Professor Weiming Zhu of HKU Business School was recently chosen among the select group of global ‘2025 Best 40 Under 40 MBA Professors’. The award was compiled by the highly influential Poets&Quants education media outlet.
Prof. Zhu’s achievement is consistent with HKU Business School’s ongoing commitment to attracting and supporting our diverse body of highly accomplished educators. Our diverse faculty of more than 210 educators from more than 22 countries continues to build on our reputation as a leading university in Asia Pacific and beyond.
At just 36 years old, Prof. Zhu is an Associate Professor of Innovation and Information Management, and he also serves as the Director of Executive Education Open Programs. His teaching consistently receives high praise from students for being highly practical and forward-looking. For example, he has lessons on how to use ChatGPT for coding and other future-oriented work skills.
Before joining HKU Business School, Prof. Zhu was an Associate Professor in the Department of Production, Technology & Operations Management at IESE Business School. He was also a Visiting Professor at the MIT Institute for Data, Systems and Society (IDSS).
His research focuses on market operations, urban transportation, and supply chain finance. A real-time coupon distribution algorithm he developed, as well as a shared bike simulation system, have been adopted by several companies for daily operational decision-making.
His scholarly work has been published in top-tier journals and has earned multiple Best Paper awards. He was also honoured with HKU’s Outstanding Teacher Award (Postgraduate Teaching).
Beyond his serious commitment to teaching, Prof. Zhu has diverse interests. “If I weren’t a professor,” he said about his passion for drawing, “I’d want to be a cartoonist.”
He also appreciates author Yuval Noah Harari’s idea in Sapiens about the power of “good stories” in human society. In class, he uses storytelling case studies and guided questions to interact with MBA students, thereby energising the classroom, encouraging reflection, and clarifying key concepts.
With regard to the concept of ‘reducing algorithm aversion in businesses’, he has pointed out that organisational barriers to AI adoption are not just technical issues but also stem from employees’ distrust of machines. In the age of AI, he’s argued, companies should help teams effectively leverage AI while still maintaining critical thinking and independent judgment; this could further encourage organisations to be more humane in their operations.
Prof. Zhu places high value on his MBA students’ diversity of perspectives, enjoying the chance to engage with students from various backgrounds. That said, he also acknowledges that keeping courses relevant amidst rapid technological change is a major challenge.
For more details about Prof. Zhu’s interview with Poets&Quants, please click here.
3rd Annual Conference on China and the Global Economy Explores Trade Wars, Industrial Policy, and Geoeconomics Challenges
Hong Kong, May 21, 2025 – The Institute of China Economy (ICE) at HKU Business School successfully hosted its 3rd Annual Conference on China and the Global Economy from May 12–13, 2025, at iCube in Central Hong Kong. The event convened over 100 scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders from 15 countries to address pressing challenges in global economic governance, with a focus on China’s evolving strategic role in an era of geopolitical fragmentation and technological rivalry.
Event Highlights
Keynote Insights
Vivian Yue (Emory University)– “A Theory of International Official Lending” Official lending by governments and multilateral institutions has emerged as a critical tool for crisis response, exemplified by China’s rise as a leading global creditor. Yue’s framework revealed how strategic alignment of debt allocation can enhance welfare in developing economies, though reforms are needed to address imbalances in multilateral governance.
Gerard Padro Miquel (Yale University)– “Ambiguous Attribution and Accountability” Drawing from a 2023 Spanish election experiment, Padro Miquel demonstrated that institutional ambiguity fuels partisan biases, undermining democratic accountability. Clearer responsibility attribution and actor-specific data are essential to depolarize policymaking and restore public trust.
Breakthrough Research
Trade Wars & Sanctions
Yang Jiao (SMU)showed that Western financial sanctions (e.g., SWIFT exclusion) reduced Russia’s trade with both Western and non-Western nations, but alternative payment systems (e.g., China’s CIPS) softened the blow in non-aligned economies.
Johannes Van Biesebroeck (KU Leuven)found U.S. sanctions caused a 2% permanent market value lossfor targeted Chinese firms, though operational resilience and selective government support mitigated long-term impacts.
Xiao Ma (PHBS)linked the U.S.-China trade war to a 28% decline in patent similarity between the two nations, as tariffs redirected Chinese R&D toward domestic and alternative markets.
Industrial Policy & Domestic Reforms
Harry Li (HKU)exposed hidden costs of China’s industrial subsidies: WTO-permitted retaliatory tariffs offset 22% of sales gains, urging recalibration of state support strategies.
Loren Brandt (U of Toronto)mapped geographic disparities in China’s steel industry, revealing how local protectionism and ownership barriers hinder restructuring despite overcapacity.
Chen Ting (HKBU)analyzed land reforms’ gendered impacts: rural women transitioned out of agriculture, while urban women faced widening wage gaps, underscoring uneven policy outcomes.
Migration, Housing & Growth
Zhang Rui (Sun Yat-Sen U)demonstrated that remittances (24% of migrants’ income) alleviate trade-induced inequality, but region-specific “friendliness” metrics are vital to equitable policy design.
Wang Wen (HKUST)warned that housing subdivision, while boosting affordability, risks displacing low-income tenants unless paired with targeted zoning and amenity investments.
Wen Yao (Tsinghua)redefined China’s growth through a neoclassical model, attributing post-2009 slowdowns to institutional inefficiencies rather than pure economic factors.
Global Impact & Policy Relevance
The conference underscored three critical themes:
Geoeconomic Fragmentation:Sanctions and trade wars are reshaping global networks, with non-Western financial systems (e.g., RMB, CIPS) gaining strategic traction.
Domestic-International Nexus:China’s industrial and migration policies have ripple effects on global trade, inequality, and institutional accountability.
Data-Driven Governance: Novel metrics—from patent similarity indices to regional “friendliness” scores—are essential to decode complex economic interactions.
About the Organizer
The Institute of China Economy (ICE) at HKU Business School is a leading research hub dedicated to advancing rigorous analysis of China’s economic development and its global implications. Through conferences, policy briefs, and cross-sector collaboration, ICE bridges academia, governments, and industry to foster evidence-based dialogue.
Earlier this month, the HKU-TLV Innovation Hub successfully led two simultaneous international field trips for Masters’ students —one in Paris and the other in Barcelona.
Across both cities, students took part in a rich and immersive academic experience that combined company visits, interactive workshops, and cultural exploration. They engaged with local startups and industry leaders, attended expert-led lectures on geopolitics, EU monetary & economic policy, and explored the local business ecosystems from multiple angles.
A major highlight was the Product Management workshop, which focused on one of today’s most in-demand skill sets. Following the workshop, students participated in an exciting Sprint Day, where they applied their earned skills to solve real-world business challenges and deliver impactful, hands-on solutions for French company Le Cordon Bleu & Spanish startup Emotional Hub.
Outside the classroom, students rolled up their sleeves in a fun, hands-on cooking workshop, diving into the rich local flavors and culinary traditions. They also soaked up the vibe of each city’s coolest spots—from Gaudí’s stunning creations in Barcelona to the charming streets and iconic landmarks of Paris such as the Eiffel Tower and Palace Garnier opera house.
These international field trips offered students a unique chance to broaden their global perspectives, sharpen practical business skills, and connect with both peers and professionals across borders.
We’re proud to be building these cross-cultural bridges—and are already looking forward to what’s next for these bright HKU masters students!
Two current undergraduate students, Mr. Benjamin Evald [Year 4 – BEcon&Fin], and Ms. Alla Ip [(Year 4 BBA)], have been selected by the Faculty as student representatives to attend the Beta Gamma Sigma Regional Leadership Conference – “Navigating Leadership: Adapting Styles for the Evolving Workplace” at Northern Kentucky University from April 11-12, 2025.
During the two-day conference, BGS student participants from various BGS Chapters have been presented with a valuable opportunity to explore dynamic leadership, emphasising adaptability in today’s complex workplaces with integrity and innovation. Distinguished speakers have shared their insights and experiences on a range of topics, including cross-cultural nuances, ethics, and technological advancements such as AI. BGS members from different nations are actively engaged in networking, establishing connections, and participating in activities aimed at enhancing leadership skills, particularly in becoming influential and empowering leaders with a renewed sense of purpose and practical strategies applicable in both academic and professional spheres.
Below are the appreciation testimonials from Benjamin and Alla, highlighting the valuable insights and takeaways they gained from their participation in this transformative conference:
“Attending the 2025 Beta Gamma Sigma Leadership Conference surpassed my expectations, offering a uniquely enriching experience. Beyond the anticipated talks and seminars, the event provided ample opportunities to engage with speakers, fostering insightful discussions. Interacting with diverse BGS members from various universities added depth to my experience. This conference went beyond the ordinary, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications, emphasising the essence of leadership in human connection, motivation, and adaptability. The skills and connections gained will be invaluable in my academic and professional journey, reinforcing the importance of continuous self-improvement and genuine engagement. I return to campus not only with enhanced leadership skills but also with a renewed dedication to instilling these values within my university community.”
Mr. Benjamin Evald | BEcon&Fin Year 4, Academic Year 2024-25
“Attending the BGS Leadership Conference at Northern Kentucky University proved transformative, offering profound insights into leadership, communication, and cultural intelligence through immersive workshops, case competitions, and networking opportunities. The event prompted reflection on personal leadership styles and encouraged collaboration across diverse peers. Notably, Anne Bonney’s keynote on emotional intelligence set a powerful tone, emphasising the importance of self-awareness and positive intent in leadership. From crafting leadership impact statements to understanding the “Golden Circle” concept, sessions delved into diverse leadership dimensions, stressing the significance of empathy, adaptability, and strategic vision. Engaging exercises, like paired discussions on leadership philosophies and the intense case competition, honed problem-solving skills and highlighted the value of collaborative ideation. Networking sessions facilitated connections with professionals, reinforcing the essence of quality relationships over mere transactions. Immersed in American culture, hospitality shone through personal interactions, offering valuable insights into relationship-building and communication dynamics. As I prepare to enter the workforce, I intend to apply these learned principles of trust-building, cultural sensitivity, and collaborative leadership to navigate challenges and shape my professional journey with purpose and authenticity.”
Ms. Alla Ip | BBA Year 4, Academic Year 2024-25
Photo recaps about the BGS Regional Leadership Conference 2025
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, the top 20% of graduate students and all doctoral candidates who have successfully defended their dissertations at an AACSB-accredited business school. Besides giving recognitions to outstanding students, Beta Gamma Sigma also awards business veterans 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 Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) HKU Chapter proudly hosted its induction ceremony on April 24, 2025, at the HKU iCube. The event marked the induction of 109 exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate students into the esteemed ranks of Beta Gamma Sigma. Additionally, Mr. Daryl Ng, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group, a committed advocate for sustainability and community development, leading initiatives focusing on green practices, youth empowerment, community well-being, and heritage preservation, is being honoured with the title of BGS HKU Chapter Honoree.
The ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from Professor Hongbin Cai, the Dean of the HKU Business School, who extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly inducted Beta Gamma Sigma members. Dean Cai emphasised the core values that define Beta Gamma Sigma, including a commitment to excellence, dedication to service, and a profound passion for learning. He also highlighted the recent plans and development on sustainability education offered by the HKU Business School, including the establishment of the HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute, integrating sustainability-related content into academic teaching across different programme levels, ensuring that our students are prepared to tackle real-world environmental and social issues with knowledge and skill. Dean Cai also shared the upcoming initiatives, including the launching of HKU Business School Shanghai Centre, as well as a new curriculum in Artificial Intelligence (AI) offered which prepares our students with cutting-edge knowledge to stay ahead in the fast-paced changing world.
During the ceremony, the audience also had the privilege of hearing from Mr. Daryl Ng, who graciously shared his career journey. Reflecting on a fast-paced business landscape and the importance of innovation, Mr Ng emphasised the role of the new generation in shaping Hong Kong’s future. Encouraging the adoption of a holistic approach with fresh ideas and openness in future business, he underscored the significance of community impact and sustainable practices. Through resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, he envisioned a brighter future for Hong Kong. Challenges and opportunities go hand in hand, and challenges often bring out the best in ourselves, making our society better and stronger. Mr. Ng encouraged the participants to stay focused on their mission for personal and societal impact.
About Beta Gamma Sigma
Established in 1907 in the U.S., Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society serving business programmes accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive. Since 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma has inducted more than 700,000 outstanding students in more than 160 countries around the world.
About BGS HKU Chapter
The BGS HKU Chapter was installed in 2012. Since its inception, over 1,000 students were inducted. The lifelong membership conveys academic excellence, a commitment to high principle and superior achievement. Eligible students must attain CGPA of at least 3.60 and simultaneously be on the Dean’s Honour List and be on the top 10% of their respective undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
We are pleased to celebrate the successful conclusion of the HKU-Accenture Business Consulting Programme 2024-25 on March 29, 2025. Now in its seventh year, the Programme continues to empower students with industry knowledge, hands-on exposure, and essential skills for the business consulting field, bridging university education with real-world applications.
From hundreds of applicants, 30 students from HKU Business School were selected and divided into 6 teams to participate in four lectures curated by Accenture Managing Directors. These lectures covered range of topics such as introduction to consulting industry, design thinking, storyboarding, executive presentation, and emerging trends like next-generation technology and AI. Between sessions, Accenture Managers also provided tailored coaching to help students to consolidate the knowledge and skills they acquired and apply to a real-world business case.
This year’s programme concluded with a case competition featuring the real-life business case from our case partner, Hong Kong Technology Venture Company Limited (HKTV). Through this collaboration, students gained firsthand insight into the operation of HKTVmall Wet Market Express, applied the skills honed under the guidance of seasoned Accenture executives, and pitched innovative solutions directly to top management from HKTV. This hands-on experience is invaluable not only in developing concrete consulting skills but also cultivated soft and transferable skills that will give them competitive edge in their future careers.
Miss Karis Kim, a year 4 BEcon&Fin student from the Champion Team, reflected, “The highlight of the programme was tackling the real-life business case for HKTV Wet Market Express. This project challenged us to balance innovation with feasibility, budget constraints, Hong Kong’s unique context, and the fast-evolving e-commerce landscape. The opportunity to engage with industry leaders from HKTV and Accenture’s Managing Directors was invaluable. This programme has been a transformative journey, I am grateful for the lessons and memories it has given me.”
Mr. Maverick Leung, a year 3 BBA(Law)&LLB student from the Champion Team, added, “The Programme immersed me in an authentic consulting experience, working with a real client – HKTV, visiting their distribution centres, conducting market questionnaires, and presenting the final deliverables, all within the eight-week programme. It’s truly one of the best programmes to join for anyone considering a consulting career!”
Miss Joey Cheung, Best Presenter and a year 2 BBA(IBGM) student, extended her appreciation to the Accenture coach, “A heartfelt thank you to our coach from Accenture for guiding us through the process. Her practical suggestions for our case, combined with her thoughtful insights into the consulting industry, provided me with a deep understanding of real-world business dynamics. This programme has been an inspiring milestone in my learning journey!”
The long-standing partnership between the HKU Business School and Accenture exemplifies the cornerstone of education – integrating classroom learning with insights from industry professionals. We are deeply grateful to Accenture for their unwavering commitment to nurturing business talents and future leaders. We look forward to continuing this partnership and exploring new collaborations in the years to come. Congratulations to all the participants of the HKU-Accenture Business Consulting Programme 2024-25!
Champion Team: Accending Ventures
Miss Kim Sum Yuet Karis, BEcon&Fin, Year 4
Mr. Leung Ho Lun, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 3
Mr. Wong Yuk Chun, BFin(AMPB), Year 2
Mr. Tang King Chong Jonathan, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Miss Zhou Yukun, BBA, Year 2
Best Presenter:
Miss Cheung Lok Ching, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Case Presentation by the Champion Team
Mr. Robert Hah, Accenture Managing Director (4th from right) and Mr. Ricky Wong, HKTV Vice Chairman and Group CEO (3rd from right) with the Champion Team – Accending Ventures and Ms. Larissa Ho, Accenture Coach
Mr. Robert Hah (right) and Mr. Ricky Wong (left) with Miss Joey Cheung, Best Presenter of the Case Competition (middle)
Prof. Derek Chan from HKU Business School (middle) presented appreciation trophies to representatives of the two partners – Mr. Robert Hah from Accenture (left) and Mr. Ricky Wong from HKTV (right).
The Judging Panel of the Case Competition: Mr. Robert Hah (3rd from right), Mr. Luca Fong (1st from left) and Mr. Yatin Ahuja (3rd from left) from Accenture, and Mr. Ricky Wong (middle) and Ms. Vivian Cheung (2nd from left) from HKTV, alongside with Prof. Derek Chan (4th from right) and Prof. Winnie Leung (4th from left) from HKU Business School, the Champion Team, and the Best Presenter.
Networking during the lunch celebration
Everyone gave a “thumbs-up” during the Lunch Celebration
Debriefing Session with Accenture Coaches after the Closing Ceremony
Congratulations to our student team for winning the Champion in UW Global Business Case Competition 2025!
UW Global Business Case Competition (UW GBCC) is an international case competition hosted annually by the University of Washington Foster School of Business in Seattle, USA. The competition brings together 12 teams of undergraduate students from top business schools worldwide to compete in fast-paced and innovative business case studies.
Marking its 25th anniversary, the competition featured two real-world case studies: 5-hour case on the development of Arm Holdings’ AI chip and 24-hour case on the expansion of Starbucks into the Chinese market. In the 5-hour case, students were mixed into groups with three members from other universities, fostering exchange and collaboration across diverse backgrounds. In the 24-hour case, they returned to their original teams to develop business recommendations under a tight timeframe and present their solutions to the judges.
Our students showcased their ability to navigate complex business challenges, exceptional presentation skills, and seamless teamwork. Their dedication and hard work have brought home the Champion. Congratulations to the team!
“Competing in UW GBCC was an incredibly rewarding and unforgettable experience. What made GBCC special from other international case competitions was the unique cross-team opportunity—during the 5-hour case, each of us worked with participants from three different universities instead. It was a fantastic opportunity to exchange perspectives, learn diverse problem-solving approaches and enhance our presentation techniques.
The 24-hour case challenge featuring Starbucks China as our client was intense but fulfilling. Working under such time pressure pushed us to think creatively and efficiently; the judges’ feedback was particularly insightful, helping us to learn and refine our strategies.
Beyond the competition, we embraced the chance to explore Seattle, visiting iconic spots like the original Starbucks at Pike Place Market (where we also saw the famous fish-throwing tradition) and the University District.
I am deeply grateful to HKU Business School for this incredible opportunity; and to my outstanding teammates Joey, Anson, and Maverick, along with our coach, Ms. Pipin Tasdyata, for their unwavering support throughout this journey. UW GBCC has not only elevated my professional capabilities, but also further solidified my belief in business as a powerful vehicle for creating positive change in the world.”
(by Miss Cheung Ho Ning, Jolie)
“My week in Seattle was truly a remarkable experience, combining cultural exchange with intense competition. It provided an invaluable opportunity to meet and interact with talented students from around the world, both as collaborators and competitors.
The 5-hour case challenge, where we teamed up with students from different schools, was both challenging and enlightening. We shared diverse perspectives and case-cracking methodologies, transforming the competition into a unique platform for cultural exchange and mutual learning.
The 24-hour Starbucks China case was undoubtedly the highlight of our journey. As a Hong Kong team with comprehensive knowledge of the Chinese market, we felt additional pressure to excel. Drawing from my previous internship experience at Starbucks APAC, I was able to contribute insights about the brand’s value proposition, helping our team craft strategies that balanced innovation with feasibility. The moment we saw the judges’ approving smiles after our presentation remains unforgettable, and winning the championship was a profound validation of our team’s efforts.
I am deeply grateful to everyone who made this achievement possible. My heartfelt thanks go to HKU Business School for this incredible opportunity and to the Foster School of Business for organising such an exceptional competition. Special appreciation to our case coach Pipin and our ambassadors, Ellie and Shiarina, whose guidance and support were instrumental throughout our preparation and journey. Finally, I am thankful for my amazing teammates – Anson, Jolie, and Maverick – whose support and collaboration made this success possible.
Truly blessed, truly grateful.”
(by Miss Cheung Lok Ching, Joey)
“The UW GBCC 2025 was a one-week intensive experience filled with joy, hard work, and fun. This week, I was honoured to meet talented case-cracking individuals from 12 universities around the globe, learning about different culture and their local cuisines. What I particularly love most is the special 5-hour short case in which teams are mixed to form new teams, allowing us to extend beyond simply working with our own university team, but to also learn from the best-case crackers from other universities as well, furthering the exchange of knowledge and skills.”
(by Mr. Leung Ho Lun, Maverick)
“Reflecting on this unforgettable journey, my heart still brims with emotion and gratitude. Every moment in Seattle has been a precious learning experience. The memories of working late into the night with my team, the joy of finally settling our recommendations, and the relief upon completing our presentations – these moments remain deeply etched in my mind.
Despite facing challenges like losing my voice, I was fortunate to have our case coach Pipin’s support and the invaluable assistance of our ambassadors, Ellie and Shiarina. Special thanks to my teammates Maverick, Jolie, and most definitely, Joey, who accompanied me through countless days and nights of training.
I’m deeply grateful to HKU Business School for providing me with this precious opportunity once again, and to the UW GBCC team for organising such a magnificent event. Every friendship forged in Seattle has added vibrant colours to this experience.
Until we meet again, Seattle – a city that now holds so many cherished memories.”
We are thrilled to announce that our students have won Champion, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up, and Merit award in HKSI Institute Case Competition 2025!
The HKSI Institute Case Competition is an annual business competition organised by the Hong Kong Securities and Investment Institute. The theme of this year competition is Sustainability. Collaborating with over 20 sponsoring companies, HKSI Institute presented participants with real-life sustainability and finance-related cases for research and case cracking. In the final round, the 5 finalist teams presented their initiatives for developing Hong Kong as a new sustainable finance hub.
Among a competitive pool of 480 students, our students stood out by demonstrating deep understanding on sustainable finance and exceptional case cracking skills, and won Champion, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up, and Merit award in the competition. Congratulations!
(The team comprises 2 team members from other university.)
Student Sharing:
Champion – Team Billionaires
“Participating in this competition provided invaluable lessons about implementing sustainable finance solutions. The experience revealed that effective proposals must address investors’ actual constraints rather than wishful thinking. Working with our BNP Paribas coach helped us understand that family offices’ real hesitation stemmed from concrete concerns about risk management and return profiles, not a lack of environmental awareness.
The most valuable learning was recognizing how successful sustainable finance mechanisms must align with existing decision-making processes. We discovered solutions gain traction when they incorporate familiar investment frameworks while introducing ESG elements gradually. Another key takeaway was the importance of building verification systems directly into proposal designs rather than treating them as afterthoughts.”
(by Mr. Chen Franco)
“Participating in the competition was an invaluable experience that greatly enriched my understanding of ESG topics, particularly carbon credits and sustainable business practices. This journey challenged me to think critically, collaborate creatively, and refine my ability to communicate complex ideas—skills that will undoubtedly benefit my future career.
Through our initial research project, I gained profound insights into the intricacies of sustainability, such as the role of carbon credits in decarbonization strategies. The semifinals pushed us to think outside the box as we crafted compelling pitches that balanced feasibility, impact, and innovation.
Winning the competition was a rewarding milestone, but the true value lay in the process – collaborating with my team, receiving feedback from judges, and refining our ideas under pressure. This journey has inspired me to continue exploring and advocating for solutions that address environmental challenges in the business world in the future.”
(by Miss Kwok Hei Tung, Samantha)
“The mentorship from our BNP Paribas mentor was particularly precious, from whom I learned a lot about how the industry approaches ESG integration. Winning the championship was a thrilling achievement, but the deeper reward was seeing our proposals, especially my contributions to ESG talent remodelling and carbon innovation, resonate with judges and professionals.
As the lead for the remodelling of the ESG talent program section, I focused on the development of the youth force as preparation for future professionals. Throughout the research process, I was able to gain insights into the existing talent programs while coming up with my own creative thoughts, which enabled me to delve deep into the industry, enhancing my understanding of the importance of the role of ESG in the future, while prompting me to explore and experiment with different innovative ideas.
All in all, this experience was truly rewarding, transforming my understanding of sustainability as a cross-disciplinary challenge. My biggest takeaway and advice to future participants is to think ambitiously, but back up and support those bold ideas with solid research and justifications.”
(by Miss Lu Jingqi, Murphy)
“I first joined this competition to experience more and learn more about the world of ESG through our mentorship with BNP, but in the beginning, I never expected our results to turn out like this. This journey was very rewarding for me as I was able to meet and experience many new things within the sustainability and ESG sectors by both researching and interacting with specialists within the field.
This experience rewarded me with many core memories of our victory and our struggle to get there. My advice for any future participants would be to take more risks and trust in your teammates as it worked for our team.”
(by Mr. Yiu Ho Ching Bevis)
1st Runner-up – Team VRJK Consulting
“Beginning with a comprehensive analysis of sustainability research, our experience in the HKSI Institute Case Competition 2025 laid the groundwork for tackling complex financial challenges. Advancing through the stages, we developed innovative strategies that aimed to enhance Hong Kong’s reputation as a leader in sustainable finance. The competition proved to be a rewarding challenge, compelling us to collaborate closely and engage in critical thinking at every turn. Ultimately, the knowledge gained has deepened our commitment to fostering positive change within the industry.”
(by Miss Goyani Venisha Satish)
“Throughout the HKSI Institute Case Competition 2025, I had the opportunity to delve deeply into the stability disclosure practices of leading financial organisations worldwide and explore innovative strategies aimed at transforming Hong Kong into a global green and sustainable finance hub.
One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of being inquisitive. I actively sought guidance from our project sponsor, our BBA(IBGM) Programme Director, Prof. Matthias Buehlmaier, and several professionals within our network. Their insights were invaluable in shaping our approach and enhancing our understanding of the complexities involved in sustainable finance.
Additionally, I developed a more practical mindset in strategy formulation. This involved not only theoretical research but also applying real-world considerations to ensure our proposals were actionable and impactful.”
(by Miss Luo Regina)
“Our journey in the HKSI Institute Case Competition 2025 began with defining best practices for IFRS S2 and TCFD disclosures adopted by leading organizations in the early stages of the competition. Building on this foundation, we advanced to the finals, where we proposed innovative yet practical solutions to position Hong Kong as a sustainable finance hub. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, pushing us to think critically at every step.”
(by Mr. Pang Hoi Yin, James)
“Participating in the HKSI Case Competition 2025 was an unforgettable experience that challenged me to grow. From working with the project sponsor during the coaching period to analysing cases in the semi-finals and the final round, every step was a valuable learning opportunity. Despite moments of doubt, our team worked tirelessly to research and craft innovative solutions. Along the way, I learned so much about sustainable finance and how it applies to real-world challenges. Achieving 1st Runner-up was a proud moment that highlighted the importance of teamwork and determination. This experience taught me to never doubt myself and to always remain open to learning opportunities.”
