On November 12-13, the highly anticipated 2024 Rush Hour International Business Simulation Competition for International Students in China held at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. A team of two international students from Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS), Chee Weng Yan (Master of Finance, Malaysia) and Ri Sang Yong ( Master of Finance, North Korea), stood out to win the second prize. 

 

 

Organized by the Shanghai International Education Exchange Association, the competition aimed to showcase the exceptional abilities of international students in China in international business decision-making and promote the integration of cross-cultural communication and business education practice. This year’s competition attracted 117 teams and 425 participants from 32 top universities across China, with students representing 67 nationalities, demonstrating the event's international reach. After intense preliminary competition, 30 teams from 23 universities were selected as the finalists. 

 

On Day 1 of the finals, the teams engaged in a tense and exciting simulation battle. Through in-depth data analysis and precise market decisions, they demonstrated their outstanding business wisdom, strategic insights, and strong teamwork capabilities. In the simulated business environment, students faced rapidly changing market demands and diverse customer choices, as well as complex financial decisions and competitive pressures. 

 

On Day 2, the business presentation session took place. Each team presented their strategy review and Chinese team introduction, sharing key decisions and response plans from the preliminary round. The judging panel, composed of senior experts from venture capital, hotel education, education technology, and advanced manufacturing industries. The judges evaluated teams based on strategy innovation, execution, commercial feasibility, as well as their understanding and application of cross-cultural communication and multicultural cooperation.

 

According to Ri, the PHBS team's award-winning strategy was rooted in their guiding principle, "Be Extraordinary," inspired by PHBS Founding Dean Hai Wen's emphasis on creating uniqueness to avoid meaningless competition and strive for world-class status. “This mindset led us to differentiate by focusing on quality rather than price wars,” he concluded, saying that it guided their approach during the two-day competition, where they demonstrated unique business wisdom and strategic insights. 

 

“Despite our thorough preparations, including studying various strategic models and consulting professionals, the competition's dynamic nature, particularly shifting demands and market environments, required constant strategic adjustments. This opportunity allowed us to learn and practice strategic decision-making in real-time," Chee remarked. “Winning second prize taught us that challenges breed new possibilities. I'll carry this challenger spirit and curiosity into future endeavors, striving to be a global business leader with an international perspective," added Ri.

By Annie Jin 
Source: PHBS International Office