

(By YAU Tsz Ting (Tina))

“It has been a remarkable and unforgettable journey with this brilliant team. Throughout the case challenge, we immersed ourselves into the dynamic world of private banking, from identifying client needs to customizing investment portfolios. It gave me an in-depth understanding on how private bankers cover the needs of their clients in an all-rounded manner and staying abreast of financial market trends for optimal portfolio allocation. It has been a pleasure working with such talented group members and it is undoubtedly one of my proudest achievements throughout my university life.”

(By CHAN Ho Bun Curtis)

“Joining the case challenge is a remarkable experience to draw on in my future career, as I have been able to get a good grasp of the banking industry’s inner workings. Our experience in asset allocation enhanced my proficiency in portfolio management and investment strategies.

In addition, I explored credit analysis, evaluating borrowers’ creditworthiness, financial stability, and risk factors. This knowledge informed lending decisions that balance profitability and risk mitigation in banking and lending practices. The challenge also provided an opportunity to focus on quality service recommendations, improving my ability to tailor financial solutions to individual client needs. I honestly have to say that this is by far one of the most fruitful and empowering experiences throughout my career. I am able to learn from the abstract concept in a real-life situation and develop my analytics skills and presentation skills.”

(By YIP Chun Yan (Rachel))

The highly anticipated 211th Congregation Ceremony of HKU Business School took place at the Grand Hall, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong. This momentous event, spanning five sessions on December 3 and 4, 2023, created a truly special occasion for all involved.

One of the highlights of the Congregation Ceremony was an inspiring speech delivered by our esteemed Dean, Professor Hongbin Cai. As the graduands prepared to venture into the dynamic business world, they were reminded of his insightful words: “Uphold your principles, stay true to your inner compass, and firmly believe that doing good is the surest path to long-term success. Utilize your talents and influence to champion ethical business practices, social responsibility, and sustainability. Be leaders who inspire and empower others, and work tirelessly to create a world that is fair, just, and inclusive.”

The votes of thanks were delivered by the graduand representatives, Marco Caruso, Dr Wang Dan, Kelvin Wong, Kejia Liu and Noc Choi. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the faculty, staff, families and friends for their unwavering support throughout their academic journey. Their words resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of the challenges faced, the triumphs achieved, and their optimistic and forward-looking mindset as they embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

We are incredibly delighted to have received over 3,800 attendees, including 1,500 graduands who are now ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives, and 2,300 esteemed guests who came to show their support and celebrate this remarkable milestone.

Dean’s speech to graduates

HKU Business School, together with The HKU Business School Alumni Association and HKU iCube, was pleased and honored to host the distinguished Dr. Weijian Shan for a captivating “Meet the Author” book talk on the evening of December 1. Dr. Shan discussed his latest book, “Money Machine – A Trailblazing American Venture in China”, which provides an intriguing insider’s perspective on one of the most significant private equity deals in the industry’s history: the first and only foreign acquisition of a Chinese national bank. His other well-received previous books include “Out of Gobi: My Story of China and America” and “Money Games: The Inside Story of How American Dealmakers Saved Korea’s Most Iconic Bank”. Dr. Shan, who transformed from a barefoot doctor in the Gobi during the Cultural Revolution to a world-leading private equity titan, delivered an enlightening presentation. He was also a former professor at the Wharton School. The event also featured a captivating fireside chat moderated by our Dean, Professor Cai Hongbin. It was particularly exciting to see the attendance of numerous Wharton alumni, who had the opportunity to connect with our own students and graduates. Will this be Dr. Shan’s final book? We surely hope not and eagerly await to hear what’s in store for Dr. Shan’s next chapter. We express our gratitude for the support from the Wharton Club of Hong Kong. 

Delivering quality education to nurture future leaders is an integral part of the Faculty’s mission. Every year, the Faculty recognises teachers with outstanding achievements and significant contributions in teaching and student learning through the Faculty Teaching Award Scheme. The award-winners for the academic year 2022-23 are:

Faculty Outstanding Teacher Award (Undergraduate Teaching)

Dr. Alex CHAN
Associate Professor of Teaching

“Every student is a distinctive individual learner. They have their own strengths and needs in their learning journey. I do my best to recognize individual students and understand their individual learning progress and needs. A good understanding about individual students is the basic for a teacher to effectively provide appropriate personalized support and encouragement to individual students to enhance their learning interests and commitment. Building relationships with students based on good understanding, mutual respect and trust are the foundation for me to develop an effective teaching and learning environment to guide my students to experience their rewarding learning journeys.”

Professor Yuna CHO
Assistant Professor

“I am grateful to receive the Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award for Undergraduate Teaching this year. As someone who has benefited from the transformative power of education and experienced diverse classrooms across different institutions, I have a strong commitment to facilitating equally transformative learning experiences for my students. In teaching Principles of Management, I strive to integrate science-based insights that both build upon and challenge conventional wisdom. I enjoy translating academic research to resonate with a business-minded audience and have found that incorporating real-world business scenarios and cases encourages students to think critically and move beyond the seemingly “obvious” takeaways.”

Mr. David LEE
Associate Professor of Teaching

“Teaching remains an immense privilege in my life. Though active learning and authentic student engagement are a core aspect of my teaching practice, recent events ranging from pandemic to economic volatility to armed conflict have reinforced to me the important project we are all engaged in at educational institutions. Through the informational, and more importantly, the transformational learning that occurs in our classrooms and on our campus, we are preparing our students to navigate and lead amidst the uncertainty that they will likely encounter. This profound responsibility requires us to foster connectedness and meaning in our learning spaces. This is the challenge and the hope of what we do as teachers.”

Dr. Christina NG
Principal Lecturer

“I am honoured to receive the Faculty Outstanding Teacher Award (Undergraduate Teaching) again for the academic year 2022/23.  This is the second time that I have received this accolade from HKU, and I am grateful for the Faculty’s continual recognition of my dedication to and enthusiasm for teachings.

It has been my privilege to teach and share my experience with my students who are from the top business programmes in Hong Kong.  Working in academia for almost 30 years, it has always been rewarding and motivating to witness my students to grow and succeed in the legal, business, accounting and other industries.  I will adhere to my teaching philosophy and continue with my quality teachings.”

Faculty Outstanding Teacher Award (Postgraduate Teaching)

Professor Christine CHAN
Professor

“Teaching has been an immensely rewarding experience. I believe that every student is a capable learner; my role is to spark their curiosity. I engage students in role-play activities and group projects that simulate complex business challenges. This learner-centered teaching approach empowers students to benefit from one another’s experiences and areas of expertise. I am honored to receive the Faculty Outstanding Teacher Award, which reflects the collective efforts of our dedicated students and supportive colleagues, and I am committed to working alongside them to continually improve students’ learning outcomes.”

Professor Feng TIAN
Assistant Professor

“Teaching excellence, to me, is a journey of dedication to students’ growth. By fostering a student-centered environment and embracing experiential learning, I aim to empower my students with skills and real-world cases. The invaluable feedback from my students not only fuels my commitment but also highlights the impact of a relaxed yet engaging teaching style. With a focus on patience and attentiveness, I strive to create a supportive atmosphere. This award reflects the collective efforts of students, mentors, and peers who have shaped my teaching philosophy. I am deeply honored to be recognized and am excited to continue on this journey.”

Professor Xin WANG
Professor

“I am honored to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Award. My approach to teaching excellence, particularly in Master of Accounting courses, centers around connecting theoretical concepts with practical scenarios. Given that many master’s students lack working experience, I have found that using examples from HKU operations proves particularly effective. For instance, I illustrate resource allocation issues by optimizing the use of classroom resources, and I address goal congruence issues by reconciling program-level goals with school-level goals. When discussing the design of transfer pricing mechanisms within the organization, I utilize a similar scenario of cross-program course enrollment schemes to explain how accounting students’ selection of elective courses offered by other programs impacts internal transfer pricing within our HKU Business School. By leveraging practical examples and scenarios, I aim to equip students with the skills and insights necessary for their future careers in accounting. I firmly believe that by mapping course content to real-world incentive issues, students can better understand the relevance and applicability of their learning.”

Professor Zhengli WANG
Assistant Professor

“It has been a great honor to receive the award, and I want to express my gratitude to my students for their kind words in the teaching evaluation. I would also like to extend thanks to my colleagues for their shared teaching experiences, and to my teaching assistants and HKU staffs for their dedicated support in ensuring the smooth delivery of the courses. Teaching at HKU has helped me learnt to improve my teaching effectiveness, communication skills and student engagement ability. I hope to continue equipping students with the knowledge and tools they need, who will become future leaders of important institutions worldwide.”

Faculty Teaching Innovation Award

Dr. Chao DING
Principal Lecturer

“As a trained educator in the Information Systems discipline, I am a staunch advocate for technology-driven teaching approaches. By utilizing effective tools such as Microsoft Forms, Google Jamboard, and ChatGPT, we can encourage students from diverse backgrounds to engage in class activities, foster various types of interactions, and greatly address fairness concerns. Each course presents its own unique challenges, but embracing innovation and customizing our approach can play a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles and enhancing the overall learning experience.”

Faculty Special Contribution Teaching Award

Professor Anna WONG
Professor of Practice in Finance

“It is my honor to receive this year’s Faculty Special Contribution Teaching Award.  As a finance industry practitioner becoming a Professor of Practice, my competence is the knowledge of the industry.  My students heard me say: “I don’t want to be just your teacher as you will forget everything I taught as soon as you walk out of the examination hall, but I like to be your coach and your mentor to help you navigate through your journey.”

Yes, we need to be “academic” as we are a university, but we equally need to prepare our students to be ready.  It is my goal to equip them to know what they want, to equip them to know what the industry wants and connect them to the industry.

I have witnessed three batches of AMPB graduates seeing their growth and their change over the years from a freshman to where they land on their first job.  This is the best reward and award for me.”