Dedicated to fostering multidisciplinary talent in the field of green and sustainable finance, HKUST Business School has joined Pictet Asset Management as its Leading Academic Partner in Investing in the Future University Competition 2023 to inspire students on environmental thematic investing.
With support from ten other organizations across Asia, the regional competition attracted over 700 participants representing 21 universities across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan. The event offered an exceptional opportunity for knowledge exchange in the field of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance).
Members of the Green Finance Research Project at HKUST have provided staunch support for the competition. In October 2023, a virtual kick-off event featuring esteemed professionals from the investment and sustainability domains was held to unfold the initiative, where Professor Veronique LAFON-VINAIS from our School gave a sharing on outcome and impact measurement to equip students with the knowledge to tackle the challenges of the competition. An online coaching session was offered in January 2024 by Professor Keith CHAN, Professor Coco DU, and Mr. Lionel MOK from HKUST, sharing their expertise in environment and sustainability, policy, and business to help students hone their skills for the competition.
On January 13, 2024, the Grand Final brought six outstanding finalist teams to Hong Kong to present their proposals to a panel of judges comprising leaders from investment, banking, and academia, including Professor Albert IP, Senior Advisor to the President, representing HKUST.
The cross-industry-and-academia educational initiative fostered the convergence of expertise from different sectors, creating a valuable platform for collaboration in talent development and knowledge transfer. It also empowered future talent to unlock their potential in the green and sustainable finance sector.
The six finalist teams, distinguished guests, and the panel of judges, including Prof. Albert IP, Senior Advisor to the President of HKUST (second row, eighth from the left), and Prof. SIU Kam Wing, Associate Director (UG Programs) at HKUST Business School (second row, fourth from the right).
Team JAK Capital from the National University of Singapore triumphed as the champion of the competition, while Team Bysweet Capital from Fudan University secured the first runner-up position. Sharing the second runner-up title were Team Lighthouse Capital from The University of Hong Kong and Team JYS from Singapore Management University, each demonstrating exceptional knowledge in thematic investing and environmental awareness.
Team Uncharted Ventures, comprising three fourth-year students from the Sustainable and Green Finance Program at HKUST, proudly emerged as one of the finalists, showcasing their critical thinking skills in addressing complex global green challenges.