Singapore Management University (SMU) students from the School of Economics (SOE), School of Accountancy (SOA) and Lee Kong Chian School of Business (LKCSB) came in tops in business and finance competitions at the recent Asia Investment & Banking Conference (AIBC), held virtually from 2 – 4 September 2020.

Launched more than 10 years ago, the Asia Investment & Banking Conference is the largest student-run conference in Asia on corporate advisory and financial market. As a platform for students to develop a deeper understanding of the investment banking environment in Asia, it encourages the exchange of ideas and perspectives amongst established professionals and students from leading universities worldwide. Organised “for students, by students”, AIBC offers a unique and interactive learning opportunity for global delegates to meet and gather insightful ideas.

This year’s conference centred on core thematic pillars of Mergers & Acquisitions, Sales & Trading, and Asset Management, which respectively anchor three theme-based competitions. Through real life case studies, the competitions challenged students to prove themselves through both technical and non-technical skills, demanding the discussion of critical issues and trends in the financial services industry. Shortlisted entries were required to make an online presentation to a panel of esteemed judges from the industry.

Despite having to juggle their time between summer internships and preparing for the presentations, a group of SMU students clinched top honours in the prestigious competition.

Team Bencoolen Capital, formed by Brendan Pang (SOE), Tan Ke Xuan (LKCSB & SOE), Matthias Lee (LKCSB), and Choy Onn Mun (SOA) emerged champions in the HSBC Mergers & Acquisitions category, bagging HKD$5,000, among other prizes.

Team Santorini Capital, comprising Tan Li Guan (SOE), Mark Yeo (LKCSB), Derrick Fung (SOA) and Trevor Tan (LKCSB) was 1st runner up in the GIC Asset Management Competition.  Among the prizes were HKD$3,000 and selected invitations to private interviews with GIC.

Tay Wei Chong (LKCSB) impressed the judges in the HSBC Sales & Trading Competition, an individual category. As 1st runner up, he won HKD$1,000 and other prizes.

Tan Ke Xuan, third-year student of SOE and LKCSB and leader of Team Bencoolen Capital said “One key motivation for participating in this competition was to enhance our own learning and development. Given the long hours of the industry, this was certainly a great training platform. Also, we wanted an avenue to test how much we have improved over the course of our internships. Bearing these in mind, we were understanding of each other’s work commitments and managed to work around everyone’s busy schedule. The fruits of our labour are embedded more in the lessons we picked up during our preparation than winning the prize. That said, we are glad we did SMU and our CCA – EYE Investment Club proud with our achievements at AIBC.”

The accolades received was a definite recognition of SMU’s excellent pedagogy and proof of our students’ mettle.  Congratulations to all winners!