Ten teams from leading universities across China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Viet Nam competed at the 7th ICAEW China and South-East Asia Business Challenge 2023.

Team Gelora from Indonesia won the Regional Grand Championship title while an All-Star team with six members from five countries, including two representatives from Viet Nam, pocketed the second prize.

Hosted by ICAEW (the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales) for the first time in Viet Nam, the competition saw 10 teams from leading universities across China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Viet Nam.

This year’s competition welcomed 10 finalist teams who each had to go through national-level competitions and rigorous pre-selection rounds earlier in the year. These teams were tested on their commercial awareness, business aptitude and competencies before they were shortlisted as finalists from hundreds of other teams across the five countries’ leading universities.

“At ICAEW, I am proud to say that we strongly believe in equipping our students with both professional and soft skills, ensuring they are ready for the workplace. Our ICAEW China and South-East Asia Business Challenge has always served as a platform to attract talented students who demonstrate essential skills necessary in today's business environment,” said Elaine Hong, Director for China and South East Asia, ICAEW.

The competition aims to give students an opportunity to experience the world of business and finance as they take on the role of business advisors confronted with real-life business challenges to offer practical solutions. — Photo courtesy of ICAEW

Elaine added that the competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a simulated business setting, while also showcasing their abilities to a panel of esteemed judges who are accomplished chartered accountants.

Sponsored by Deloitte, the regional challenge aims to give students an opportunity to experience the world of business and finance as they take on the role of business advisors confronted with real-life business challenges to offer practical solutions. It also provides undergraduate students the chance to expose themselves to the world of business and finance.

Initiated by ICAEW in 2015, the competition is a professional academic playground, providing opportunities for students to meet and showcase their talents with excellent students in finance, accounting, and business in the region.

At this playground, Vietnamese students can develop necessary professional skills and knowledge, and have the opportunity to shine in front of the world's top employers. This year, Deloitte awarded internships to the 14 best students of the competition in Viet Nam. — VNS