The Centre for Quantitative History of HKU Business School hosted a two-day conference on October 25-26, 2023, showcasing the latest quantitative history (QH) research carried out under the Areas of Excellence (AoE) Scheme funded by the Research Grants Council. This scheme aims to increase research collaboration. The conference brought together over 60 attendees from Asia, Europe, and North America to explore the latest trends and ideas in quantitative history on the HKU campus. It focused on four theme clusters that examined key dimensions of how China and Hong Kong reached their current positions: 1) ancient roots, 2) culture, 3) state capacity & institutions, and 4) finance, trade & Hong Kong.

The conference featured 16 ongoing research projects from the project team members and their collaborators. These projects applied the quantitative history approach, utilizing large datasets constructed from historical archives and archaeological records to reconstruct trends, and patterns, and assess causal relationships.

The conference opened with the first theme, “Ancient Roots from Quantitative Perspectives.” During the presentation on war and technology, Professor Zhiwu Chen, the Director of the Centre for Quantitative History and the Project Coordinator of the AoE project, highlighted that China offered a longstanding puzzle to historians in that its society had produced an astonishing number of inventions – including printing, the blast furnace, and gunpowder – but had never exploited them to their full potential. The second theme, “Culture, Religion, and Long-Term Consequences,” explored natural and human-created disasters using meticulously collected data, for example, the China Government Employee Database – Qing Jinshenlu (CGED-Q JSL) datasets collected by Co-PI Professor Cameron Campbell and his team of HKUST.

On the second day of the conference, the focus shifted to the theme “State Capacity, Institutions, and Development,” which was highlighted by five paper presentations, further emphasizing its popularity in the research landscape. Notably, Co-PI Professor Debin Ma of Oxford presented his 15-year research on a Millennium of Public Finance. The final theme, “Financial History, Trade, and the Rise of Hong Kong as a Financial Centre,” highlighted cutting-edge research in the field of quantitative history led by Co-PI Professor Chicheng Ma of HKU Business School. It is worth mentioning that all three papers in this cluster were either presented or co-authored by postgraduate research students, demonstrating the project team’s commitment to nurturing young scholars in this interdisciplinary research landscape. The conference also featured six research student presenters from HKU, HKUST, NUS, and Boston University.

The conference organizing committee was pleased to have four discussants join the team’s efforts to discuss the presented work. These included CQH Advisory Board member Professor Tetsuji Okazaki of the University of Tokyo, Professor Paul Seabright of the University of Toulouse, Professor Tuan-Hwee Sng of the National University of Singapore, and Professor Jin Li of HKU Business School. Their generous contributions and discussions were greatly appreciated by the team members and co-authors.

In the closing remarks, Professor Chicheng Ma, also the Associate Director of the Centre for Quantitative History, expressed gratitude to all the participating researchers for their support in strengthening interaction and collaboration in this ever-growing field. Co-PI Professor Cameron Campbell, Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Science at HKUST and the AoE-QH Team leader in external relations expressed delight, along with the team members, in the conference’s atmosphere, engagement, and presentations, ranking it among the top-tier workshops they have attended.

Stay tuned for upcoming AoE-QH events and activities in Hong Kong!

The two-day Area of Excellence-Quantitative History Conference 2023 gathered project team members (listed in alphabetical order): Zhiwu Chen (Project Coordinator), Jed O. Kaplan, Chen Lin, and Chicheng Ma from HKU; Ying Bai (CUHK); Cameron Campbell (HKUST); Zhan Lin (Renmin); William Guanglin Liu (Lingnan); and Debin Ma (Oxford), along with their collaborators, co-authors, invited discussants, and guests on the HKU campus.

Highlighting young scholar contributions: Three conference papers co-authored by postgraduates, with six student presenters from top universities.

Group Photo: Day 1 of the conference outside the historic May Hall

Group Photo: Taken before the conference participants headed off for the closing dinner.

Hi-res photos are available here “Day 1” and “Day 2”.

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.

Website / Image URL:
https://www.kccedp.com/about-programme-%E9%97%9C%E6%96%BC%E8%A8%88%E5%8A%83

Award(s):
2nd Runner Up

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.”

(By LI Chun Huen Edward)

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.

Website / Image URL:
https://www.lazicc.com/

Award(s):
2^nd Place

Awardees:

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.”

(By TSANG 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).”

(By CHAN 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.”

(By CHAN 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.”

(By LI Sing Yee Agnes)

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.

10月20日，由香港大學經管學院主辦的領航論壇於香港大學陸佑堂隆重舉行。香港特別行政區創新科技及工業局局長孫東教授，國家發展與改革委員會國際合作中心主任袁鋒先生， 香港大學首席副校長、香港大學經濟及工商管理學院經濟學講座教授、黃幹亨黃英豪政治經濟學教授王于漸教授，香港大學經濟及工商管理學院院長、經濟學講座教授蔡洪濱教授，原香港特區政府財政司司長、黑石集團前大中華區主席、南豐集團董事長 、新風天域集團董事長兼聯合創辦人梁錦松先生，中國國際金融股份有限公司董事總經理黃海洲先生，香港科技園區CEO黃克強先生，野村國際（香港）董事總經理陸挺先生，香港特別行政區第七屆立法會議員、新世界集團研究部總經理洪雯女士，香港大學協理副校長、香港大學經濟及工商管理學院副院長林晨教授，香港大學協理副校長、香港青年科學院院長岑浩璋教授， 香港大學經濟及工商管理學院副院長沈海鵬教授，香港大學亞洲環球研究所亞洲環球學者計劃總監郭國全先生等領導代表出席論壇。

香港大學經濟及工商管理學院院長、經濟學講座教授蔡洪濱教授在致詞中表示國際創新科技中心是國家對香港的發展定位。粵港澳大灣區具有「一國兩制」的特殊性，加速建構跨境協同創新機制和網絡是建立國際科技創新中心的關鍵。香港大學經管學院提供最前沿的商業和技術研討，幫助理清技術變革下行業發展的軌跡，發現變局中的獨特機遇；培養更多優秀的商業人才，貢獻更多的智慧和力量；積極創新並為社會帶來正面影響。

香港特別行政區創新科技及工業局局長孫東教授與大家分享河套深港科技創新合作區如何協助打造香港國際創新科技中心。 河套深港創新合作區是粵港澳大灣區四個重大合作平台之一，也是唯一一個以科技創新為主題的平台。 合作區地理位置優越，盡享一河兩岸、一區兩園的優勢，可為建造國際創科高地提供優越的條件。 計劃積極從以下四個方面努力建設好河套園區：

第一，打造世界級的產研平台。

第二，建構具國際競爭力的產業中試轉化基地。

第三，匯聚天下的創新資源，充分利用香港背靠祖國、聯通世界的獨特優勢。

第四，開闢政策創新的試驗田。

香港將會深入參與全球創新科技的建設，全速全力地推進港深河套合作區的建設，為香港建設成為國際創新科技中心走出一條更廣闊、更燦爛的道路。

國家發展與改革委員會國際合作中心主任袁鋒先生作題為《科技協同——推動粵港澳大灣區經濟高品質發展》的主題演講。關於如何推動大灣區的科技協同，手段包括有建構開放型的協同創新生態、建立高端人才聚集地、強化產業鍊和創新鏈的協同、建構國際科技創新體制機制以外，香港如何利用好內地的製造業以及市場優勢尤其重要。國家發展與改革委員會國際合作中心將持續深化與香港大專院校的創新合作與學術研究，舉辦專題研討會、產業諮詢，共同培養企業家領軍人才等。同時也希望與香港特區政府相關部門、商會和企業開展交流合作，做好橋樑作用，促進香港和內地科技創新融合發展，共同推動國際科創中心建設。

香港大學首席副校長、香港大學經濟及工商管理學院經濟學講座教授、黃幹亨黃英豪政治經濟學教授王于漸教授帶來題為《發揮高校科研力量 培育優秀青年人才助力香港科創發展》的主題演講。香港擁有雄厚的科學研究實力，一共有5間大學躋身全球百強。香港大學作為香港第一的知名大學，具有豐富的校史和國際化教學特色，吸引了全球範圍內的學生。香港大學在培養學生的創新能力和國際視野方面具有獨特的優勢，是大灣區高等教育的重要組成部分。此外，香港大學在科學研究方面也表現出色，為大灣區的科技創新做出了重要貢獻。大學將繼續發揮自己的科研優勢，培養優秀的青年人才，為香港、大灣區、國家的發展做出更大的貢獻。

本次論壇也邀請了前香港特區政府財政司司長、黑石集團前大中華區主席、南豐集團董事長、新風天域集團董事長兼聯合創始人梁錦松先生，作題為《新情勢下如何發展》的主題演講 。圍繞香港發展問題，必須充分認識到，香港在國家發展中的獨特功能和地位不可替代，要繼續充分發揮香港的獨特優勢。要著力鞏固香港金融、貿易、航運、專業服務等傳統優勢產業，要大力提升香港創新科技、數位經濟、數位貿易、文化創意等新興產業，促進香港更融入國家大局。

隨後，原香港鳳凰衛視著名主持人謝亞芳女士主持了題為《科技創新—香港經濟發展新動能》 的高端對話。香港大學經濟及工商管理學院院長、經濟學講座教授蔡洪濱教授，香港特別行政區第七屆立法會議員、新世界集團研究部總經理洪雯女士，香港科技園公司CEO黃克強先生，香港大學協理副校長、香港青年科學院院長岑浩璋教授參與了這場對話。圍繞著「科創是否能成為香港新的增長點」、「哪些優勢可以助理香港’突圍’」、「是否可以在香港打造另一個’矽谷’」以及「高校在香港科創發展戰略中的作用」等話題展開了討論。

接著，原香港鳳凰衛視著名主持人謝亞芳女士繼續主持了題為《聯通世界——香港國際金融中心的 重要角色》的高端對話。 中國國際金融股份有限公司董事總經理黃海洲先生，野村國際（香港）董事總經理陸挺先生，香港大學協理副校長、香港大學經濟及工商管理學院副院長林晨教授，香港大學亞洲環球研究所亞洲環球學者計劃總監郭國全先生參與了討論。 對話的圍繞著「香港的國際金融中心地位如何助力其成為國際科創中心」、「中美博弈對香港資本市場的影響」、「香港金融市場的新動能是什麼」展開了討論。

在「一國兩制」下，香港作為國家的國際金融中心，匯聚海內外資金和頂級金融機構和人才，融資管道多元豐富，規則和製度深受國際投資者信任，能在這方面作出積極和 獨特的貢獻。金融科技正好匯聚香港金融服務傳統優勢和創新科技新興發展的橋樑。相信未來香港的優勢將能更充份發揮，謀求更美好的發展、發掘更多的商機、創造亮麗的前景。

是夜，領航工程策略企業家計畫歡迎晚宴暨二期開學典禮圓滿舉辦。香港大學經濟及工商管理學院院長、經濟學講座教授蔡洪濱教授，國家發展與改革委員會國際合作中心主任袁鋒先生，香港交易所董事總經理、首席中國經濟學家巴曙松教授，世紀城市集團副主席及執行董事、富豪酒店集團副主席兼董事總經理、可持續科技學院創辦人羅寶文女士，野村國際（香港）董事總經理陸挺先生，香港大學協理副校長、香港大學經濟及工商管理學院副院長林晨教授，香港大學政治學教授、當代中國與世界研究中心主任李成教授等嘉賓出席晚宴。

香港大學經濟及工商管理學院院長
經濟學講座教授蔡洪濱教授致辭

香港交易所董事總經理
首席中國經濟學家巴曙松教授致辭

世紀城市集團副主席及執行董事
富豪酒店集團副主席兼董事總經理
永續科技學院創辦人羅寶文女士致辭

領航二期啟動儀式

精彩回顧：

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 4^th 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

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!

Background:

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.

Website / Image URL:

https://www.ey.com/en_gl/careers/ey-young-tax-professional-of-the-year

Award(s) and Awardees:

First-runner up:             Mr. LAU Chun Ho Darren, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 4 (2^nd left)

Second-runner up:        Ms. LAM Sin Yu, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 3 (1^st 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.”

 (By LAM Sin Yu)

Background:

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.

Website / Image URL:

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/100WF—Sep-2—Hong-Kong-JumpStart-University-Investment-Hackathon.html?soid=1103767629760&aid=QwCFa7BR3BQ

https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/competition/100wf-hong-kong-jumpstart-university-investment-hackathon

Award(s):

1^st Runner Up  

Awardees:

Ms. WIRAWAN Karen, BBA(BA), Year 2 (1^st left)

Ms. TJANDRA Kezia Eugenie, BEcon&Fin, Year 2 (2^nd right)

(2 other team members were students from The Bachelor 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.”

(By WIRAWAN Karen)

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 22^nd 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.