HKU Business Consulting Practicum 2025-26: Empowering Student Consultants, Strengthening NGOs
The HKU Business School’s Business Consulting Practicum (BCP) 2025-26 programme has successfully concluded, marking another year of impactful collaborations and transformative learning experiences for our student consultants. This year’s programme provided undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to apply their business knowledge to real-world challenges faced by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), facilitated by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS).
The journey began with comprehensive pre‑practicum training workshops in November 2025. These tailored sessions equipped students with essential skills in basic consulting, financial management for NGOs, and data analytics. This foundation ensured the teams were well prepared and possessed the requisite skill set for the subsequent three‑week practicum.
The first project client is Pneumoconiosis Mutual Aid Association (PMAA), an organisation dedicated to supporting pneumoconiosis patients. Our student consultants assisted PMAA in strategic development and financial management to secure long‑term sustainability. They examined challenges such as funding instability due to reductions in subventions and increased competition among NGOs. Their recommendations addressed these issues to ensure financial viability while preserving PMAA’s patient‑first mission and avoiding reductions in vital services.
The second project client is Baptist Charis Social Service (BCSS), which provides essential services to enhance community well‑being, particularly in family and child rehabilitation, school social work, and integrated community services. The student teams proposed modernising BCSS’s branding and marketing to strengthen visibility, trust, and sustainable growth. Recommended actions included building a one‑stop website with search engine optimisation, launching a Student Ambassador Scheme to engage university and secondary school students, running a community‑driven design campaign to enhance the BCSS/ZebraGo brand, and pursuing institutional partnerships beyond education to broaden impact. With appropriate risk controls, these initiatives aim to deepen digital presence and stakeholder engagement, support BCSS’s mission, and foster a more inclusive community across Tai Po and Hong Kong.
The programme culminated in final project presentations held in person at HKU for the two clients on 20 and 23 January 2026, respectively, where student teams presented their comprehensive consulting reports and recommendations to their NGO clients and faculty. The presentations were followed by a closing dinner, providing an opportunity for reflection, networking, and recognition of the dedication and hard work of all participants.
The HKU Business School extends its sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS). Their invaluable partnership was instrumental to the success of this programme, as they meticulously identified and engaged the two NGOs who served as our esteemed clients. This collaboration ensures that our BCP programme addresses genuine needs within the social service sector, providing students with meaningful projects and contributing positively to the wider community.
The BCP continues to embody our commitment to experiential learning, preparing future business leaders who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and capable of driving positive change.
