By Janel Ong (BAC Year 4)
Kia Ora from New Zealand!
Team NUS started 2019 off with a victory at the Champions Trophy Case Competition in Auckland. We also won the People’s Choice Award by being voted as the best team by their student peers and advisors. Chin Zhi Ren (BBA Year 3), Veronica Li (BBA Year 4), Ang Jun Hean (BBA Year 3) and I faced off against 12 of the highest performing case competition universities in the world, such Wharton and Queens University, between 27 January and 2 February. Associate Professor Tan Soo Jiuan was our supervisor.
From left: Zhi Ren, Janel, Soo Jiuan, Veronica and Jun Hean
Over the week, we helped to solve challenges faced by local businesses and not-for-profit organisations. An extremely challenging competition, the team had to crack four different business cases, each within the short time span of 5 hours.
In the final round, we had to formulate a product portfolio and HR strategy for employee retention for ThinkConcepts, an IT solutions company. While competition was fierce, our strong analysis and understanding of the company’s values convinced the judges that predictive analytics was the way forward.
The competition provided a range of challenges that allowed us to develop our analytical, teamwork and communication skills. It also strengthened our business acumen. More importantly, it provided opportunities for us to foster friendships with peers from all over the world, learn from one another and gain valuable experiences.
The team and I also got a taste of life in New Zealand and Kiwi culture as we explored Devonport, Waiheke Island and the Sky Tower during their socials activities – a welcome break amidst the competition!
