CB students win 1st runner-up at Central European Case Competition 2024
Four undergraduate students from the College of Business secured the 1st runner-up position in the 24-hour case challenge at the 6th Central European Case Competition (CECC), held at Corvinus University in Budapest, Hungary, from 24 to 28 November 2024. The competition brought together 16 teams from top business schools worldwide, providing a platform for students to testify their teamwork and problem-solving skills through tackling complex business strategy cases based on the Central European region.
The team consisted of Gisela Gwen Michelle and Verena Andrea Wibisono, from BBA Global Business, and Richard Ponto and Christopher Qu, from BSc Computational Finance and Financial Technology. Under the guidance of faculty advisor Professor Michael Wong, they tackled a challenging 24-hour case focused on Wizz Air, a Hungarian ultra-low-cost airline, as well as a five-hour case centered on Lime.
The team makes recommendations to the panel of judges, showcasing their strategic insights and innovative solutions.
Highlighting key takeaways, Gwen said, “The most memorable aspect was the intense collaboration and the excitement of presenting solutions under pressure.” For Verena it was “The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, especially while working under an intense 24-hour case.”
Richard said, “The best part of the experience was networking with like-minded students and learning practical decision-making frameworks from industry professionals.” Christopher added, “Applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.” He emphasised, “The experience fostered teamwork and communication skills, as we had to quickly align our ideas and present a cohesive and feasible strategy.”
Professor Michael Wong commended the students’ performance, "The long case required students to develop implementable globalisation strategies for a European budget airline. They stayed awake for 24 hours and delivered impressive solutions. They truly deserved to win."
Professor Alvin Leung, who supported the team throughout their preparation, expressed his pride in their achievement. “Success is not just about winning; it's about the dedication, intelligence, and unwavering determination that you demonstrate along the way. Our undergraduate students' achievement as first-runner up in CECC 2024 is a testament to their hard work and brilliance, surpassing other strong teams from across the globe," said Professor Leung.
The College of Business emphasises the importance of practical experience and actively supports student participation in case competitions to enhance analytical skills and prepare them for real-world business challenges. Congratulations are extended to the student team on this remarkable achievement.
1st Runner-Up of the 24-Hour Wizz Air Case: Richard Ponto, Christopher Qu, Gisela Gwen Michelle, Verena Andrea Wibisono and Prof. Michael Wong.