Press Release

[Hong Kong, 8 June 2026] – Twenty-four undergraduate teams, drawn from a global field of more than 12,000 students who competed in local rounds across Asia Pacific and beyond, gathered in Hong Kong from 1 to 5 June for the HSBC/HKU Business Case Challenge 2026 — the largest undergraduate case competition of its kind. Now in its nineteenth edition, the Challenge concluded with the team representing The University of Sydney, Australia, named the winners of the 2026 edition, after five days of intensive analysis, debate, and live presentations before a panel of industry executives.

The Challenge is designed to take students beyond the classroom and into conditions that resemble professional life, helping them build networks and access opportunities in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

This year, teams tackled four distinct business cases that reflect issues companies face today: managing the risk arising from over-reliance on a founder at an investment firm, helping Pop Mart remain profitable and relevant after the initial hype, creating a strategy to educate the public about stablecoins in Hong Kong, and transforming an influencer‑led fashion label into a global business.

Students were required to turn unstructured information into clear, data‑driven recommendations, demonstrating problem-solving, financial modelling, and strategic thinking. Presenting to panels of senior executives, students justified their proposals, responded to challenging questions, and demonstrated their ability to perform as cohesive teams under real boardroom pressure.

David LIAO, Co-Chief Executive, HSBC Asia and Middle East, said: “The HSBC/HKU Business Case Challenge showcases a brilliant next generation of global leaders who can anchor big ideas in financial reality, make decisive choices, and collaborate across borders. Since 2008, this programme has empowered more than 100,000 students worldwide. This year we’re thrilled to welcome 24 teams from 20 markets across Asia and the Middle East, offering them a unique experience that bridges rigorous financial analysis with an immersion into Hong Kong’s rich local culture and history. Through our long-standing partnership with HKU, we’re proud to help these students build the confidence, resilience, and openness to diverse perspectives that will define their future careers.”

Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean of HKU Business School, added: “At HKU Business School, we believe in bridging classroom learning with the realities of business and decision-making, and in working closely with industry partners to give our students experience that goes beyond theory. Our long-standing partnership with HSBC reflects that commitment, and this year’s highly topical cases, including financial innovations and brand scaling, challenge students to connect theory with practice, blending the perspectives of marketers, investors, entrepreneurs, and stewards of capital. In doing so, we prepare future leaders to navigate a fast-changing world of finance and technology, while supporting Hong Kong’s role as the “super-connector” between East and West.”

Beyond the Challenge, participants explored Hong Kong’s history, culture, and contemporary business landscape through activities organised in partnership with the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. The week opened with a dinner at St John’s College, The University of Hong Kong, featuring traditional cultural performances.

Organised by the Asia Case Research Centre of HKU Business School, the HSBC/HKU Business Case Challenge has benefitted more than 100,000 students over its nineteen-year history, setting the standard for experiential business education across the region. Alumni now hold roles at leading financial institutions, consultancies, and multinational corporations, and many have established ventures of their own — frequently citing the Challenge as a foundational influence on their professional development.

Over the years, more than 2,000 HSBC executives have volunteered as judges. The Challenge reflects HSBC’s ongoing commitment to investing in people, developing talent, and nurturing the next generation of leaders.

For more information on the Business Case Challenge, please visit:  https://competition.acrc.hku.hk/ 

 

Results of the HSBC/HKU Business Case Challenge 2026

Winner	The University of Sydney
First runner-up	Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Second runner-up	Bangladesh University of Professionals

 

The 24 participating teams represented universities from across Asia Pacific and beyond, including Australia, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mauritius, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, The Netherlands, The Philippines and Vietnam.

 

Photo Caption

1. (From left) Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean of HKU Business School, Winners of the HSBC/HKU Business Case Challenge 2026 from The University of Sydney, Australia (Jacob CALLAWAY, Praew PRAEWINKANT, Jeremy SIMONETTO and Andris DANG) and David LIAO, Co-Chief Executive of HSBC Asia and Middle East

2. Participants from twenty-four universities globally gathered for the HSBC/HKU Business Case Challenge from June 1-5 2026

3. David Liao, Co-Chief Executive of HSBC Asia and Middle East shares his insights with the next generation of global leaders

4. Professor Hongbin CAI, Dean of HKU Business School highlights the value of the HSBC/HKU Business Case challenge for university students from around the world