Congratulations to our students for winning the Champion in Deloitte USHINE Case Competition!

The Deloitte USHINE Case Competition is organised by Deloitte which aims to provide a platform for the next generation of young talents to showcase their innovative business solutions.

This year’s competition focused on the Chinese Cosmetics Market, challenging participants to submit a comprehensive business report that comprised an executive summary, competitor analysis, recommendations on addressing ethical dilemmas, and a detailed implementation timeline. After two rounds of rigorous review, eight finalist teams were shortlisted to present their ideas to a panel of judges on their proposals.

Among the 120 teams from different universities, students from HKU Business School stood out by demonstrating their outstanding ability to navigate real-world business challenges and excellent pitching skills and crowned as Champion of the competition.

More about the competition: https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/competition/ushine-case-competition-2024

Champion

Team member:

Lai Yi Huen Hayley, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 1

Chiu Wing Lam Agnes, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 1

Lam Yi Tak, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 1

Liu Ka Wing, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 1

Wai Katarina, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 1

Student Sharing:

“Taking part in the Deloitte USHINE Case Competition was such a rewarding and eye-opening experience. This was my very first-time taking part in an external case competition after receiving training in the HKU International Case Society (HICS) in the past few months. Even though I have received plenty of experience regarding deck making and pitching in HICS, I have never written a business report before, hence it was quite challenging to adapt. As the team leader, I led our team in brainstorming products and conducting thorough market research, putting ourselves into the shoes of a U.S. cosmetic company looking to break into the Chinese market. We first identified the pain points through complex market, consumer and competitor analysis, then researched on market gaps and opportunities. Finally, we came up with and grouped our strategies and finalised our timeline. Unlike typical case competitions, we had the freedom to pick our designated hypothetical company, hence we were able to fully express our creativity. Looking back, I learnt a lot more about deck pitching and stepped out of my comfort zone.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my supportive teammates for perfecting every detail and every graphic on our pitch deck, and for self-learning how to calculate financials from scratch. Thank you, HKU Business School, for the valuable opportunity and HICS for the countless hours spent in facilitating teams in learning how to excel in deck pitching. This competition has truly been a valuable and memorable experience”

(By Miss Lai Yi Huen Hayley)

“It has been wonderful taking part in the USHINE Case Competition held by Deloitte club and an absolute honour for us to take home the champion prize. Through a whirlwind of research, analysis and discussion, I have truly learned so much more about the Chinese cosmetics industry and case pitching. My main role was to complete our team’s financials, which involved certain concepts that were foreign to me, as we had to learn how to properly calculate key metrics and ratios to substantiate our strategic recommendations on our own. I struggled to identify accurately which sections of the financial statements were relevant and useful for calculations and what key assumptions to set. I am very thankful that we managed to come up with reasonable assumptions and data through hard work. This was a critical part of our preparation, and we are grateful to have gained these practical financial analysis capabilities.

More importantly, I realised the value of teamwork and perseverance. I would like to thank my teammates for demonstrating such seamless cooperation and team spirit; all of us were dedicated to our respective roles and would actively contribute ideas. While we were all quite inexperienced, this dedication allowed us to navigate through the overwhelming and intense preparation process.”

(By Miss Lam Yi Tak)

“As the Deloitte USHINE Case Competition was the first case competition we have ever participated in, let alone entering the finals, we were pushed well outside of our comfort zone to say the least, but the guidance from our team leader and support from fellow team members enabled us to all develop valuable new skills.

Additionally, the high-pressure final presentation in front of the Deloitte judges was an invaluable learning opportunity. Although we all felt quite nervous the days leading up to our presentation, our words of encouragement to each other and the perspective of this competition being a learning opportunity helped us ease our minds and become more confident in our presentation and think quickly during the Q&A session. Navigating these challenging aspects of the competition has undoubtedly expanded our skillset and prepared us for future case competition challenges.

We deeply appreciate all of our fellow dedicated teammates who worked tirelessly for this achievement, as well as the HKU Business School for providing this unique chance to apply our classroom learnings in a real-world, competitive setting. This competition has been a truly transformative and memorable experience.”

(By Miss Liu Ka Wing)

Congratulations to our student for winning the Second Place in Deloitte Digital Camp 2024!

The Deloitte Digital Camp 2024 is a global competition organised by Deloitte with the aim to inspire and equip future talent with skills to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

In the first round, participants delved deep into their chosen topics and prepared individual proposal. Then, participants were formed into teams to perfect their proposal under the guidance of professional mentors from Deloitte.

Our student showcased her exceptional analytical skills and effective teamwork and finished at second place among other top participants from different universities.

Second Place

Yan Yu, BEcon&Fin, Year 3
(The team comprises 4 other team members from other universities in the Mainland China)

Student Sharing:

“Winning the Second Place in the Deloitte Digital Camp 2024 was an unforgettable experience. This competition provided an opportunity for me to engage in critical thinking, efficient collaboration, and break new ground in digital innovation. Through this experience, I was able to develop creative solutions for complex business problems by drawing upon my understanding of cutting-edge trends and technologies. Participating in this competition not only enhanced my professional skills, but also ignited a deeper passion for driving digital transformation.”

(by Miss Yan Yu)

Congratulations to our students for winning 2^nd Runner-up in the Cross-Strait Hong Kong and Macao Logistics and Supply Chain Management Case Competition 2024!

The competition, co-organised by the China Chamber of International Commerce and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science of The University of Hong Kong, aims to bolster the advancement of contemporary logistics and expedite the cultivation of innovative and economic talents specialising in logistics and supply chain management.

The competition consisted of two rounds. Each participating team was required to submit a business proposal and presentation deck based on field investigations of selected companies in manufacturing, commercial, logistics, and supply chain. After vigorous review, the top performing teams proceeded into the final round and presented their findings to the panel of judges.

Our students demonstrated their strong analytical skills and knowledge in logistics and supply chain management and won 2^nd Runner-up in the competition. Kudos to our students for their hard work and achievement!

More about the competition: https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/competition/cross-strait-hong-kong-and-macao-logistic-and-supply-chain-management-case-competition-2024

2^nd Runner-up

Team Name: TenZ

Team members:

Keung Ka Ching, BBA, Year 2
Chan Sum Wai, BEcon&Fin, Year 2
Fu Chi Ki, BBA, Year 3
Hung Yu San, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 2
(The team comprises 1 other team member from other university in Hong Kong.)

Student Sharing:

“I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to the organizers and the International Association of Business Management Simulation for granting us this invaluable opportunity to engage in knowledge and cultural exchange with prestigious universities from the Mainland China.

As a student with limited prior experience in logistics and supply chain management, participating in this competition has provided me with a profound understanding of this field, ranging from the intricacies of the supply chain process to the current challenges and opportunities presented by AI utilisation and digital optimisation. Delving into the operations of Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG not only solidified my knowledge but also honed my analytical skills and fostered a spirit of teamwork. The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with the Mainland China team was a definite highlight of the competition.

This experience has undeniably contributed to my academic and personal growth. Lastly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to my team for their trust, dedication, and unwavering commitment throughout our preparation, which has made this journey both meaningful and gratifying. Thank you, Team TenZ!”

(By Miss Keung Ka Ching)

“Joining this case competition was a challenging yet rewarding experience. Our team worked tirelessly for weeks, researching the industry, analysing data, and brainstorming innovative solutions. We met teams from top universities and exchanged insights on different industries. Despite the pressure, we remained focused and presented our proposal with confidence. I am very happy that we were awarded the 2^nd Runner-up in the competition, recognising our hard work and strategic thinking. This experience not only enhanced my understanding of supply chain management but also developed my problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation skills. I would also like to thank my teammates for their efforts and time spent in this case competition. It is my honour to have such a great experience with all of them.”

(By Miss Chan Sum Wai)

“I am truly grateful for the invaluable experience I gained during my participation in this case competition. Throughout this period, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of topics that significantly broadened my horizons in the food manufacturing industry and supply chain management. Not only had I the privilege to research more on the chocolate giant – Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG, standing in their shoes and facing the problems, building a business proposal suggesting the future development and marketing prospects of the Company, but I also had the privilege to meet and connect with elites from various institutes and industries, exchanging ideas and gaining insights from them. This hands-on experience has been instrumental in enhancing my understanding and skills in the industry. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the China Chamber of International Commerce, the International Association of Business Management Simulation and The University of Hong Kong for making the competition possible. Last but not least, I am also incredibly appreciative of my teammates, who are from different institutes, for their collaboration and unlimited support. The experience would not be as enriching and memorable as it was if not for their dedication and sacrifice throughout the period.”

(By Mr. Hung Yu San)

The Conference on Digital Innovation and Transformation in the Age of AI was successfully held on July 12, 2024, at HKU-iCube. Hosted by the HKU Business School’s Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation (IDEI) and the Area of Innovation and Information Management (IIM), the event brought together over 50 researchers, professionals, and industry experts. Participants engaged in discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in digital innovation and transformation within the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Professor Yulin Fang, IDEI Director and Professor of Innovation and Information Management at HKU Business School, welcomed attendees with remarks highlighting the conference’s aim to offer valuable insights and strategies for navigating digital transformation complexities and leveraging AI for sustainable growth and success in today’s dynamic business environment.

Professor Dongjun (D. J.) Wu, the Ernest Scheller Jr. Chair and Professor of Information Technology Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Department Editor of Management Science, delivered an insightful speech titled “Endless Digital Business Model Innovation.” Professor Rajiv Kohli, the John N. Dalton Professor of Business at the College of William & Mary and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research, explored the multifaceted impacts of AI on digital innovation in his presentation titled “Digital Innovation with AI: Human, Organizational and Legal Issues.” Juan (Jane) Feng, the Hon Hai Chair Professor at Tsinghua University and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research, addressed the limitations and challenges of federated learning in promoting data collaboration across firms with her speech “Is Technology Panacea? Why Federated Learning Does Not Necessarily Lead to Inter-Firm Data Collaboration.”

Professor Jianliang (Leon) Zhao, the Presidential Chair Professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Co-Head of Information Systems and Operations Management, and Director of the Center on Blockchain and Intelligent Technology, offered a comprehensive analysis on blockchains through his speech “Optimization of Collective Incentive Mechanism in Public Permissioned Blockchains: A Multi-Method Perspective.” Professor Zhenhui (Jack) Jiang, the Padma and Hari Harilela Professor in Strategic Information Management at the University of Hong Kong, discussed the nuances and challenges of evaluating large language models in his presentation titled “Large Language Model Assessment in Chinese and English Contexts.”

Professor Wonseok Oh, the K.C.B. Chair Professor of Information Systems at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research, highlighted the transformative potential of AI in the publishing industry with his speech “Bestseller Prediction in E-Book Markets: Leveraging Consumption Patterns with Machine Learning.” Lastly, Professor Xi Li, Professor in Marketing at the University of Hong Kong, Director of the Asia Case Research Center, and Associate Director of the Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation, emphasized the significance of historical pricing data for understanding and predicting market trends in his speech titled “Learning from Historical Prices.

Throughout the day, the sessions were chaired by esteemed academics, including Prof. Yulin Fang, IDEI Director; Prof. Junhong Chu, CIE Associate Director; Prof. Michael Chau, Deputy Area Head of IIM and Prof. Hailiang Assistant Dean Professor in IIM. Their insightful sharing and guidance stimulated and engaged the audience with innovative ideas.

Photo Caption

Group photo:

Prof. Yulin Fang, IDEI Director and Professor of Innovation and Information Management, delivers the welcoming remarks.

Dongjun (D. J.) Wu, the Ernest Scheller Jr. Chair and Professor of Information Technology Management at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Department Editor of Management Science.

Rajiv Kohli, the John N. Dalton Professor of Business at the College of William & Mary and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research

Juan (Jane) Feng, the Hon Hai Chair Professor at Tsinghua University and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research

Zhenhui (Jack) Jiang, the Padma and Hari Harilela Professor in Strategic Information Management at the University of Hong Kong

Wonseok Oh, the K.C.B. Chair Professor of Information Systems at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Senior Editor of Information Systems Research

Lastly, Xi Li, Professor in Marketing at the University of Hong Kong, Director of the Asia Case Research Center, and Associate Director of the Institute of Digital Economy and Innovation.

The diverse range of topics and expert perspectives provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the current and future landscape of digital innovation.

The Summer School for Quantitative History cum International Symposium, a cross-institutional effort initiated by Prof. Zhiwu Chen in 2013, trains aspiring young researchers from various disciplines to become successful scholars in the rapidly growing field of quantitative history, with a focus on China. This summer, the project team members and advisory board members of the Centre for Quantitative History (CQH) at the HKU Business School brought the team’s momentum again to Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), where they jointly organized the 10th Summer School for Quantitative History cum International Symposium on Quantitative History together with SJTU Department of History, and the Institute of Qing History at Renmin University of China. These annual activities, held from July 6 to 15, 2024, were a success, attracting over 250 scholars from universities and research institutions around the world.

The 9-day Summer School cum Symposium featured a series of lectures and keynote speeches by Prof. Zhiwu Chen, Prof. Chicheng Ma, Prof. Denggao Long (Tsinghua), Prof. Debin Ma (Oxford), Prof. Cameron Campbell (HKUST), Prof. Hilde De Weerdt (KU Leuven), and Prof. Stephen Broadberry (Oxford), among others who have been fully committed to this open and reciprocal academic discourse. Lectures and discussion groups were filled with lively discussions, leaving participants with more questions to be answered – an important outcome for young minds.

This year’s programme admitted 123 promising young scholars globally, including eleven from HKU. “This was not an average summer school but rather an intensive series of discussions about historical research among a community of historians and social scientists,” CQH advisory board member Prof. Hilde De Weerdt (KU Leuven) later tweeted on her account. The collaborative spirit that defines this vibrant interdisciplinary community were on full display during the summer school.

The Summer School culminated in the International Symposium on Quantitative History, held on July 13 and 14. The symposium programme included keynote speeches by leading scholars in the field, as well as 48 diverse presentations by young scholars across four parallel sessions. During the two-day event, the prestigious 7th Narada (Nandu) Quantitative History Research Best Paper Awards were announced, recognizing outstanding contributions in the field.

Also a highlight was the 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner, held on the evening of July 13, that commemorated the 10th anniversary of the team’s ongoing effort in promoting quantitative history research in China. Participants and symposium presenters were connected with alumni who chronicled the team’s transformative journey over the past decade.

The founders, including Professors Zhiwu Chen, Denggao Long, and Debin Ma, shared the original intentions behind establishing the initiative and reflected on its remarkable growth. “Emerging from our inaugural Summer School in 2013 and flourishing to mark our tenth anniversary, our core belief centers on the transformative potential of data-driven historical analysis,” said Prof. Zhiwu Chen who is the director of CQH, “we have proved ourselves as a diverse and outward-looking platform where we advocate for a paradigm shift in historical narratives.” They, together with organizing hosts Prof. Jiang Qin (SJTU) and Prof. Zhan Lin (Renmin) expressed heartfelt gratitude to the programme’s supporting parties and donors, namely the Research Grants Council’s Area of Excellence (AoE) scheme, HongShan, Longfor Group, Narada (Nandu) Foundation and Yonyou Foundation, whose generous support has been instrumental in the success of the quantitative history community in China. They also thanked alumni in the quantitative history community for their perseverance. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense why we were able to secure that charming group photograph amid the incessant downpour that had almost enveloped the day.

Looking ahead, the Centre for Quantitative History is filled with optimism as it sets its sights on the next decade. The remarkable progress made over the past 10 years has the team feeling energized and excited, envisioning a future where young scholars have more opportunities with more data becoming more easily available.

About the Centre for Quantitative History
The Centre for Quantitative History (CQH) is a focal institution for coordinating and conducting big data-based historical inquiries with quantitative methods to construct a holistic picture of China’s past development, sponsored by the HKU Business School. The focus of the Centre is on the study of the quantitative history of China. It is an area of excellence designated and funded by the Research Grants Council, a non-statutory advisory council functioning under the aegis of the University Grants Committee.

A Shining Memory: Group photo taken for the 10th Summer School for Quantitative History cum International Symposium on Quantitative History
CQH Team and Advisory Board members bring momentum to Shanghai Jiao Tong University for the AoE-Quantitative History project From Left to Right: Prof. Kaixiang Peng (Wuhan), Prof. Nan Li (Fudan), Prof. Ying Bai (CUHK), Prof. William Guanglin Liu (LingU), Prof. Debin Ma (Oxford), Prof. Chicheng Ma (HKU Business School), Prof. Zhiwu Chen (HKU Business School), Prof. Cameron Campbell (HKUST), Prof. Stephen Broadberry (Oxford), Prof. Hilde De Weerdt (KU Leuven), Prof. Shuji Cao (SJTU and HKU Business School) and Prof. Zhan Lin (Renmin)	HKU Business School: Leading regional quantitative history research as coordinating university for the AoE research grant From Left to Right: Prof. Chicheng Ma (HKU Business School), Prof. Zhiwu Chen (HKU Business School), Prof. Cameron Campbell (HKUST) and Prof. Debin Ma (Oxford)

衷心祝贺!

香港大学赛马会

环球企业可持续发展研究所

联席所长Roni Michaely教授荣获

2024年金融研讨会“最佳论文奖”

(Best Paper Award, The Finance Symposium 2024)

该奖项由金融研讨会科学委员会(The Scientific Committee, The Finance Symposium) 提名，于2024年7月24至27日在希腊罗多斯举行的2024年国际同行评审金融研讨会，由至少两名同行评审员进行评审后，颁发予最高得分的研究论文。

奖项表彰了Roni Michaely教授在金融科学领域作出的杰出成就，彰显了人工智能科技，对解决金融理论前沿问题有显著效果。

Roni Michaely教授的得奖论文《产生人工智能创新和价值影响》 (Producing AI Innovation and Value Implications）记录了AI在过去三十年间所产生的创新总量中所占的重要份额，并见到了持续增长的趋势，科技目前已遍布各个行业和技术领域。随后，研究团队对上市公司进行了分析，发现企业在其自身、其客户、其员工接触AI的激励推动下，更多的将创新的题目导向AI。研究团队对企业创新能力和其与AI的接触进行外部交互，以衡量实际的AI生产量。研究主要发现，生产人工智能会增加公司未来的股票回报，而更高的盈利能力和更低的风险则是其主要支撑因素。结果表明，生产人工智能会增加公司价值。

再次祝贺Roni Michaely教授取得这一超卓成就！

THE FINANCE SYMPOSIUM

金融研讨会针对金融理论新趋势中的前沿问题提出新的解决方案，这些解决方案由学术界开发，并与国际从业人员的研究和行业实用经验相结合。研讨会亦大力支持学术界和实务界在金融科学方面的卓越成就，是次主题为金融及银行，促使研究、演讲和交易大厅从业人员的新观点，能通过金融领域的各种特别会议得到广泛性传播。

机构简介

香港大学赛马会环球企业可持续发展研究所（HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute）是香港大学与香港赛马会之间的战略合作项目，致力于建立一个全球一流的环境、社会和治理(ESG)最佳实践中心，服务于香港、亚洲及更远的地区。通过聚集来自不同领域的杰出全球学者，我们的使命是培育一种多学科的ESG研究和培训方法，并与私营和公共部门建立伙伴关系，推动可持续发展倡导和负责任领导力倡议。 

作为ESG研究的领先机构，我们致力于通过开创性研究、可行性见解、ESG指数开发、初创企业孵化和变革性项目创造有意义且持久的影响。我们的目标是为下一代ESG专业人士和领导者提供促进负责任和可持续增长所需的知识和技能。

在追求卓越的过程中，我们认识到合作和知识交流的重要性。我们致力于促进监管机构、企业、非政府组织和学术界之间的对话与合作，以确保ESG最佳实践的发展和传播。通过共同努力，我们的目标是塑造一个更加可持续、公平和负责任的未来，造福所有利益相关者。

HKU Business School and Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on nurturing industry leaders and elevating academic research in support of the tourism industry. The partnership marks an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between the academic and business sectors in the modern service industry. The MoU was jointly signed by Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of HKU Business School, and Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited.

HKU Business School will work closely with Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A., a leading integrated resort in Macau to offer learning opportunities and Executive Education programmes, to equip industry practitioners with the latest leadership and service management knowledge. By enhancing individuals’ professional service capabilities, the collaboration aims to bring the quality of services in the industry to new heights. The partnership will also establish an academic cooperation framework, to support cutting-edge research projects and promote efficient information exchange for academic studies. Additionally, various forms of collaboration opportunities will be explored to accelerate industry growth.

Both parties were excited to embark on this journey of collaboration, and look forward to creating more opportunities for researchers and industry professionals to work together and share knowledge, supporting the development of the tourism industry in the region.

Caption: The MoU between HKU Business School and Wynn is signed by Ms. Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau, Limited (left), and Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of HKU Business School (right).

港大经管学院212届学位颁授典礼于2024年7月9日和10日在香港大学百周年校园大会堂隆重举行。这一为期六场的盛大典礼为所有参与者创造了一个独特而难忘的经历。

其中院长蔡洪滨教授的鼓舞人心的演讲令人印象深刻。在毕业生们准备踏入充满活力的商业世界时,蔡教授提醒他们:”秉承香港大学的校训 – ‘明德格物’，我坚信你们将能迎难而上，克服一切困难和挑战，并找到通往成功与实现理想的道路。”

毕业生代表杨睿邦、冯沛谦、Vallent Elbert、李蕙竹、Gong Yifan和杨光发表了感谢致辞，衷心感谢教职员工、家人和朋友在求学路上的坚定支持。他们的话语引发了观众的共鸣,表达了毕业生所面临的挑战、取得的成就,以及迎接未来机遇的乐观和前瞻性心态。

此次毕业典礼共有3,100多人参加,其中包括1,100名即将开启人生新篇章的毕业生,以及2,000名前来支持和庆祝这一重要里程碑的家人们和朋友们。

Congratulations to our students for winning Champion and 1^st Runner-up in MBS Simulated Business Management Competition 2024!

The MBS Simulated Business Management Competition is organised by the International Association of Business Management Simulation (IABMS) and HKU SAAS Data Science Lab. It aims to provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical and simulated business environment.

The competition involved a series of challenges that simulated real-world business scenarios. In the six intense rounds, each participating team was required to run a virtual enterprise and make strategic decisions related to marketing, finance, operations, and other business functions to achieve the highest overall business performance and profitability.

Among the thirty student teams from Hong Kong and Thailand, our students demonstrated their outstanding critical thinking and decision-making abilities and won Champion and 1^st Runner-up in the competition.

Find out more about the competition: https://www.intabms.org/mbssimulatedbizmgmtcomp2024

Champion
Team Name: RiskTakers
Team members:
Huang Hongbin, BSc(QFin), Year 2
Sun Zong Zheng, BEcon&Fin, Year 2

First Runner-up
Team Name: VPN
Team members:
Wong Man Chun, BSc(QFin), Year 2
Lian Wai Kai, BSc(QFin), Year 2
Poon Tsz Chung, BSc(QFin), Year 2

Student Sharing:

“This competition is a precious opportunity for students to utilise academic knowledge learned from the university and integrate real-life decisions. We had the chance to analyse the given economic status and choose the most suitable business strategies to outperform other teams. I learned how to cooperate and communicate with my teammates during the competition to make a guesstimation for different financial budgets and data.

Furthermore, the competition also required us to finish an on-site presentation regarding our strategies and put forward new ideas for the company’s future development. The strict time limit gave me the experience of quick preparation and helped develop my presentation skills significantly. Overall, this competition deepened my insight into the whole industry and made me know more about business management with many soft skills.”

(by Mr. Huang Hongbin)

“Winning as the champion, though very rewarding and encouraging, was not the initial purpose. Participating in the competition was an attempt to push my boundaries and gain a better understanding of business management in real life. Indeed, my goal was achieved, and I learned a lot from this insightful experience. It taught me that the ability to adjust to new conditions is sometimes more important than coming up with a good initial strategy. “

(by Mr. Sun Zong Zheng)

“Participating in the competition gave me valuable insights into various aspects of company operations through a macro business simulation. Analysing our team’s conditions and the decisions made by other competitors, it was fascinating to uncover the rationale behind the user interface. Making decisions on different markets and long-term investments provided a hands-on experience that deepened my understanding of real-world business operations. This insightful competition expanded my practical knowledge and exposed me to the complexities of business management.”

(by Mr. Wong Man Chun)

“This competition gave me valuable insights into the fundamental activities and decision-making procedures involved in companies’ financial and marketing aspects. It enhanced my understanding of business practices and helped me develop a keen business sense. The competition entailed examining diverse business data to make informed decisions regarding production distribution, marketing approaches, and research and development investments, all crucial for succeeding in the ever-changing business landscape.”

(by Mr. Lian Wai Kai)

“Participating in IABMS workshops and bootcamps offered a great opportunity to acquire and develop technical skills from hands-on field experience. I learned to extract insights from large data and interpret economic indicators. Representing different departments, we analysed and debated business issues like production flow, inventory management, research and development, and project financing. Through active discussion, we created a clear, interconnected presentation. This competition broadened my business horizons, enhanced my technical knowledge, and improved my interpersonal skills.”

(by Mr. Poon Tsz Chung)

The HKGCC Pitch Perfect Programme 2024 is an all-round training programme organised by Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC). This year, the programme was sponsored by six companies – Cathay Pacific Airways, Ernst & Young, MTR Corporation, The Mills Fabrica (Nan Fung Group), New World Development and NEC Hong Kong.

The programme consists of four stages, which aims to equip students with essential workplace skills through a series of training courses, company visits, and mentorship opportunities. In the semi-final and final round, students underwent hypothetical job interviews with senior executives from sponsoring companies and HKGCC leadership.

Among the 150 undergraduate students across universities in Hong Kong, students from the HKU Business School have demonstrated their exceptional interview and pitching skills, and were crowned as Winner and Overall Champion in this programme.

Find out more about the programme: https://www.hkgccppp2024.com/

Winner and Overall Champion:
Chan Chun Yan Natalie, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 3

Winner:
Singh Karndeep, BEcon&Fin, Year 2

Student Sharing:

“The HKGCC Pitch Perfect Programme 2024 has been an invaluable learning experience for me on multiple levels. I have learned a tremendous amount about resilience, adaptability, and effective communication. The high-pressure pitch competition environment challenged me to think quickly, respond to tough questions, and maintain composure under stress. I am enormously grateful to have been a part of this experience, and I know the skills and connections I have gained will continue to serve me well in my career.”
(by Miss Chan Chun Yan Natalie)

“Having mentors like Mr. Victor Lam, JP, who brought the perspective of a business owner, and Mr. Kevin So, Arcadis, who brought the perspective of a corporate, they both provided me a lot of guidance and answered all of our questions about presenting oneself at an interview. My public speaking skills have definitely improved, and I have been given various tips on how to best present myself in a job interview setting.”
(by Mr. Singh Karndeep)