We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of Hong Kong Joint University Case Competition (JUCC) 2025. This annual flagship event, organised by the HKU International Case Society (HICS), a student-run organisation supported by HKU Business School, invited 16 top undergraduate teams from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. It served as a platform for students to showcase their case cracking, analytical, and presentation skills.

This year’s competition featured the business case of GreenPrice, a Hong Kong-based socially driven retail chain dedicated to mitigating food waste. The case challenged teams to formulate innovative strategies to expand GreenPrice’s retail network and strengthen its competitive edge in the market.

The Division Round and Grand Final Round took place on April 13, 2025. The 16 student teams were divided into four divisions and presented their ideas to a panel of judges. The top-scoring team from each division advanced to the Grand Final in the afternoon, competing for the Championship. The judging panel for the Grand Final included:

• Euphoni Wong, Head of Digital & Business Development, Group Health & Beauty, DFI
• Jason Yuen, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SOCIF Limited
• Vincent Tam, Chief Advisor, Relearn Education Limited

Winning teams and Best Presenter were awarded gift cards sponsored by GreenPrice. Additionally, all grand finalists were invited for a company visit and networking session with Mr. Terence Hon, Co-Founder of GreenPrice, on May 4, 2025, where they gained valuable insights into Hong Kong’s retail landscape and feedback on their strategies. We extend our heartfelt thanks to GreenPrice for their generous support and invaluable contribution to JUCC2025.

The winners of JUCC2025 are:

• Champion: CX Consultants (HKUST)
• 1^st Runner-up: Nexora (HKUST)
• 2^nd Runner-up: C&C Consulting (HKUST)
• Merit Team: Illumina Consulting (CUHK)
• Best Presenter: Rex Li from CX Consultants (HKUST)

Congratulations to all participants and winning teams for your dedication, hard work and impressive performances in JUCC2025!

The Grand Final Judging Panel, Ms. Euphoni Wong from DFI (middle), Mr. Jason Yuen from SOCIF Limited (left) and Mr. Vincent Tam from Relearn Education Limited (right), with Mr. Mateo Sy and Mr. Matt Jung from HKU International Case Society (1^st from the left and right)

Case Presentation by the Champion Team

Grand Final Judging Panel and HKU International Case Society President with the Champion Team – CX Consultants

Grand Final Judging Panel and HKU International Case Society President with Mr. Rex Li (2^nd from the left), The Best Presenter of JUCC2025

Everyone gave a “thumbs-up” after the competition

Thank you for the support from Case Analysis Team from HKUST Business School, Case Competition Team from CUHK Business School and Business Proposal and Competition Club from CityU College of Business

Mr. Terence Hon, Co-founder of GreenPrice (4^th from right) with Champion Team – CX Consultants and representatives from HKU International Case Society in GreenPrice Distribution Centre on May 4, 2025.

Mr. Terence Hon, Co-founder of GreenPrice, shared his feedback and personal experiences of his entrepreneurial journey with the Champion Team – CX Consultants, during the networking session.

Great news! This year’s Faculty Outstanding Researcher Award goes to Prof. Michael He Jia, our esteemed scholar in Marketing!

Prof. Jia’s research examines visual processing and aesthetics on digital platforms, numerical processing and promotion decisions, and in the inspiring field of marketing for the greater good.

His research accomplishments over the past five years were recognised by his publishing four articles in “A”-ranked journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research, the Journal of Marketing Research, and the Journal of Marketing, as well as receiving four General Research Funds.

Join us in congratulating Prof. Jia for earning the Faculty Outstanding Researcher Award – what a remarkable achievement!

港大經管學院榮幸邀請到科大訊飛股份有限公司董事長劉慶峰教授，擔任2025年5月27日舉行的「港大經管學院領袖企業家講壇系列 2025年 – 第四講」主講嘉賓，與港大經管學院經濟學實務教授毛振華教授進行一場深入且充滿啟發性的對話。兩位圍繞「通用人工智能的技術發展和典型應用」主題，探討人工智能在全球科技博弈中的關鍵角色，剖析認知大模型的演進歷程和通用大模型基礎的最新突破，並分析當前人工智能產業的發展趨勢，為與會者帶來前沿視角與深刻的商業洞見，激發對科技創新與產業轉型的深思。

劉教授針對人工智能的快速發展，引用數家領先企業的研究報告，闡述其對人才結構的深遠影響。他指出，全球平均18% 的工作可能由AI自動化完成，影響約3億個全職職位，根據報告預測，AI將創造1.7億個新工作機會，同時取代9200萬個現有職位，淨增7800萬個就業機會。此外，業界預計，具備超越諾貝爾獎得者智力的強大AI系統將於2026-2027年間問世。同時，截至2024年底，中國生成式人工智慧產品的用戶規模已高達2.49億人，佔總人口的17.7%。

隨後，劉教授分享中文語音合成技術已臻成熟，並廣泛應用於新聞播報。多間主流媒體亦已普遍採用語音合成技術，結合多樣化形象的AI虛擬主播進行新聞報導。他特別提到，在萬物互聯時代，具備解耦複雜語音訊號能力的語音識別系統至關重要。集團通過將語音屬性解耦等預訓練方法與大模型相結合，大幅提升複雜語音訊號的辨識準確率，顯著提升會議記錄效率。

劉教授深信，大模型的歷史意義不亞於個人電腦與網路的誕生。他概述以大模型為基礎的通用人工智慧的七大技術維度為：文本生成、語言理解、知識問答、邏輯推理、數學能力、代碼能力及多模態能力。這些維度推動了多項革命性應用，包括：

• 改變資訊分發與獲取模式
• 革新內容生產流程
• 實現全自然交互完成任務
• 提供專家級虛擬助手
• 顛覆傳統手工編程方式
• 加速科研工作進展

面對美國對中國高端算力芯片的日益嚴格限制，集團採用結合評語模式和細粒度回饋的強化學習技術，開發國產平台強化學習演算法包，提升全國產化算力深度推理模型的訓練效率。劉教授更特別分享集團於本年初推出「星火X1」- 國內首個基於快慢思考統一模型訓練推理方法的創新成果。作為自主可控的底座模型，「星火X1」為教育、醫療、工業、金融等多個產業場景提供針對性解決方案，大大提升應用成效。

主題演講接近尾聲時，劉教授寄語會眾：「未來不是屬於AI，而是屬於掌握AI的新人類！」。他強調，掌握AI技能將成為每位學生的必備能力之一，而教育的使命在於培養適應未來社會的新一代人才。人工智慧與教育的深度融合不僅是技術進步的必然趨勢，也是教育創新的關鍵動力。

作為本學年最後一場講壇，此次活動為學院與業界領袖的交流畫下圓滿句號。劉教授的分享不僅展現了AI技術的前沿進展，並為與會者帶來深刻啟發，激勵年輕學子與業界人士積極擁抱AI，探索科技與產業融合的無限可能，為未來發展注入強勁動力。

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 loss for 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:

1. Geoeconomic Fragmentation:Sanctions and trade wars are reshaping global networks, with non-Western financial systems (e.g., RMB, CIPS) gaining strategic traction.
2. Domestic-International Nexus:China’s industrial and migration policies have ripple effects on global trade, inequality, and institutional accountability.
3. 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

About BGS HKU Chapter

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.

港大經管學院非常榮幸地邀請到復星國際有限公司董事長郭廣昌先生，擔任2025年4月25日舉辦的「港大經管學院領袖企業家講壇系列 2025年 – 第三講」的主講嘉賓。此次論壇中，郭教授與港大經管學院經濟學實務教授毛振華教授展開深入對話，圍繞復星因時而變、順勢而為的戰略思維，探討企業在經濟新浪潮下如何調整戰略重心並聚焦優勢産業，為與會者帶來深刻的商業洞見和啟發。

講座伊始，郭教授向會眾介紹了復星的戰略佈局。他指出，復星戰略聚焦健康、快樂、富足的幸福生態系統，致力發揮企業生態優勢，為全球家庭提供涵蓋全生命週期的幸福解決方案。具體包括：

• 健康板塊：涵蓋生物製劑、器械診斷和健康服務等業務板塊，持續全球產業創新，構建醫療級、一站式、全場景的健康生態；
• 快樂板塊：圍繞家庭消費和旅遊文化，構建全球化、全產業的快樂生態系統；
• 富足板塊：聚焦保險、資管兩大領域，打造復星富足生態產業佈局；
• 智造板塊：以戰略性資源、功能性新材料和智能製造產業為主體，賦能產業高端化、智能化、綠色轉型

隨後，郭教授以企業週期為主軸，指出人類常因惰性而固守舊路徑。若環境已產生變化，但企業未能及時調整策略與思維，便會因商業路徑依賴及人的慣性，逐步走向衰退。他進一步提到，中國企業的「卷」，早在當年的鋼鐵行業便已有深刻體會。當時，許多企業在產能過剩與價格戰的壓力下，陷入低利潤甚至虧損的困境。他強調，企業若要穿越週期、實現持續成長，必須因變而變，及時調整策略，避免陷入惡性競爭的陷阱。以復星30多年的發展歷程為例，他深入剖析集團如何自創立以來不斷捕捉市場機遇：從初期的小型市場諮詢公司，逐漸轉型進入房地產銷售和醫藥行業；第二階段透過投資整合資源，實現快速成長並初步完成國內產業佈局；其後聚焦全球經濟與科技發展，推動資源和人才的全球整合；到了後期，隨著生活水準提升和技術進步，復星轉而強調科創驅動，專注提升產品力和競爭力，聚焦滿足家庭客戶的消費需求。在後疫情時代，集團再度調整策略，專注發展優勢產業，以迎接新的挑戰與機遇。

針對宏觀經濟週期，郭教授強調全球化發展的重要性。他指出，企業領導者不僅需敏銳辨識市場機會，還要在每個經營決策中進行清晰的價值分析與認同，同時善於整合公司生態資源和能力，為企業創造更大價值。以復星的醫藥產業為藍本，他分享集團從研發佈局到產品上市經歷十多年的歷程，強調若企業缺乏前期規劃和長遠準備，便難以在當今社會建立競爭優勢。他進一步提及集團的經營宗旨：「如履薄冰，如臨深淵，戰戰兢兢，兢兢業業。」面對資本市場的潮起潮落，他建議創業者保持獨立判斷能力，並掌握產品與資本邏輯，方能在變幻莫測的市場環境中屹立不倒。

接著，郭教授以人和組織週期為類比，進一步闡述企業管理的核心要素：

• 核心是組織，關鍵是人才，驅動靠文化，科技為基礎
• 管理形式需因應環境與需求彈性改變
• 以組織能力和文化價值推動管理變革和提升，並借助現代資訊科技技術進一步提高管理系統效率

在分享環節的尾聲，郭教授勉勵會眾秉持三個「堅持」：堅持做對的事、堅持做困難的事、堅持要做需要時間累積的事。他強調，唯有堅守原則與長遠眼光，方能在商業道路上行穩致遠。此次講壇不僅展現了復星在全球化與創新道路上的卓越實踐，更揭示了企業家精神的深刻內涵，啟發與會者在面對挑戰時保持敏銳與韌性，以創新的思維與長遠的視野迎接未來機遇，為個人與企業的發展注入新的動力和靈感。

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 (4^th from right) and Mr. Ricky Wong, HKTV Vice Chairman and Group CEO (3^rd 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 (3^rd from right), Mr. Luca Fong (1^st from left) and Mr. Yatin Ahuja (3^rd from left) from Accenture, and Mr. Ricky Wong (middle) and Ms. Vivian Cheung (2^nd from left) from HKTV, alongside with Prof. Derek Chan (4^th from right) and Prof. Winnie Leung (4^th 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