The HKGCC Business Case Competition is an annual competition hosted by Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC). The competition aims to foster the sharing of ideas between tertiary students and businesses and to motivate students to apply the skills and knowledge learned in class to develop solutions for real-life business challenges.
This year’s competition was sponsored by the Chevalier Group, the Chinachem Group, Jardine Matheson, and the Swire Pacific. Students were provided with an opportunity to develop innovative ideas and crack one or more business cases from the four sponsors with topics ranged from smart city and community engagement to health-consciousness and sustainability.
After clearing the initial round, students received feedback and guidance from their respective sponsors to refine their proposals in the mentorship phase. Each sponsor then selected three best teams to advance to the final. The 12 finalist teams proceeded to the Final Pitching were required to give a 10-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A with the panel of judges.
Students from the HKU Business School have achieved remarkable success and won numerous awards in the competition, including three Champions and two 1st Runner-ups with the four sponsoring companies.
Champion (Swire Pacific track) and 1st Runner-up (Chinachem Group track)
Team name: Pawn Consulting
Team members:
Miss Chin Hoi Lam Michelle, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Miss Chzhan Lina, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Miss Leung Victoria Sze Pui, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Miss Yao Chuanjie, BBA(BA), Year 2
Champion (Chevalier track)
Team name: ChroCare
Team members:
Mr. Bi Hu, BBA(IBGM), Year 3
Miss Kim Sihyun, BBA(IBGM), Year 5
Miss Pyun Joo Ah, BBA(IBGM), Year 3
Miss Yu Yue, BBA(IBGM), Year 3
Miss Angeles Megan, BSc, Year 3
Champion (Chinachem Group track)
Team name: MICG Consulting
Team members:
Miss Au Cheuk Yee, BEcon&Fin, Year 1
Miss Ching Nga Sze, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 1
Mr. Lee Chi Hiu, BBA, Year 1
(The team comprises 1 other team member from other universities)
1st Runner-up (Chevalier track)
Team name: DY Consulting
Team members:
Mr. Cheung Kam Man, BBA(BA), Year 2
Miss Wong Tsz Ching, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 2
Mr. Yang Ka Lam, BSc(QFin), Year 3
Miss Wun Ally Lok Yin, GEBP, Year 2
Student Sharing:
Champion (Swire Pacific track) and 1st Runner-up (Chinachem Group track)
“One of the highlights of the competition was being able to participate in all 4 business tracks. It provided us with valuable insights into the ESG practices of these prestigious groups and their shared commitment to creating a sustainable future for Hong Kong. This experience underscored the integral role of ESG integration in business operations for long-term resilience in a rapidly changing environment, as well as the importance of giving back to the community.”
(by Miss Chin Hoi Lam Michelle)
“Our perception of the business world underwent a transformation as a result of this competition. Previously, we believed that standing out with a unique value proposition and making a genuine, tangible impact should be enough to differentiate oneself in the business landscape. However, we quickly realized that even influential companies like the sponsors, which are actively contributing to society, sometimes require assistance in raising public awareness about their efforts. Effective communication strategies can be the missing link in achieving differentiation. Furthermore, we honed our teamwork and soft skills, learned to manage our time effectively, communicated efficiently as a team, and leveraged each other’s strengths.”
(by Miss Chzhan Lina)
“Participating in the HKGCC Case Competition was an incredible experience that has left an indelible mark on my personal and professional growth. During this competition journey, our team focused on highlighting scalable and innovative solutions, organizing exhibits, and incorporating interactive activities for the corporate to engage and educate customers and participants. Through our innovative initiatives for Swire Pacific and Chinachem Group, we aimed to make a positive impact on society and the environment. I deeply appreciate my teammates’ collective effort, collaboration, and synergy which were the driving forces behind our success. I extend my deepest gratitude to our supervisor, whose guidance and support were invaluable throughout the competition. This experience has left me inspired and even more determined to contribute to the business world and create meaningful change.”
(by Miss Yao Chuanjie, Rosie)
Champion (Chevalier track)
“Winning the championship in the Chevalier Group track of the HKGCC Business Case Competition 2023/24 was an exhilarating experience that provided me with a unique blend of real-world business insights and opportunities. Collaborating closely with our team and mentors, I gained a deeper understanding of how businesses can play a transformative role in society. This competition was not just about showcasing our abilities in the areas of problem solving, research and analysis, it was also about applying them towards making tangible improvements in the city, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable growth. The lessons learned and the connections made have been invaluable, truly enhancing my perspective on the potential impact of thoughtful business practices.”
(by Mr. Bi Hu, Tiger)
“Our proposal, as it aims to provide service to the chronically ill and the elderly population, a part of the proposal comes from our personal experiences with the toughness of having chronic illness, whether it be yourself or a beloved member of the family. As ‘doing something new’ as a large business should always be a deep consideration about what value it can bring to people before any market potential analysis, we came up with the proposal with a real consideration of what value it could bring to the target population. Also, a part of it has been fuelled by the anecdotes that we have collected on the hardships in the lives of the chronically ill population.
During the solution-devising part of the competition, we have learnt that while a lot of new business proposals can come from a good heart or an altruistic point of view, some of these ‘for-good activities’ tend to have larger overhead than the value they can ultimately bring. Therefore, the role of management consulting should be to devise a solution which accounts for this pitfall in the failure of effective altruism. By doing so, we were able to further understand why it is important to possess skills and fundamental knowledge of financial forecasting and general business operations to come up with feasible and realistic, yet meaningful solutions for businesses.”
(by Miss Kim Sihyun, Blair)
“Throughout this competition, I was encouraged to think strategically and generate innovative ideas. I had the opportunity to explore how Chevalier could effectively utilize its inherent advantages and expertise to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the initiatives outlined in the Smart City Blueprint. This experience significantly improved my critical thinking skills and my ability to propose creative solutions. Working on the proposal alongside my teammates, we faced various challenges that required problem-solving and collaboration. These experiences highlighted the importance of effective teamwork and communication when addressing complex issues. I learned how to actively engage with my team members, leverage their diverse perspectives, and collectively find solutions. Overall, participating in this competition provided me with a comprehensive learning experience. It equipped me with valuable skills in strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork. I am confident that these skills will greatly benefit me in future endeavours, enabling me to approach problem-solving situations with confidence and work collaboratively with others to find effective solutions.”
(by Miss Pyun Joo Ah)
“The experience of participating in the HKGCC competition has been truly enriching for me. Not only have I acquired valuable professional knowledge from the esteemed judges and my fellow teammates, but also the atmosphere of collaboration and unwavering support within our group has left an indelible impression on me. The memories we created while working on the case competition and presenting as a unified team at HKGCC will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
(by Miss Yu Yue, Mary)
Champion (Chinachem Group track)
“Participating in the HKGCC competition was an enriching experience for me. I learned how to analyse complex business problems and propose effective solutions within a limited timeframe. I also improved my teamwork, communication, and presentation skills as we worked together to develop our ideas and presented them to the judges. It was a great opportunity to network with professionals and they gave valuable feedback on our performance. Overall, the case composition challenged me to think outside the box and developed innovative solutions to real-world business challenges.”
(by Miss Au Cheuk Yee)
“The reason why I joined this competition was that it collaborated with four well-known corporations, so this would be a precious chance for me to get more insights about the real business industry outside the classroom. The competition would undoubtedly enhance my soft skills, such as creativity, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as well as prepare me for stepping into the business world in the near future.
During the deck-making process, I learned how to effectively transform our innovative ideas into practical solutions by adding necessary details. The mentoring phase enabled me to learn how the industry professionals thought about our ideas, so that we could polish them to make them more feasible and cost-effective. Through the Q&A session in the final, I gained valuable insights into the key areas that deserved attention within the business society. In conclusion, I am grateful for this experience as it has greatly enriched my knowledge in solving real-life business challenges.”
(by Miss Ching Nga Sze, Gloria)
“In this competition, I’m able to combine what I have learned and the real business world together. It’s a very prime chance for me to gain this experience and I definitely learn a lot. Our group faced different challenges but after times of discussion, we were able to find a solution for it. I understood that it’s important to be a team player, and proactively explore solutions for different kinds of business problems or the actual focuses of them.”
(by Mr. Lee Chi Hiu)
1st Runner–up (Chevalier track)
“Upon joining the HKGCC Case Competition, we were granted a remarkable opportunity to explore and immerse ourselves in the vast array of business prospects that arise from the visionary Hong Kong Smart City Plan. This forward-thinking plan aspires to transform Hong Kong into a next-generation urban city, dedicated to providing its citizens with an enhanced and enriched living experience.
Participating in this competition has proven to be an invaluable experience, as it has equipped us with the knowledge and skills necessary to design products that can make a positive and lasting impact on society. Through this journey, we have gained insights into the intricate interplay between innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, thereby enabling us to develop solutions that align with the broader goals of the Hong Kong Smart City Plan.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teammates for their unwavering support throughout this transformative experience. Their collaborative spirit, dedication, and unwavering belief in our shared vision have been instrumental in propelling us to the point we have reached today. It is through their collective efforts and steadfast support that we have been able to overcome challenges and surpass expectations.
Furthermore, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the HKGCC and Chevalier for organizing and supporting us along our journey. Their commitment to fostering innovation has been instrumental in providing us with this exceptional platform to showcase our ideas.”
(by Mr. Cheung Kam Man, Stephen)
“Participating in the HKGCC Business Case Competition 2023/24 was an enlightening experience that provided us invaluable insights into the real business landscape. From the initial brainstorming sessions to the intense mentoring phase, and finally the challenging final pitch, I gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of business operations and the ability to integrate innovative solutions with strategic thinking. Moreover, the competition journey honed my attention to detail and time management skills. These competencies, together, were sharpened through practical experience and the pressure of tight deadlines.
Last but not least, I am deeply grateful to my teammates, in which our collaboration strengthened tremendously as we overcame challenges together. Our ability to leverage each other’s strengths and work cohesively was instrumental to our success. I believe this achievement is not only a milestone in our academic journey but also a significant personal accomplishment that will undoubtedly shape our future endeavours in the professional world.”
(by Miss Wong Tsz Ching, Angela)
“The competition was a catalyst for critical thinking and the development of innovative solutions to complex business problems. Initially, we generated a wide range of potential solutions, aiming to create an all-in-one solution. However, upon conducting a more in-depth analysis of the case, we recognized the need to make trade-offs and remove certain features from our solution. This process of analyzing the case, identifying key issues, and formulating practical recommendations significantly enhanced my problem-solving abilities. It taught me the importance of considering different perspectives and making informed decisions to achieve the most effective and feasible solution. Moreover, presenting our solutions to the judges and effectively communicating our ideas was a significant aspect of the competition. Initially, it was challenging to explain the working principles and advantages of our creative and innovative solution. This experience helped me improve my presentation skills, including structuring the content, delivering a persuasive pitch, and responding to questions confidently.
Furthermore, participating in the competition allowed me to network with professionals, judges, and fellow participants from the business community. During the HKGCC Case Competition, we had the opportunity to interact with competitors from different schools and majors. Additionally, we had the privilege of engaging with industry veterans from the sponsor company. This experience provided us with valuable perspectives from diverse backgrounds and allowed us to learn from the expertise and experiences of seasoned professionals in the field.”
The inaugural HKU Business School Alumni Homecoming Weekend has marked an exhilarating start to 2024! Thank you to the 1,500 alumni who joined us from March 15 to 17 for this unforgettable series of events, filled with learning, networking, and reminiscing.
Day 1 – March 15, we kicked off the weekend with a nostalgic Campus Tour at HKU, followed by an enlightening Luncheon Talk by Prof. Michael B. Wong on Hong Kong’s housing market. We also had an amazing time taking 100 alumni on a Company Visit to Cathay Pacific Airways, where they had the rare opportunity to sit in a flight simulator. Additionally, our visit to Lee Kum Kee Company Limited was an incredible experience that highlighted the importance of family cooperation. We want to express our sincere gratitude to both companies for their flawless organization and warm hospitality.
Day 2 – March 16 featured a captivating Distinguished Lecture by Mr. Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development on Hong Kong’s vision for sustainable economic growth. The day concluded with our dazzling HKU Business School Alumni Gala Dinner, where friendships were rekindled and memories were made.
On Day 3 – March 17, we celebrated sports and business synergy at our Sports and Business Forum, featuring three of Hong Kong’s most famous athletic heroes (including our very own celebrity alumnus, Alex Fong!), three iconic global sporting brands, our elite sports scholars who competed in the Hangzhou Asian Games, and a star Silicon Valley alumnus entrepreneur.
A heartfelt thank you to all our alumni for making this homecoming weekend a roaring success! We hope you left with new insights, valuable connections, and fond memories of your time at HKU Business School. Stay connected and see you at future alumni events!
We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the HKU-Accenture Business Consulting Programme (BCP) 2023-24, held on February 24, 2024. This year marked the sixth edition of the programme, which aims to equip students with industry knowledge, exposure, and essential skills for the business consulting field, allowing them to apply their university education in practical scenarios.
After a rigorous selection process from a pool of hundreds of applicants, 30 students from HKU Business School were selected and divided into six teams of five to participate in 4 master class lectures curated by Accenture Managing Directors, covering a range of topics such as Introduction to Consulting, Design Thinking, Storyboarding & Executive Presentation, and Next Gen Technology. Accenture Managers also provided coaching sessions to help students reinforce their learning. The programme focused on developing core consulting skills and culminated in a case competition, where students could apply their newly acquired knowledge in a simulated business environment and compete for the Championship and Best Presenter Award.
Mr. Elvis Kwong, Team Leader of the Champion Team, a year-4 BBA(Acc&Fin) programme student, expressed his appreciation for the programme, stating, “throughout the programme, I learnt to solve real-life problems by adopting design thinking and identified underlying business problems by using MECE framework. Additionally, I honed my ability to construct compelling storylines that effectively communicate with the audience. Our team also had the chance to network with the professionals and received constructive feedback after the final pitch. I highly recommend those who want to enter the consulting industry to join this programme.”
The Best Presenter, Ms. Angela Leung, who is a year-3 BBA programme student, added that “it has been an incredible experience for me. The programme has not only equipped me with valuable skills like design thinking and storytelling but also provided me with the opportunity to receive mentorship from my incredible mentor. Her guidance and expertise have inspired me greatly in generating innovative business strategies. Moreover, I feel extremely fortunate to have collaborated with my teammates. The synergy and camaraderie within our team have been instrumental in our success. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn, grow, and build lasting connections through the HKU-Accenture BCP.”
The key to success for this programme is HKU’s long-standing partnership with Accenture, who brings in not only industry-proven consulting expertise but also dedicated consulting professionals who commit to the University’s and Business School’s shared goal of nurturing future business talents. The University looks forward to a continuous collaboration with Accenture in the years to come. Congratulations to all the participants of the HKU-Accenture Business Consulting Programme 2023-24!
Champion Team – Agile Mind:
Mr. Elvis Kwong (Team Leader – 1st from the right)
Ms. Such Kaur (1st from the left)
Mr. Samhith Vaidya (2nd from the left)
Mr. Bob Li (3rd from the left)
Ms. Stephanie Leung (2nd from the right)
Case Presentation by The Champion Team
Ms. Christina Wong, Accenture Managing Director (2nd from the left) and Mr. Jeff Chiu, Accenture Coach (3rd from the left) with the Champion Team
Mr. Luca Fong, Accenture Managing Director (left), Mr. Milton Fung, Accenture Strategy Senior Manager (right), with Ms. Angela Leung (middle), The Best Presenter of the Case Competition
The Case Competition Judging Panel, Prof. Olivia Leung (1st from the right) and Prof. Winnie Leung (2nd from the right) from HKU Business School, and Ms. Christina Wong (3rd from the right), Mr. Luca Fong (2nd from the left) and Mr. Milton Fung (1st from the left) from Accenture, with the Champion Team and Best Presenter.
Everyone gave a “thumbs-up” during the Lunch Celebration
The Debriefing Session with Accenture judges and coaches after the Closing Ceremony
Two current Undergraduate Students, Mr. Christopher Lee [Year 4 – BBA(IS)], and Mr. Leslie Li [(Year 4 BFin(AMPB)] have been nominated by the Faculty as student representatives for attending the Cultivating Authentic Leadership Beta Gamma Sigma Conference in Washington, D.C. from 8-10 February 2024.
The 2024 Cultivating Authentic Leadership Conference boasts a comprehensive program comprising keynote sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and other engaging activities carefully curated to facilitate an in-depth exploration of the realm of Authentic Leadership for all student representatives. Additionally, the conference provides invaluable networking opportunities, enabling BGS members to connect with accomplished leaders and fellow members from across the globe. Below are the appreciation testimonials from Christopher and Leslie, highlighting the valuable insights and takeaways they gained from their participation in this transformative conference.
“Networking is the biggest takeaway of the conference. Christopher said, “Interacting with students from different universities provided a unique perspective on global leadership challenges. There were even students coming from Australia and Nigeria. These connections extend beyond mere acquaintanceship, holding the promise of future collaborations and partnerships within the Beta Gamma Sigma community.”
Mr. Christopher Lee | BBA(IS) Year 4, Academic Year 2023-24
“The panel discussions provided real-world examples of how fellow members from various fields leveraged their Beta Gamma Sigma membership to drive authentic leadership in their career paths. From social entrepreneurship to crisis leadership, the panellists shared practical insights and actionable takeaways, inspiring me to harness the resources and opportunities Beta Gamma Sigma offers in my professional journey.”
Mr. Leslie Li | BFin(AMPB) Year 4 , Academic Year 2023-24
Beta Gamma Sigma is The International Business Honor Society recognising and honouring top performing students from around the world in business schools accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The Beta Gamma Sigma HKU Chapter was established in 2012.
Members of Beta Gamma Sigma are the top 10% of undergraduate students, top 20% of graduate students and all doctoral candidates that have successfully defended their dissertation at an AACSB accredited business school. Besides giving recognitions to outstanding students, Beta Gamma Sigma also awards business verterans with exceptional leadership as Chapter Honorees in the annual Induction Ceremony.
Since its founding in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma has inducted more than 900,000 outstanding students into membership worldwide. With more than 600 collegiate chapters and lifetime members from over 190 countries, Beta Gamma Sigma is truly a global network.
The China Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Digital Economy Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition 2024 was hosted by the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) and HKU SAAS Data Science Lab, and organized by International Association of Business Management Simulation. The Competition aimed to promote informatization and advance the modernization of economic and trade practices, and served as a platform for students to demonstrate their talents and engage in exchange activities.
Students were required to submit a business plan and prepare related PowerPoints for a road show. On January 20, 2024, 10 finalist teams from 8 universities in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao competed. The HKU team was awarded the 2nd Runner-up!
https://bit.ly/4c3H7Wc (Traditional Chinese Version only)
Award: 2nd Runner Up
Team Name: The first emperor has never been in the middle of a collapse group (先帝創業從未中道崩組)
Team Members:
Ms. Wen Cuiyi, BEcon&Fin, Year 1 (Team Leader)
Ms. Li Yihan, BBA(ADA), Year 1
Ms. Xi Chang, BBA, Year 1
(The team comprises 1 other team member from other Faculty of The University of Hong Kong)
Students Sharing :
“We are so proud and excited to receive such an amazing award in Year 1 at HKU Business School! During the competition, what touched me most was the unconditional trust, the successful cooperation, and full devotion among the four members of the team. We fully respect each other’s ideas, which further brought out more brilliant ideas and innovations about our product. As the team leader, the competition also taught me that being a leader not only means leading and instructing but is also about responsibilities, devotion, and strength. It is so lucky of me to meet such an amazing group and have such a brilliant experience! I sincerely believe we all gained and growth a lot from this competition.”
(By Wen Cuiyi)
“I am feeling so happy and proud of my amazing group mates for the award! This is actually our first time to stand on a competition stage and deliver a speech of our own business idea. I learnt how to write a business plan and apply digital economy to address the market needs. We have done extensive market research in the beginning stages and polished our project continually. It was much appreciated that the judges provided useful advice on our idea, which highly motivated us to carve out a business and dig deeper into the industry. Last but not least, I am deeply grateful to HKUBS for providing us all the information related to business competition, which helps us gaining out of classroom experience and be better prepared for our future careers.”
(By Li Yihan)
“My friends and I are all interested in business. Hence, we decided to sign up for this exciting business competition once received the promotional email from HKU Business School. Due to our lack of experience, we encountered many difficulties in preparing for the competition, such as estimating costs and financing with only one design proposal. To overcame the challenges, we tried to reach out and visited many companies in the upstream and downstream sectors, and conducted extensive market research. Ultimately, we completed the competition and achieved satisfactory results. This experience also sparked my interest in researching how to advance and implement our proposal. I want to thank my amazing teammates and the University! I will continue to work hard and strive for excellence!”
The Investing in the Future University Competition 2023 by Pictet Asset Management provided an opportunity for students from universities in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan to act as investment managers in Pictet Asset Management’s thematic equities team and to identify a company with attractive growth prospects that offers products and/or services tackling the world’s pressing environmental issues.
The competition consisted of two stages. Students were required to submit a concise proposal which was evaluated by the screening panel, composed of sustainability and investment experts from Pictet Asset Management and the International Chamber of Sustainable Development (ICSD). The finalists were shortlisted to present their ideas to a panel of judges, composed of top-tier industry experts, who evaluated the pitches and determined the ultimate winners of the competition.
Out of around 800 talented participants representing 21 universities across Hong Kong SAR, Mainland China, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, HKU team was awarded the 2nd Runner-up!
“Participating in the competition was a fun and unique experience. Throughout this competition, I was able to hone my research skills and, at the same time, gain practical knowledge in the thematic investment field. I also seized this precious opportunity to learn from the professional judges and the teams from all around Asia.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my teammates Huey and Kelvin for their immense effort and unconditional support. We would not have gone this far without them. I would also like to express my gratitude to mentors and organisers from Pictet Asset Management for their guidance and continued support in the training and feedback sessions.”
(By Chung Muk Yan (Adrian))
“Winning the competition has been an incredible experience for me. From the initial information session to the enlightening sessions with professionals from Pictet and HKUST, I have gained a deep understanding of ESG investing, focusing on a micro-level that centers on individual companies. Not to mention, it was a bliss to compete with teams from Singapore and Mainland China in the finals. I truly enjoy exchanging insights and learning from each other’s unique perspectives. Last but not least, I must thank my dedicated teammates who worked tirelessly throughout this competition.”
(By Lee Hiu Yee (Huey))
“Engaging in the competition was a significant milestone in my journey. From the comprehensive analysis of individual equity in the initial round to the final presentation in the final round, I have developed a profound comprehension of how ESG factors affect investment decisions. Collaborating with professionals from Pictet Asset Management and HKUST enriched my knowledge in thematic investment and ESG investing. Additionally, participating in an international competition with teams from Singapore and China provides a valuable opportunity to broaden my horizons. Lastly, I am immensely grateful to my teammates for their incredible efforts and hard work throughout the competition.”
Congratulations to Prof. Yang You, Assistant Professor in Finance, for winning the 2023 Research Output Prize for the paper “Redeemable platform currencies” published in The Review of Economic Studies.
The paper shows that token issuers who provide redemption services have a natural tendency to limit token tradability. The private token issuers tend to implement price discrimination by limiting token exchanges among token holders and customizing token issuance policy by tracing users’ redemption data. Our paper suggest s regulations on platform token mechanism design and limiting data users’ transaction history data. Prof. Yang You contribute s to the theoretic al framework of platform tokens.
Research Output Prize is to identify and recognize the best research outputs in different Faculties. While other awards under the Outstanding Researcher Awards scheme assess the research achievements of individual scholars accumulated over a relatively long period (usually more than five years), the Research Output Prize accords recognition to and honours the author (or a team of authors) of a single item of research output published or created in the preceding calendar year. The emphasis of the Prize is therefore on an outstanding output item rather than on an individual researcher’s track record.
