Global AI Finance Research Conference 2023 – Call for Papers

HKU Business School – The University of Hong Kong in Vietnam, the FinTech Research & Education Center – Sungkyunkwan University, and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance – National University of Singapore will hold the annual international conference in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on December 11 to 12, 2023. Korean Finance Association continues to participate in the conference as a co-organizer.

The conference will accept only a small number of papers to enhance its quality and be held in person only. Please go to the conference website (www.aifinconf.org) for further information. For additional information, please contact us via email at aifinconf@gmail.com.

“Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship in China (CIEC)” Summer Virtual Programme was successfully completed on 20 June, 2023.

Launched in 2019, the CIEC programme aims to provide the younger generation with an in-depth understanding of the economic development in Hong Kong and Mainland China, as well as the latest trend in business, economics, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in the Greater Bay Area.  In 2023, we are delighted to have brought together 52 students from different faculties at The University of Hong Kong and other top universities in Canada, Taiwan, United Kingdom and mainland China. Students from China, India, Indonesia, Netherlands, South Korea, Taiwan and U.S.A had actively participated in the CIEC regardless of their geographic location. The programme, taking an innovative pedagogical approach itself, was led by CIEC Programme Directors, Mr. Joseph Chan and Dr. Jing Li.

This year, we collaborated with 15 companies from all walks of life, including aerospace, biotechnology, AI, big data, telecommunications, sustainability, medical, food & beverage, finance, fintech, property development, public administration, retail and other innovative technology to offer students the opportunities to learn and gain insights into various industries from our guest speakers, who are either senior management or founders of the corporates. The programme also provided students with ample opportunities to discuss and present their innovative ideas on hot topics in technology applications, cultural innovation and digital transformation.

CIEC Programme Directors, Mr. Chan and Dr. Li, had conducted interviews with guest speakers from these companies before the programme began. After broadcasting the interview videos, students got the chance to interact with the industry experts in the Q&A sessions throughout the 9-day programme. These interactive sessions offered valuable opportunities for students, not only to understand the real business landscape and environment, development and policy of different industries but also to explore their own future development and planning. 15 speakers for the guest lectures included (in alphabetical order of industry partners):

• Kent Shi, Founder, Carbon Zero New Energy
• Felix Ren, General Manager, Eccom Network (HK)
• Jason Ho, FTICA HK CEO & Broad Member, FTI Consulting
• Yee Tsang, General Manager, Grand Field Group
• Scarlett Liu, Founder & CEO, Han Empire Group
• Hayman Chan, Founder, HaymanChan
• Michael Hu, Technology Strategy Director, Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group
• Jenny Yeung, Director/ Operation Director, Jointek Business
• William Shum, Founder & CEO, Memorigin Watch
• Linda Cheng, Operation Director, My Heart Bodibra
• Daniel Wang, Chief Investment Officer, Peakvest Group
• Luyi Mo, Vice President, Pony.AI
• Steven Pun, Founder & CEO, Protech Electronics & Technology
• Edward Yu, Head of District office, Yau Tsim Mong District
• Xiangrong Dai, Executive Director, Zhaoke Ophthalmology

Participants also had the opportunity to explore different cultural spots in Hong Kong through Storius, a self-guided app that promote culture with advanced technology. Co-founder and CEO of Storius, Mr. Freddy Law, also shared personal story and career path, which gave a lot of advice to the students on career planning. After experiencing the app, students were engaged to discuss and share their views on the business model towards Storius’ target market and presented their business and digital innovation ideas directly to the related department heads.

Mr. Chan gave the greatest appreciation to our guests who took time out of their busy schedule for interactive conversation and answered our students’ questions from their heart. Mr. Chan commended CIEC is a programme to showcase the industries’ insight on innovation and entrepreneurship  in GBA, plus the valuable sharing of our guests’ own real life experience and entrepreneurship journey.  He also shared that at HKU Business School, we are building this multimedia database of business cases, which aims at establishing the knowledge hub for the local and global innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Dr. Li added that active participation of all students made the whole programme full of interesting and exciting moments, which is the most valuable part of CIEC programme. Student insights and responses were definitely very impressive. She looks forward to having some firm visits with the students in the programme in the future.

Background:

The Family Office Association Hong Kong (FOAHK) 2023 Case Competition provides an opportunity for students to gain insights into the growing family office industry and their role in wealth management. The competition involved solving a case through portfolio management and ESG investing. Students were able to discover what it takes to work as a Portfolio Manager in a multi-family office (MFO) and provide recommendations on how to manage the family’s wealth. In the first round, 100 teams from Singapore and Hong Kong participated. The top 6 teams from the first round advanced to the final round of pitching on March 11, 2023 and received attractive cash prizes, exclusive opportunities to join company on-site visits, as well as internship fast-track opportunities at investment banks, asset management firms, and FinTech companies.

Website / Image URL:

https://www.foahk.org/case-competition

Award:

2^nd Runner-up

Team Members:

Ms. Wong Ching Wai, BFin(AMPB), Year 2

Mr. Mo Cheuk Hei Marcus, BFin(AMPB), Year 2

Mr. Law Yun Laam, BBA(IBGM), Year 2

Mr. Tsang Lok Hay, BBA(IBGM), Year 2

From left to right: Mr. Tsang Lok Hay Bosco (2nd from the left), Ms. Wong Ching Wai Hazel (3rd from the left), Mr. Law Yun Laam Ray (3rd from the right), Mr. Mo Cheuk Hei Marcus (2nd from the right)

Students Sharing:

“Participating in the FOAHK sustainable portfolio management competition was an incredible experience for our team. We conducted extensive research on macro and investment outlooks and developed a tactical asset allocation for an ultra-high-net-worth individual, which pushed us to think critically about sustainability and social responsibility while meeting our client’s financial goals. We had to stay up-to-date on global market trends, analyze different asset classes, and constantly reassess our portfolio to ensure that it remained relevant and profitable. Through collaboration and sharing our expertise and insights, we created a well-rounded and successful portfolio. This competition challenged us to think innovatively and develop investment strategies that are both financially sustainable and socially responsible, providing us with a rewarding opportunity to expand our knowledge and skills in portfolio management and sustainability.”

(By Mo Cheuk Hei, Marcus)

“My team had the chance to join other finalists in the final round of FOAHK 2023 Case Competition in March 2023. Through the journey, our team got the chance to be mentored by senior practitioners in Family Office Industry. Although the 2 rounds of case-cracking were indeed challenging, the experience was incredibly humbling and interesting. We pulled it off with great teamwork and presented an all-in-one wealth management solution for a ultra-high-net-worth client. We had stepped out of our comfort zone to manage our time across multiple tasks and explore different services in Family Office, from investment counselling to impact investing and philanthropic solutions. Through formulating investment strategies and solutions, I understood the importance of being a part of the growing family office industry in Asia. Looking forward to more learning opportunities in the future!”

(By Wong Ching Wai, Hazel)

“Winning 2^nd Runner-up in the FOAHK 2023 Case Competition was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. The competition challenged me to create an investment portfolio that balances the often competing interests of ESG considerations, client needs, macroeconomic environment, and philanthropic goals. As I worked on the portfolio, I found myself constantly pushing the boundaries of my knowledge and expertise. I had to consider not only the technical aspects of investment management but also the ethical and social dimensions that underlie ESG investing. The Q&A session was especially tough, but it was also a valuable learning experience. It forced me to defend my ideas and articulate my thought process, and it gave me a glimpse into the real-world challenges of investment management. Overall, winning 2^ndRunner-up in the competition has inspired me to continue pursuing excellence in investment management. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the competition and for the lessons that I’ve learned along the way.”

(By Law Yun Laam, Ray)

“Having the chance to participate in the FOAHK2023 Case Competition was truly an amazing experience for me. It provided me with the chance to learn more about the asset management industry and also the daily operations and functions of a family office. On top of that, the competition prompted us to think deeply about incorporating ESG elements into investments, analyze market trends, and eventually construct a portfolio based on our client’s needs and profile. Winning the 2^nd Runner-up in the competition has encouraged me to dive deeper into the world of investment, and I am excited to join more similar opportunities in the future.”

(By Tsang Lok Hay, Bosco)

Background:

The ESG Challenge was an annual case competition organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Business Students (HKFBS) which aims to raise awareness among university students about the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in different industries. With the sponsorship from PwC, this year’s competition focused on sustainability in the Food & Beverage industry with the theme – “Road to Sustainability”. Teams of 3 to 5 students had to propose a long-term project to solve or alleviate an existing waste in a self-selected F&B company, focusing on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to assess the environmental impacts.

The competition involved three rounds – preliminary, semi-finals, and finals. In each round, teams had to submit a revised and lengthier proposal based on their initial idea, as well as complete a LCA for their proposal. For the final round, teams had to present their idea in front of a panel of judges and answer questions from them. The competition provided students with valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge and think critically about ESG concepts in real-world scenarios.

Website / Image URL:

https://www.hkfbs.org.hk/functions/esg2023

Award:

Champion  

Team Members:

Ms. Tsang Zoe, BBA(IBGM), Year 1

Ms. Fung Sem Tou Sheryl, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 1

Ms. So Mei Chi Germaine, BBA(IBGM), Year 1

From left to right: Ms. Zoe Tsang, Ms. Germaine So, Ms. Sheryl Fung

Students Sharing:

“The ESG Challenge was definitely one of the most stimulating case competitions I have ever joined, as it was not easy to think of a new and innovative ESG solution for established F&B chains. However, once we were able to settle on a solid idea, it has transited into a rewarding and inspiring journey of learning more about how the profits of a company are not just affected by their business activities, but also by their ESG actions. The case competition truly helped my teammates and I learn more about this upcoming business focus and trend.”

(By So Mei Chi Germaine)

“For the First Round, teams were required to submit a 5-page executive summary. 12 teams were selected to proceed into the Semi-Final, then 4 finalist teams pitched their proposals in the Grand Final. Our team devised a circular solution – “Tesco’s Environmentally Sustainable Cattle Operation (TESCO)” which upcycles Tesco’s food waste through insect farms into protein supplements for cattle in Tesco’s dairy farms. I am glad that our team performed well and won the Championship at last.

My parts were the LCA (life cycle assessment) and Financials sections, which were quite technical. I read many scientific papers while compiling and comparing information about pollutants emitted, energy use, and land use during the various alternative processes of producing protein supplements for cattle. Besides, it was my first attempt in doing financial analysis, such as projecting costs and conducting a cost-benefit analysis. It was a refreshing experience and a great learning opportunity, and I hope to collaborate with my teammates Germaine and Zoe again soon.”

(By Fung Sem Tou Sheryl)

“I have gained a better insight into what ESG is, and beyond that, I have learned how to apply ESG concepts in an actual business/real-life setting. Other than knowledge gains, I have strengthened all forms of soft skills, such as presentation, collaboration, and leadership skills.”

(By Tsang Zoe)

Coming to its 12th year, the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) HKU Chapter has inducted 110 undergraduate and postgraduate students at the ceremony held on 19 April 2023. Esteemed business leader, Ms Christina Wong, the Manging Director of Strategy & Consulting Accenture of Greater China was conferred the BGS HKU Chapter Honoree.

Professor Hongbin Cai, Dean of the HKU Business School, welcomed the guests and expressed his congratulations to students inducted into the Beta Gama Sigma, “This prestigious life-time membership serves not only represents a recognition of your excellent academic performance, but also a ticket for you to gain access to this exclusive international platform and learn from business elites around the world, to harness the skills and knowledge required to excel in your future career and to lead your own way of success.”

At the ceremony, Ms Christina Wong also hared her career journey at Accenture and the secret of success for being a recognised leader in the company and the market. In particular, Ms Wong has motivated all students and graduates from the following perspectives:

• Belief in your values: A strong belief in yourself and a positive environment gives you the confidence to unleash your potential and give you the energy to move closer to your aspirations.
• Give and Take Equilibrium: Put ourselves in other shoes, knowing when to “give” to pave the way for a longer-term relationship
• Sleep with innovation and let there be change: In the new era, everybody must learn earnestly and embrace changes around us continuously.

For the video of the Honorees’ speeches and event highlights, please click here.

About Beta Gamma Sigma

Established in 1907 in the U.S., Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society serving business programmes accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive. Since 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma has inducted more than 700,000 outstanding students in more than 160 countries around the world.

About BGS HKU Chapter

The BGS HKU Chapter was installed in 2012. Since its inception, over 900 students were inducted. The lifelong membership conveys academic excellence, a commitment to high principle and superior achievement. Eligible students must attain CGPA of at least 3.60 and simultaneously be on the Dean’s Honour List and be on the top 10% of their respective undergraduate or postgraduate programme.

Ms. Christina Wong is presented the BGS HKU Chapter Honoree by Professor Hongbin Cai

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the HKU-SaSa Joint University Case Competition (JUCC) 2023 and the winning of 1^st Runner-up and Best Presenter of our HKU Team.

JUCC is the annual signature event of HKU International Case Society (HICS), a student-run organization supported by the School which aims to provide a platform for students to hone their case cracking, analytical and presentation skills. 16 teams of elite students from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The City University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and The University of Hong Kong take part in the 48-hour real-world business case challenge and present their solutions to the panel judges in HKU Campus every year.

This year, SaSa International Holdings Limited (SaSa) has partnered with the HKU Business School to present a retail case to the participating universities. Before the competition, participating students joined an industry workshop on retail on April 1, 2023. Mr. Danny Ho, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of SaSa, shared his experiences in business management and views on the development opportunities of the retail industry with the students. Students enjoyed the workshop and gained in-depth understanding of the retail industry which better prepared them for the case cracking after two weeks.

Two rounds of competition were held on April 16, 2023. During the Division Round in the morning, all teams were divided into four divisions and presented to the judges who are graduate representatives from each of the participating universities currently working in various large corporations. The top scoring team in each division advanced to the Grand Final in the afternoon to compete for the Championship. The judging panel for the Grand Final included

• Winnie LEUNG, Assistant Dean (Undergraduate), HKU Business School
• Danny HO, Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, Sa Sa International Holdings Limited
• Fred KU, Associate Dean (Undergraduate Studies), Director of Studies in Undergraduate Studies in Business; Co-director, Integrated BBA Programme, CUHK Business School
• Tat Koon KOH, Associate Professor, Department of Information Systems, Business Statistics and Operations Management; Program Director of Global Business Program, HKUST Business School
• Wei Thoo YUE, Professor of Management Information Systems, Department of Information System, City University of Hong Kong

Students presented their case solutions to the judges by showcasing their innovative ideas and responded to penetrating questions from the judges in the Q&A session. After due deliberation, the Grand Final judges identified the Champion, 1^st Runner-up, 2^nd Runner-up and the Best Presenter. They are:

Champion: BCSS (from The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

1^st Runner-up: SECA Research (from The University of Hong Kong)

2^nd Runner-up: Nexus (from The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Best Presenter: Miss Hasegawa Emi (from The University of Hong Kong)

The competition provided the participating students with valuable insights into case cracking and business competitions, and students from the Champion team and the best presenter were offered internship opportunities at SaSa.

Website / Image URL: https://ug.hkubs.hku.hk/student-enrichment/student-run-organizations/hku-international-case-society/hku-sasa-joint-university-case-competition-2023

Case Competition Judging Panel – (from left to right) Dr. Winnie Leung (HKU Business School), Prof. Wei Thoo Yue (CityU), Dr. Fred Ku (CUHK Business School), Mr. Danny Ho (Sa Sa International Holdings Ltd.), and Dr. Tat Koon Koh (HKUST Business School)

Case Presentation by one of the finalist team

Mr. Danny Ho (left) and Dr. Winnie Leung (right) with Ms. Hasegawa Emi (middle), The Best Presenter of JUCC 2023

Mr. Danny Ho (left) and Dr. Winnie Leung (right) with the Champion Team – BCSS

Prof. Wei Thoo Yue (1^st from the left), Dr. Fred Ku (2^nd from the left) and Dr. Tat Koon Koh (1^st from the right) with the 1^st Runner Up Team – SECA Research

Prof. Wei Thoo Yue (1^st from the left), Dr. Fred Ku (2^nd from the left) and Dr. Tat Koon Koh (1^st from the right) with the 2^nd Runner Up Team – Nexus

Everyone gave a “thumbs-up” after the competition

Background:

The 33^rd Scotiabank International Case Competition welcomed 12 teams from top-ranked undergraduate schools across the globe to Canada from March 22 – 25, 2023 for the real world business case on Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). With the event motto “Work Hard, Play Hard”, teams also joined series of international networking and fun social activities, which gave all participants the opportunity to grow their personal and professional networks.

SICC is organized and managed entirely by team of students from Ivey Business School, Western University. As one of the most respected international case competitions, SICC provides an unique opportunity to share ideas with peers who have diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Website / Image URL: 

https://www.ivey.uwo.ca/news/news-ivey/2023/march/students-from-around-the-world-take-part-in-scotiabank-international-case-competition/

https://www.ivey-sicc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/iveysicc_official/

Award: Winner

Team List:

Miss Xu Meiyi, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 4

Miss Fung Regan, BBA(IBGM), Year 2

Miss Pangestu Karine, BBA(IBGM), Year 2

Miss Kirti Harkirat Kaur, BEcon&Fin, Year 2

Faculty Advisor:

Mr. Jeroen Van Den Berg

Students Sharing:

“It was truly a lifetime experience to participate in the SICC at Ivey Business School where I went through all the ups and downs, exhausting yet fruitful moments with my lovely teammates Regan, Kirti, and Karine. We had a hard time cracking the case and questioned ourselves with millions of risks and what-ifs, but we definitely thrived maximally during those days and strived for a breakthrough in coming up with the final solution. Furthermore, I was grateful that we got the opportunity to meet teams from all over the world, have meaningful conversations, and build long-lasting friendships with them. Being able to experience these wonderful moments would undoubtedly become an unremovable and unforgettable part of my life.

I am also truly thankful to Dr Winnie Leung (Assistant Dean (Undergraduate)), Mr Jeroen Van Den Berg (Faculty Advisor for SICC 2023), and Ms Pipin Tasdyata (Case Competition Coach) for organizing all training and feedback sessions, helping us discover our strengths and weaknesses, and directing us to figure out some of most effective ways to ace case competitions.”

– Xu Meiyi, BBA(Law)&LLB

“Competing at SICC hosted by the Ivey Business School was a once in a life-time experience. While our team was there, we followed a “Work Hard, Play Hard” motto. It was extremely insightful talking to the founders of the company the case on, as we could learn about blockchain from an insider perspective. We also had a blast meeting new people from university case teams around the world, including Georgetown University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and BI Norwegian Business School, whom we went to hockey games with and tried out local establishments with during socials. SICC would certainly be a defining moment as I look back at my university years.”

–  Fung Regan, BBA(IBGM)

“I’m thrilled to share that our team recently won the 33^rd SICC in London, Ontario! The case was about NFTs, and it required us to step out of our comfort zone and really immerse ourselves in the mindset of a CEO to propose strategies for a successful launch. It was a challenging experience, but it was also incredibly rewarding to see our hard work pay off.

The three-day competition was intense, but it was also a lot of fun. We got to participate in social events like the Spirit Cup, watch ice hockey, and even experience the nightlife. Ivey Business School really lived up to their “Work Hard, Play Hard” mantra, and it made the whole experience even better.

One of the best parts of the trip was meeting people from different roots and cultures. It was amazing to learn about their perspectives on business and life in general. The memories we made together will always be irreplaceable.

Overall, I would definitely do this again in a heartbeat. It was an incredible opportunity to visit a country halfway across the world and represent our school on a global stage. I’m so grateful for this experience, and I’m excited to see what other opportunities lie ahead for us as students.”

– Pangestu Karine, BBA(IBGM)

“I am grateful for the chance to represent The HKU Business School at the SICC.

It was challenging to create and present a compelling presentation that persuaded a group of judges to embrace our ideas and suggestions within the time constraint. I was especially concerned because our case involved NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain technology, all of which have quickly-evolving landscapes with ongoing new advancements and innovations.

However, this was, in and of itself, a learning experience because we were able to network and interact with the founders of Scarcity Labs, whose company the case study was centered on, and have them share with us their journey of developing and expanding in the NFT ecosystem. Personally, I found this to be incredibly motivating as someone who aspires to pursue entrepreneurship in the future.

After this worthwhile experience, I can say with confidence that I returned home with the insightful discussions I had with other competitors who come from as varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds as Mexico, Norway, and Australia, each of whom had their own strategies and perspectives for solving the cases.”

– Kirti Harkirat Kaur, BEcon&Fin

Background:
The CFA Institute Research Challenge is an annual equity research competition organized by CFA Society Hong Kong for university students to gain hands-on mentoring and financial analysis training. Each team was assigned a professional industry mentor from the CFA Society as well as a faculty advisor from their respective university. Students gained real-world experience by acting as research analysts and being judged on their ability to value a stock, write a research report, and present their recommendations.

Competing against peers from the universities around the world, the top 6 teams with the highest written report scores advanced to give an in-person presentation to a panel of judges. The top 2 teams of the Hong Kong Final advanced to the virtual Sub-Regional competition and competed against top 5 to 6 teams in the sub-regional round of the Asia Pacific Regional Final of the Challenge. Throughout the competition, teams are evaluated based on the thoroughness of their financial analysis, presentation skills, and ability to respond to questions.

Faculty advisor: Mr. Jimmy Woo

Website / Image URL:
https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/societies/challenge
https://cfasocietyhongkong.org/cfa-institute-research-challenge-hong-kong-local-final-2022-23/

Award(s):
2^nd Runner-up

Awards and awardees:
Mr. Ho Tsz Chiu, BSc(QFin), Year 5
Ms. Lu Tingyi, BEcon&Fin, Year 4
Ms. Huang Yanchen, BEcon&Fin, Year 4

From left to right: Mr. Richard Mak (President of CFA Society Hong Kong), Ms. Lu Tingyi, Ms. Huang Yanchen and Mr. Ho Tsz Chiu

Students Sharing:

“The CFA Institute Research Challenge was a rewarding experience for me to assess my fundamental research skills. Being offered the chance to formally analyze a listed company and present our ideas in both report and in-person presentation formats, I learnt to think practically as a research analyst and formulate a true investment thesis. The challenging questions asked by the judges also allowed us to review what we had missed to arrive at a comprehensive analysis. The overall competition is a precious opportunity that hones my abilities to generate tenable investment ideas.

Lastly, I would like to thank our industry mentor Anne Kao and faculty advisor Jimmy Woo for their support and advice, as well as my teammates for their efforts throughout the tough period of preparation.”

(By HO Tsz Chiu)

“The Challenge was a rewarding journey for me to go deep into an industry and a company’s fundamentals/valuation. The charm of research is that: it needs a combination of inspiration and accumulation of knowledge, which motivates us to gain insights from multiple channels and stay “active learning”.

Again, I want to thank our mentor Anne, who always gave us detailed and structured feedback; our faculty advisor Jimmy who considerately underlined points to focus on; my supportive teammates: without you, I could not have proceeded to the final stage and achieved this. Finally, it is great to have CFA Society HK provide such an opportunity to meet outstanding peers and experienced judges. Q&A sessions and deep face-to-face conversations are inspiring!”

(By LU Tingyi)

“The CFA Research Challenge has been a truly enriching experience, where we practiced thinking critically on the real-world situation, honed our research and analytical skills, and collaborated as a team in both report drafting and presenting. While many obstacles and challenges developed during the process, I would like to thank our faculty advisor Jimmy Woo and industry advisor Anne Kao for assisting us to tackle them all during the process. Lastly, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organizers and sponsors of the competition, the professionals who volunteered their time and expertise to mentor us, and my fellow teammates who worked hard to achieve this impressive result as a second runner-up.”

(By Yanchen Huang)

Background:
The Venture Capital on Campus (VCOC) Investment Challenge 2023 is a case competition organized by HKSTP (Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation) Capital and Hong Kong Federation of Business Students (HKFBS). The competition aimed to provide university students with an opportunity to explore the world of venture capital by evaluating and analyzing tech startups. The competition comprised of three rounds. The first round required participants to analyze and conduct due diligence on a tech startup. 20 teams were shortlisted for the semi-finals, where they pitched their analysis to a panel of venture capitalists. In the final round, 8 finalist teams pitched to a panel of industry experts who declared the winner of the competition.

Website / Image URL:
https://retailbank.hsbc.com.hk/ins/en/innovation-competition/home/

Award(s):
Winner Team

Awards and awardees:
Mr. Gandhi Devansh, BBA, Year 2
Ms. Dong Fangyu Janet, BBA(IS), Year 2
Ms. So Ki Suki, BFin(AMPB), Year 3
Mr. Taparia Anant, BEcon&Fin, Year 2

From left to right: Mr. Taparia Anant, Mr. Gandhi Devansh, Mr. Sammi Wong (Founding Leader, HKSTP Capital), Ms. Dong Fangyu Janet, Dr. Yana Tong (Executive Director, CMB International)

Students Sharing:

“Participating in the VCOC Investment Challenge 2023 has been an enriching and rewarding experience. Throughout the competition, I had the chance to work closely with my talented teammates, Anant Taparia, Janet Dong, and Suki So, who contributed significantly to our success.  

Throughout the Challenge, I gained valuable insights into the process of evaluating and analyzing tech startups, which deepened my understanding of the venture capital industry. I was able to leverage the skills I learned from pitching my startup to investors in the past to use in the context of an investment proposal. The competition also honed my skills in due diligence, valuation, and pitching, which are essential in the world of venture capital.”

(By GANDHI Devansh)

“This competition allowed me to put my knowledge into practice and enabled me to dive deeper into fundamental analysis and valuation to assess the company. My past work experience in a VC firm helped me in conducting due diligence and analyzing the metrics while coming up with a sophisticated valuation model. This Challenge gave me the opportunity to interact and network with like-minded students, venture capitalists and industry professionals. It was an enriching experience which helped me to further my interests in the venture capital space. It was a pleasure to lead a great team with team members Devansh, Janet and Suki who came with different sets of skills and knowledge!”

(By TAPARIA Anant)

“Participating in the VCOC Challenge enriched me with hands-on experience in evaluating investment opportunities as well as developing communication and presentation skills. During the process, I gained a lot of insight into cutting-edge technology while being really fascinated by the future of lifestyle changes and how the interaction between business and technology has helped the industry flourish. By getting exposed to the venture capital industry and the broader startup ecosystem, I was able to apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations and gain insights into current market trends and industry best practices. Additionally, the pitch challenge also provided us with networking opportunities and promoted smoother teamwork in the future.”

(By DONG Fangyu Janet)

“Participating in this venture capital pitch competition has been an incredible learning opportunity, allowing me to gain invaluable insights into the venture capital industry in Hong Kong. Through the competition, I was able to deepen my understanding of how to evaluate startups from various perspectives and sharpen my investment analysis skills. Moreover, it provided a platform to network with experienced VC practitioners. I was able to leverage this opportunity to learn from their experiences and build new connections in the industry.

Success cannot be achieved without my teammates, who brought unique perspectives and skill sets to the final pitch. Working collaboratively with them was a remarkable experience!”

(By SO Ki Suki)