HKGCC Business Case Competition 2023/24
The HKGCC Business Case Competition is an annual competition hosted by Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC). The competition aims to foster the sharing of ideas between tertiary students and businesses and to motivate students to apply the skills and knowledge learned in class to develop solutions for real-life business challenges.
This year’s competition was sponsored by the Chevalier Group, the Chinachem Group, Jardine Matheson, and the Swire Pacific. Students were provided with an opportunity to develop innovative ideas and crack one or more business cases from the four sponsors with topics ranged from smart city and community engagement to health-consciousness and sustainability.
After clearing the initial round, students received feedback and guidance from their respective sponsors to refine their proposals in the mentorship phase. Each sponsor then selected three best teams to advance to the final. The 12 finalist teams proceeded to the Final Pitching were required to give a 10-minute presentation followed by a 5-minute Q&A with the panel of judges.
Students from the HKU Business School have achieved remarkable success and won numerous awards in the competition, including three Champions and two 1st Runner-ups with the four sponsoring companies.
Find out more about the competition: https://www.chamber.org.hk/bcc2023/
Champion (Swire Pacific track) and 1st Runner-up (Chinachem Group track)
Team name: Pawn Consulting
Team members:
Miss Chin Hoi Lam Michelle, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Miss Chzhan Lina, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Miss Leung Victoria Sze Pui, BBA(IBGM), Year 2
Miss Yao Chuanjie, BBA(BA), Year 2
Champion (Chevalier track)
Team name: ChroCare
Team members:
Mr. Bi Hu, BBA(IBGM), Year 3
Miss Kim Sihyun, BBA(IBGM), Year 5
Miss Pyun Joo Ah, BBA(IBGM), Year 3
Miss Yu Yue, BBA(IBGM), Year 3
(The team comprises 1 other team member from other Faculty of The University of Hong Kong)
Champion (Chinachem Group track)
Team name: MICG Consulting
Team members:
Miss Au Cheuk Yee, BEcon&Fin, Year 1
Miss Ching Nga Sze, BBA(Law)&LLB, Year 1
Mr. Lee Chi Hiu, BBA, Year 1
(The team comprises 1 other team member from other universities)
1st Runner-up (Chevalier track)
Team name: DY Consulting
Team members:
Mr. Cheung Kam Man, BBA(BA), Year 2
Miss Wong Tsz Ching, BBA(Acc&Fin), Year 2
Mr. Yang Ka Lam, BSc(QFin), Year 3
(The team comprises 1 other team member from other Faculty of The University of Hong Kong)
Student Sharing:
Champion (Swire Pacific track) and 1st Runner-up (Chinachem Group track)
“One of the highlights of the competition was being able to participate in all 4 business tracks. It provided us with valuable insights into the ESG practices of these prestigious groups and their shared commitment to creating a sustainable future for Hong Kong. This experience underscored the integral role of ESG integration in business operations for long-term resilience in a rapidly changing environment, as well as the importance of giving back to the community.”
(by Miss Chin Hoi Lam Michelle)
“Our perception of the business world underwent a transformation as a result of this competition. Previously, we believed that standing out with a unique value proposition and making a genuine, tangible impact should be enough to differentiate oneself in the business landscape. However, we quickly realized that even influential companies like the sponsors, which are actively contributing to society, sometimes require assistance in raising public awareness about their efforts. Effective communication strategies can be the missing link in achieving differentiation. Furthermore, we honed our teamwork and soft skills, learned to manage our time effectively, communicated efficiently as a team, and leveraged each other’s strengths.”
(by Miss Chzhan Lina)
“Participating in the HKGCC Case Competition was an incredible experience that has left an indelible mark on my personal and professional growth. During this competition journey, our team focused on highlighting scalable and innovative solutions, organizing exhibits, and incorporating interactive activities for the corporate to engage and educate customers and participants. Through our innovative initiatives for Swire Pacific and Chinachem Group, we aimed to make a positive impact on society and the environment. I deeply appreciate my teammates’ collective effort, collaboration, and synergy which were the driving forces behind our success. I extend my deepest gratitude to our supervisor, whose guidance and support were invaluable throughout the competition. This experience has left me inspired and even more determined to contribute to the business world and create meaningful change.”
(by Miss Yao Chuanjie, Rosie)
Champion (Chevalier track)
“Winning the championship in the Chevalier Group track of the HKGCC Business Case Competition 2023/24 was an exhilarating experience that provided me with a unique blend of real-world business insights and opportunities. Collaborating closely with our team and mentors, I gained a deeper understanding of how businesses can play a transformative role in society. This competition was not just about showcasing our abilities in the areas of problem solving, research and analysis, it was also about applying them towards making tangible improvements in the city, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable growth. The lessons learned and the connections made have been invaluable, truly enhancing my perspective on the potential impact of thoughtful business practices.”
(by Mr. Bi Hu, Tiger)
“Our proposal, as it aims to provide service to the chronically ill and the elderly population, a part of the proposal comes from our personal experiences with the toughness of having chronic illness, whether it be yourself or a beloved member of the family. As ‘doing something new’ as a large business should always be a deep consideration about what value it can bring to people before any market potential analysis, we came up with the proposal with a real consideration of what value it could bring to the target population. Also, a part of it has been fuelled by the anecdotes that we have collected on the hardships in the lives of the chronically ill population.
During the solution-devising part of the competition, we have learnt that while a lot of new business proposals can come from a good heart or an altruistic point of view, some of these ‘for-good activities’ tend to have larger overhead than the value they can ultimately bring. Therefore, the role of management consulting should be to devise a solution which accounts for this pitfall in the failure of effective altruism. By doing so, we were able to further understand why it is important to possess skills and fundamental knowledge of financial forecasting and general business operations to come up with feasible and realistic, yet meaningful solutions for businesses.”
(by Miss Kim Sihyun, Blair)
“Throughout this competition, I was encouraged to think strategically and generate innovative ideas. I had the opportunity to explore how Chevalier could effectively utilize its inherent advantages and expertise to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the initiatives outlined in the Smart City Blueprint. This experience significantly improved my critical thinking skills and my ability to propose creative solutions. Working on the proposal alongside my teammates, we faced various challenges that required problem-solving and collaboration. These experiences highlighted the importance of effective teamwork and communication when addressing complex issues. I learned how to actively engage with my team members, leverage their diverse perspectives, and collectively find solutions. Overall, participating in this competition provided me with a comprehensive learning experience. It equipped me with valuable skills in strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving, and collaborative teamwork. I am confident that these skills will greatly benefit me in future endeavours, enabling me to approach problem-solving situations with confidence and work collaboratively with others to find effective solutions.”
(by Miss Pyun Joo Ah)
“The experience of participating in the HKGCC competition has been truly enriching for me. Not only have I acquired valuable professional knowledge from the esteemed judges and my fellow teammates, but also the atmosphere of collaboration and unwavering support within our group has left an indelible impression on me. The memories we created while working on the case competition and presenting as a unified team at HKGCC will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
(by Miss Yu Yue, Mary)
Champion (Chinachem Group track)
“Participating in the HKGCC competition was an enriching experience for me. I learned how to analyse complex business problems and propose effective solutions within a limited timeframe. I also improved my teamwork, communication, and presentation skills as we worked together to develop our ideas and presented them to the judges. It was a great opportunity to network with professionals and they gave valuable feedback on our performance. Overall, the case composition challenged me to think outside the box and developed innovative solutions to real-world business challenges.”
(by Miss Au Cheuk Yee)
“The reason why I joined this competition was that it collaborated with four well-known corporations, so this would be a precious chance for me to get more insights about the real business industry outside the classroom. The competition would undoubtedly enhance my soft skills, such as creativity, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, as well as prepare me for stepping into the business world in the near future.
During the deck-making process, I learned how to effectively transform our innovative ideas into practical solutions by adding necessary details. The mentoring phase enabled me to learn how the industry professionals thought about our ideas, so that we could polish them to make them more feasible and cost-effective. Through the Q&A session in the final, I gained valuable insights into the key areas that deserved attention within the business society. In conclusion, I am grateful for this experience as it has greatly enriched my knowledge in solving real-life business challenges.”
(by Miss Ching Nga Sze, Gloria)
“In this competition, I’m able to combine what I have learned and the real business world together. It’s a very prime chance for me to gain this experience and I definitely learn a lot. Our group faced different challenges but after times of discussion, we were able to find a solution for it. I understood that it’s important to be a team player, and proactively explore solutions for different kinds of business problems or the actual focuses of them.”
(by Mr. Lee Chi Hiu)
1st Runner–up (Chevalier track)
“Upon joining the HKGCC Case Competition, we were granted a remarkable opportunity to explore and immerse ourselves in the vast array of business prospects that arise from the visionary Hong Kong Smart City Plan. This forward-thinking plan aspires to transform Hong Kong into a next-generation urban city, dedicated to providing its citizens with an enhanced and enriched living experience.
Participating in this competition has proven to be an invaluable experience, as it has equipped us with the knowledge and skills necessary to design products that can make a positive and lasting impact on society. Through this journey, we have gained insights into the intricate interplay between innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility, thereby enabling us to develop solutions that align with the broader goals of the Hong Kong Smart City Plan.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teammates for their unwavering support throughout this transformative experience. Their collaborative spirit, dedication, and unwavering belief in our shared vision have been instrumental in propelling us to the point we have reached today. It is through their collective efforts and steadfast support that we have been able to overcome challenges and surpass expectations.
Furthermore, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the HKGCC and Chevalier for organizing and supporting us along our journey. Their commitment to fostering innovation has been instrumental in providing us with this exceptional platform to showcase our ideas.”
(by Mr. Cheung Kam Man, Stephen)
“Participating in the HKGCC Business Case Competition 2023/24 was an enlightening experience that provided us invaluable insights into the real business landscape. From the initial brainstorming sessions to the intense mentoring phase, and finally the challenging final pitch, I gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of business operations and the ability to integrate innovative solutions with strategic thinking. Moreover, the competition journey honed my attention to detail and time management skills. These competencies, together, were sharpened through practical experience and the pressure of tight deadlines.
Last but not least, I am deeply grateful to my teammates, in which our collaboration strengthened tremendously as we overcame challenges together. Our ability to leverage each other’s strengths and work cohesively was instrumental to our success. I believe this achievement is not only a milestone in our academic journey but also a significant personal accomplishment that will undoubtedly shape our future endeavours in the professional world.”
(by Miss Wong Tsz Ching, Angela)
“The competition was a catalyst for critical thinking and the development of innovative solutions to complex business problems. Initially, we generated a wide range of potential solutions, aiming to create an all-in-one solution. However, upon conducting a more in-depth analysis of the case, we recognized the need to make trade-offs and remove certain features from our solution. This process of analyzing the case, identifying key issues, and formulating practical recommendations significantly enhanced my problem-solving abilities. It taught me the importance of considering different perspectives and making informed decisions to achieve the most effective and feasible solution. Moreover, presenting our solutions to the judges and effectively communicating our ideas was a significant aspect of the competition. Initially, it was challenging to explain the working principles and advantages of our creative and innovative solution. This experience helped me improve my presentation skills, including structuring the content, delivering a persuasive pitch, and responding to questions confidently.
Furthermore, participating in the competition allowed me to network with professionals, judges, and fellow participants from the business community. During the HKGCC Case Competition, we had the opportunity to interact with competitors from different schools and majors. Additionally, we had the privilege of engaging with industry veterans from the sponsor company. This experience provided us with valuable perspectives from diverse backgrounds and allowed us to learn from the expertise and experiences of seasoned professionals in the field.”
(by Mr. Yang Ka Lam, Leo)
