MOULDING THE MINDS OF TOMORROW
GRAND FINALE OF THE HSBC-IBA BUSINESS CASE COMPETITION 2017
"This is one of the few competitions in Bangladesh which captures the standard of a global business competition. From challenging cases to a cut-throat competitive environment, this competition has it all," said Meftahul Arnob, President of the IBA Communication Club and the organiser, about the HSBC-IBA Business Case Competition 2017.
The grand finale of the HSBC-IBA Business Case Competition 2017 took place on March 24 at The Westin Dhaka, in Gulshan Avenue. After three challenging rounds, 6 teams made it to the final round, representing the most reputed universities of Bangladesh. The finalist teams, three from the Institute of Business Administration, Dhaka University (IBA-DU), and one each from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), North South University (NSU), and United International University (UIU). The finalists had to solve unpublished business cases within 2.5 hours and give a final presentation in front of a panel of judges for a chance to compete for the championship trophy in Hong Kong on June 2017.
The judging panel included Tahsina Banu, Country Head of International, Commercial Banking, HSBC Bangladesh, Md. Moniruzzaman, Head of Marketing, Commercial Banking, HSBC Bangladesh, Mr. Ziaush Shams, Chief Consultant & Business Manager, ProAms; and Masum Khan, Country Business Manager, Nestle Professional at Nestle Bangladesh Ltd.
The case was about the entrepreneurship journey and dilemma of a Nigerian gentlemen operating in the global coffee industry. The participating teams received 15 minutes to present, followed by 10-minute Q/A session to defend their proposed solutions.
Ms. Nihad Kabir, President, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dhaka (MCCI) graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Francois de Maricourt, CEO of HSBC Bangladesh, and Professor Dr. A.K.M. Saiful Majid, Director, IBA-DU, along with officials and faculties from both institutions, were also present at the event.
During his speech, the Chief Guest stressed that this competition brings forth unrecognised talent who are instrumental to shaping our society.
Cheers and applause followed when Team El Patron (IBA-DU) was declared the winner. Team Power Merge (NSU) was the first runner-up, while Team Brand Edge (IBA-DU) received the second runner-up award. The Gold, Silver and Bronze teams received development funds of BDT 100,000, BDT 75,000 and BDT 50,000 respectively. The Gold team also won the opportunity to compete in the regional grand finale in Hong Kong, which will see the participation of universities from across the globe. The chief guest presented the award to the winning team.
Overwhelmed by the results, Team El Patron from IBA-DU was in joyous spirits. Mustafid Raiyan Khan, from the winning team, said, "The competition put to test everything I thought I knew, and what I learnt by the end is that there's always a way to get better. I'm stoked by the win and I'm excited to compete in the next round!"