The New Century Elite Development Programme 2023 hosted by the Kowloon Chamber of Commerce. The competition aimed to empower and connect future business leaders and facilitate networking opportunities for students in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. The final competition brought together students from prestigious institutions such as Cambridge, Imperial College London, CUHK GBUS, HKUST, and HKU.
This year, the competition topic is: The global expansion strategy and plan for Cosway from 2023 to 2033 – how to leverage social digitalization on the modernization of business expansion and networking.
The competition consisted of two rounds, where teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges, including the CEO of Cosway, and answered their questions. From the preliminary round, the top 10 teams were selected and then reconfigured through a lucky draw, resulting in the original HKU team being disbanded and reassigned to new teams with other participants for the final competition held in Malaysia.
Awardees: Mr. Li Chun Huen Edward, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 2
Students Sharing:
“The New Century Elite Development Programme 2023 was incredibly eye-opening. I had the pleasure of working with stellar teammates and knowledgeable industry mentors, both of which contributed to our eventual success. I appreciated the rare opportunity to interact with the CEO of Cosway Malaysia and delve into the company’s vision prior to the competition. It was a truly unique learning experience, unlike any other competition I’ve been in.”
The Lazaridis International Case Conference (LazICC) 2023 was organised and hosted entirely by the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University.
LazICC, is an annual business-technology themed case conference attracted teams from respected schools around the globe. LazICC aims to provide students with opportunities to learn from industry experts, compete with top international business schools, and network with professionals from innovative organizations. Teams will have the chance to gain a deeper understanding of how new technology influences businesses, showcase their business acumen and teamwork in case competitions, and participate in various networking events.
The competition consisted of a 5-hour and 24-hour case competition against some of the best schools in the world.
Ms. Li Sing Yee, BBA(IS), Year 4 Mr. Chan Wan Chit, BEcon&Fin, Year 3 Mr. Tsang Chun Wai, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 5 Ms. Chan Chun Yan Natalie, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 3
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Winnie Leung
Case Competition Coach: Ms. Pinto Rasika Tasdyata (Pipin)
Students Sharing:
“I am immensely thankful for another opportunity to represent HKU Business School in an international case competition. I must also express my gratitude to Dr. Winnie Leung and Pipin for their insightful feedback throughout the competition journey.
We had to solve a 5-hour and a 24-hour case, necessitating different approaches in terms of problem-solving, research and time allocation. Under the immense time constraint, we cooperated well and utilised our respective strengths. Both cases concerned the application of technologies in the financial services industry, with the 24-hour case also involving ESG. Hence, we needed to examine future trends to formulate innovative solutions, which was challenging but rewarding.
The competition also offered learning opportunities like Tech Talks, as well as various social events during which we bonded with bright competitors from all over the world.”
(ByTSANG Chun Wai Donald)
“Representing HKU Business School along with my 3 extremely bright teammates in LazICC 2023 was definitely one of the best times as a HKU student. Regardless of winning or losing, participating in LazICC was truly rewarding in terms of learning experience and friendship. I couldn’t have done it without our coach’s and advisor’s feedback and my teammates’ trust in my abilities. Best of all, I have developed lifelong friendships, and not for a single second do I regret participating in LazICC 2023.
Things I learned through preparing for and participating in LazICC 2023 include: financial modeling (which is important to show the feasibility of recommended strategies); thinking about strategies on a deeper level, e.g., unit economics, implementation, impact (as opposed to only on a high level).”
(ByCHAN Wan Chit Vinci)
“Participating in the LazICC 2023 and securing 2nd place was a transformative experience that left an indelible mark on my personal and professional growth. Throughout the competition, I had the privilege of working closely with a dedicated team. The complex business cases enabled our team to sharpen our analytical skills, while reinforcing the significance of time management and communication abilities.
The international aspect of the competition provided us with the unique opportunity to network with individuals from around the world. I am immensely thankful for our coach and faculty members who supported us along the way. I look forward to applying the valuable lessons learned to future endeavors, where innovative problem-solving and effective collaboration remain at the forefront of my approach to challenges in life.”
(ByCHAN Chun Yan Natalie)
“It is my honour to represent HKU Business School to join LazICC 2023. I would like to thank our coach, Pipin and my best teammates, Donald, Natalie and Vinci. Without them, it would be impossible to win the 2nd place. I am glad that HKU Business School gives me this chance to exchange ideas with other teams around the world and build friendships during various social events. The most unforgettable one is definitely the 24-hour case, in which we try to give creative and feasible solutions on sustainability. We tried very hard on research and financials to ensure we can impress the judges during the presentation. After this amazing experience, I will definitely do this again if I have a chance. The learning from all other competitors, the friendship built along and the social events I participated with people from different backgrounds are something I will remember forever.”
On 27th September, Alumni Sharing, attended by 47 young AMPB students (freshmen and Year 2) was our Programme’s first networking event.15 alumni returned to their alma mater to interact with their juniors (師弟 and 師妹) and shared their stories at AMPB and their paths landing on their first job, including UBS, CS, JB, DB, Fidelity, Citibank, HSBC, BOCI, Robeco and Mercer, spanning from private banking, buy side investment bank, sell side asset managers, sales and trading to investment consulting.
The sharing at round tables
The alumni with Professor Anna Wong
The gathering was an enriching blend of perspectives as alumni shared their personal experiences at the University and their paths to professional success. For the Year 1 and Year 2 students, this was an insightful opportunity to listen “first-hand”, the insights from the alumni provided a realistic glimpse into what the industry demands and the potential rewards of a career in finance, especially in asset management and private banking.
They spoke of long hours, the need for continuous learning and the critical importance of building strong professional networks.They shared tips on what skills to develop, how to make the most of your time at the university and how to effectively handle job interviews.
A big thanks to the participating alumni. Your sharings have provided practical advice, inspiration and motivation to our youngsters at the very early stage of their career journey.
Partnering with Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited (Cyberport) and the AICPA & CIMA, Venture into Future Career (VFC) was first introduced in 2020 and served as an exclusive programme for HKU Business School’s Undergraduate Students.
The VFC Programme aims to support our future young talents in the following:
Providing career advice and coaching to students; and
Sparking career-oriented conversation between students and seasoned industry leaders; and
Helping students obtain industry’s first-hand information, identify career interests, develop and plan their career in future
During the last 3 VFC cohorts, we have nurtured a total of 115 students from the Faculty. Under the professional guidance of Faculty members, seasonal speakers and industry leaders, as well as the practicum opportunities offered by start-ups at Cyberport, students have obtained valuable insights and are better equipped for their continuous exploration of future careers.
On October 5 2023, The Venture into Future Career Programme 2023-24 Opening Ceremony in HKU iCube to welcome its 4th cohort and celebrate this important moment with our dedicated programme partners. In this new cohort, a total of 50 students from 9 programmes have been selected. All students are thrilled and excited to embark on their journey to receive guidance and training as well as meet with seasonal business practitioners from different industries.
Group picture with guests and VFC 2023-24 students
(Left to Right)
Mr. Paulus Chau, Director, Hong Kong and Emerging Markets, AICPA&CIMA
Ir. Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer, Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Dr. Olivia Leung, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning), HKU Business School
Dr. Derek Chan, Associate Dean (Undergraduate), HKU Business School
Dr. Darron Sun, Head of Information Technology, Hong Kong Housing Society
Dr. Eddie Pong, Founder, Rivermap Quantitative Research
Mr. Arnold Chan, Co-founder & CTO, Aereve *On behalf of Mr. Andre Leung, CEO and Co-founder of Aereve (Regtech & ESG startup)
Dr. Winnie Leung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate), HKU Business School
Group photo of all participated company representatives
Professor Echo Wan, Associate Dean (MBA) delivered a welcoming speech to all participating employers.
Prof. Echo WAN, Associate Dean (MBA) and Dr. Derek CHAN, Associate Dean (Undergraduate) joined the fair on behalf of the HKU Business School and present Souvenir to appreciate the support from all employer representatives.
The HKU Business School Career Fair was successfully held on 26 September 2023 (Tuesday). The fairwas an extraordinary event and exclusive for Business School Students where all together over 60 renowned companies and more than 100 HR executives and industry experts. Under the theme of “Investing in HKU Business School’s Global Talent – Engage & Excel!”, the event aimed to provide all HKUBS students with unparalleled opportunities to connect, engage, and excel in their future careers.
To better fulfil the diverse career aspirations of each students, the school’s Career Development and Training team invited corporate partners from a wide range of industries to the fair, including asset management, banking, consulting, finance, fintech, investment, professional services, luxury retail and real estate. Meanwhile, global conglomerates offering e-commerce services, consumer goods and services, data and software services, internet technology services, technology promotion and application services, digital automation and energy management, among others, also attended the 2023’s event.
The HKU Business School Career Fair not only provided an avenue for networking but also facilitated the exchange of ideas and knowledge. It is delighted to see that each students seized this unique opportunity to interact with professionals, gain insights into various industries, stay abreast of emerging trends and build meaningful connections that could shape their career journeys. On the event day, over 1,000 students, ranging from undergraduates to postgraduates, attended the fair to mingle with company representatives and explore career opportunities.
Students seize the opportunity to interact with recruiters and industry professionals from various renowned firms.
Furthermore, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to each of the corporate partners who support in the Career Fair and provided valuable industry information and sharing with our students. The presence and active involvement made the event truly exceptional, creating an environment of collaboration and growth. Stay tuned for our future events and initiatives that will further empower our students and nurture future business talents!
The EY Young Tax Professional of the Year is an international competition designed to reward young talents and foster the next generation of tax leaders. As one of the yearly highlights of EY Hong Kong, the competition provides an opportunity for students to share experiences with people from a range of backgrounds and cultures. By bringing together different ideas and students from all over the world, the competition aims to demonstrate how much the tax profession has changed today and how business is managed in different cultures.
The first phase of the competition took place in Hong Kong. During the first round, shortlisted participants were challenged with their technical abilities and wider commercial strengths. The Hong Kong finalists were invited to join the Greater China final.
First-runner up: Mr. LAU Chun Ho Darren, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 4 (2nd left)
Second-runner up: Ms. LAM Sin Yu, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 3 (1st left)
Students Sharing:
“We were plunged into the semi-final and final phases of the competition in the latter half of April. This challenged our time management prowess, particularly for those in the twilight of their academic endeavours. Within a diverse assembly of students from multiple universities, the contest emphasised both our individual competencies and collaborative undertakings. The initial and final rounds examined our grasp of profit tax, permanent establishment, and DTA, alongside our presentation skills and analytical acumen. The semi-final, in contrast, focused on our ability to flourish as a united force, exemplifying adaptability, accountability, and productivity.
The confluence of inter-university collaboration and randomised groupings, coupled with strict time limitations and the mandate for each participant’s contribution to the presentation, created an invigorating experience. This impelled us not only to probe further into the tax consequences of complex decisions but also to reevaluate our approach to fostering enhanced coordination and communication within our teams to achieve outstanding outcomes ahead of deadlines.
Throughout the competition, we forged friendships and shared insights with like-minded individuals, creating a lasting bond that extended beyond the contest itself. The preparation for the group presentation and the subsequent exchange of ideas contributed to our intellectual growth. As the final individual presentation unfolded, we faced a tempest of pressure, our resolve tested by the case and impromptu inquiries from the judges’ discerning gaze. Composure was crucial to overcoming these real-life challenges.
Beyond the allure of the cash prize and the honour of representing Hong Kong in the Greater China final, the internship offer with EYHK presented an invaluable chance to explore the tax industry further. The EY Young Tax Professional of the Year 2023 was a defining moment in our university lives, as it allowed us to apply critical thinking to complex, cross-border tax issues and showcase our insights before esteemed professionals. This rewarding journey not only broadened our understanding of the international tax landscape but also granted us a platform to showcase our abilities and potential. In essence, we eagerly anticipate building upon this foundation to evolve into world-class, game-changing professionals.”
(By LAU Chun Ho Darren)
“Throughout the course of the contest, I was not only challenged to demonstrate my theoretical expertise but also encouraged to apply my creativity and critical thinking skills in order to identify beneficial tax structures, thoroughly investigate potential tax risks, and develop strategic tax planning proposals that effectively enhance tax efficiency for clients. Engaging in this competition has proven to be an enriching experience, significantly deepening my comprehension of the multifaceted tax implications that arise in diverse scenarios.
The competition places significant emphasis on fostering collaborative teamwork and individual presentations, both during the semi-final and final rounds, providing me with invaluable opportunities to refine my communication and presentation skills. It has played a pivotal role in strengthening my ability to be a strong player in a team, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective accomplishment. The final round of the competition, in particular, stands out as a challenging yet rewarding experience, as it requires candidates to not only possess exceptional analytical acumen but also deliver a well-crafted proposal slide within a limited timeframe, all while impromptu inquiries from the panel of judges. This experience has tested my ability to think on my feet, further developing my problem-solving skills and enhancing my capacity to handle unexpected challenges.
Furthermore, the competition has served as a true test of my multitasking capabilities and time management skills. As the competition coincided with my preparations for the final examinations, which were scheduled for early May, I was required to strike a delicate balance between dedicating ample time and effort towards both endeavours. This experience has honed my ability to effectively manage my time, prioritize tasks, and maintain a high level of performance in the face of competing demands.
I am immensely grateful for the generous sponsorship provided by EY Partner, Ada Ma, as well as for the invaluable teaching on Hong Kong Taxation that I received from Dr. Christina Ng at HKU Business School. Participating in this esteemed contest has not only deepened my understanding of the ever-evolving landscape of tax policies but has also facilitated the development of essential skills that are indispensable for a successful career in the field of professional advisory services.”
The 100WF Hong Kong JumpStart University Investment Hackathon brought together female university students to participate in a stock picking challenge focused on the consumer sector. It simulated the role of an investment analyst, where students conducted research and presented their findings to portfolio managers. The competition simulated the real-world workflow of investment analysts, from researching and analyzing stocks to presenting conviction ideas to decision makers. The hackathon was part of the 100 Women in Finance Investment Hackathon initiative, with a focus on empowering young women aspiring to be finance professionals.
Ms. TJANDRA Kezia Eugenie, BEcon&Fin, Year 2 (2nd right)
(2 other team members were students from TheBachelor of Engineering in Data Science and Engineering, HKU)
Students Sharing:
“The hands-on nature of this event provided an invaluable learning experience for our team. Through the experience, we particularly learned to be agile and adaptive in light of new data. During the one-on-one company meeting, we received updated information that requires us to revise our investment thesis and valuation model on The Fly. We thereby need to effectively synthesize the new details into our viewpoint and modify the rationale based on the latest developments, which actually mirrors the need to be nimble in the real-world financial market. Furthermore, the tight presentation timeframe really challenged our team to master concise, compelling storytelling. We had a comprehensive investment thesis discussion but could not cover everything, so learning how to deliver the pitch into a focused narrative arc was critical. We also had to visualize a lot of information into meaningful models and graphics to enhance presentation clarity. Due to this, we gained skills in emphasizing key turning points and bringing ideas to life through vivid models. Overall, this experience really strengthened our critical thinking skills to rapidly process information, recognize implications, visualize and organize information, as well as craft compelling narratives. I am truly grateful for this experience, and I am super excited for the ones coming in the future.”
(By TJANDRA Kezia Eugenie)
“This investment hackathon was truly an interesting event, as not only did we get the chance to refine our stock pitching skills, from conducting due diligence and financial modelling, but we were also able to partake in a real-life management meeting, duplicating a real-life situation as an investment analyst. That mock meeting was definitely a highlight as it felt so real trying to probe for more details while also defending our perspective.
When the breaking news hit during our strategy session, it really tested how well we could adapt on the spot. We faced so much pressure to pull together all the information into a powerful pitch within just 40 minutes. It was definitely an intense and valuable experience to present to and field questions of the judges in such pressing time. Most importantly, we learned so much on adaptive thinking, articulating an investment case, and working as a team under pressure. Nevertheless, this competition has definitely strengthened my interest in working in finance in the future and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an insightful event.”
The HKU team “Lighthouse Capital” won first runner-up in the Polymer Capital Management Intervarsity ESG Case Challenge 2023. Team members are Adrian Chung (BSc(QFin) – Year 3), Huey Lee (BBA(IBGM) – Year 3) and Kelvin Cheung (BEcon&Fin – Year 3).
The Case Challenge attracted over 80 team applications from universities in Hong Kong and Singapore. Over 20 HKU teams registered and 6 of which were shortlisted for the HKU Round 1 competition which was held in August. Each team was assigned an industry mentor to provide guidance to the team to navigate the process. “Lighthouse Capital” was the Champion Team and represented HKU in the Final Round of the Case Challenge.
Participants – Adrian, Huey and Kelvin (third, fourth and fifth from left), together with Professor Anna Wong (second from right), Programme Director of Bachelor of Finance in Asset Management and Private Banking, Mr Anthony Cheung (first from right) from Polymer and the panel judges
The Final Round of the Polymer Intervarsity ESG Case Challenge was held online on 22nd September with five teams, each representing Nanyang Technological University Singapore, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and The University of Hong Kong.
The HKU Team “Lighthouse Capital” presented a long/short fund that focuses on the energy and healthcare sectors in the Asia Pacific Region. The team came second to the National University of Singapore.
Adrian, Huey and Kelvin presenting the long/short fund in final round
A big Congrats to the HKU Team – Adrian, Huey and Kelvin.
We would like to express our gratitude to Polymer for organizing the event and the judges who gave valuable feedback to the teams. We would also like to give our vote of thanks to Professor Anna Wong and our mentors who have given tremendous support to the teams during the journey.
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA), the Pilot Apprenticeship Programme For Private Wealth Management Programmehas provided training and hands-on experience at a participating PWMA member firm to undergraduate university students in Hong Kong interested in a potential career in private wealth management. Since 2017, over 100 HKU Business School students have participated in different summer apprenticeship opportunities at renowned private wealth management firms, including but not limited to Citibank, EFG Bank, Goldman Sachs and Standard Chartered Bank.
To celebrate the achievements of the sixth batch of programme graduates, a Graduation Appreciation Drinks was hosted by the PWMA on 4 August 2023 at the Hong Kong Bankers Club.
Dr. Winnie Leung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate) has attended the appreciation drink on behalf of HKU Business School and met with our HKU Business School alumni and current students to learn more about their past experience from the Programme.
Below are the abstract of sharing by 2 interns from HKU Business School about their rewarding chapters from the Pilot Apprenticeship Programme For Private Wealth Management.
Chow Ming Ka, Sunshine | BFin(AMPB)
Employer: Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. (2022 intake)
“The front-to-end experience during the internship provided me with a greater grasp of the organizational structure and operations of a private bank. I got a lot of opportunities to connect with seniors, even colleagues located in other countries. I really enjoy the culture of the bank where everyone is approachable and willing to spare time out of their schedules to share their experience in the private banking industry with me.”
Dr. Winnie Leung, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate) (Second left) and Gordon Wong, Class of 2022 (Middle)
Wong Ho Shing, Gordon | Class of 2022, BBA(Law)&LLB
Employer: Deutsche Bank (2 consecutive summer in 2020 and 2021)
“Returned to Deutsche Bank as an Investment Advisor, I am glad to have interned at Deutsche Bank through PWMA Apprenticeship Programme. The consecutive summer internships really helped me gain a deep-dive understanding about the wealth management industry in Hong Kong and its prosperous growth, but also enabled me to enhance my knowledge on various investment products across asset class like equity, bonds, funds, structured products and discretionary portfolio. Working with different Relationship Managers, Investment Advisors, Product Specialists, as well as other supporting staffs from front office and middle office, I have better realized the features and challenges of their roles. This further reinforced my passion in the markets and aroused my interest in starting my private banking career as an Investment Advisor.”
Moving forward, HKU Business School will continue collaboration with Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA) to nurture more young talent for the Private Wealth Management Industry.