HSBC/HKU Business Case Competition 2025 Asia Pacific

Competition Format:

The Competition will take place over 3 qualifying rounds and the Final round.

One of the qualifying rounds will be executed in the new format and is called Boardroom Challenge.

Preparation Rules

PR2-1. Any electronic devices must be switched off and handed to the organizer or a person appointed by the organizer in both the preparation rooms and the presentation rooms. This includes tablets, notebooks, iPads, smart watches, PDAs, and all other electronic memory and communication devices.

PR2-2. Reference material (other than material provided by the Asia Case Research Centre) is not allowed.

PR2-3. No personal stationery items are allowed. Each team will be provided with the following:

• markers: red x 2, blue x 2, black x 2
• whiteboard markers: red x 1, blue x 1, black x 1
• basic calculator
• ruler x 2
• ball pens x 4 (blue)
• pencils x 2
• highlighters x 4
• A4 Paper x 40

PR2-4. During the preparation, the team will be supervised by a Student Ambassador appointed by the organizer. The Student Ambassador will then lead the team from the preparation room in the hotel to the presentation room at HKU.

Presentation Rules

R-1. Laser pointers and similar presentation devices are not allowed.

Other Rules

OR-1. Participants in the competition must not be in contact with any party other than fellow team members (including coaches or other participants) and their student ambassador, through any means, from the start of each round's preparation session to the end of each round's presentation session.

OR-2. Participants should, at all times, follow the instructions of the organizers.

OR-3. Participants should arrive at all venues in a timely manner as per the schedule.

OR-4. Participants who wish to shake hands with the judges must do so immediately upon entering the venue. No additional time will be provided if teams are late for their presentation. If teams have not started the presentation by 10 minutes after the scheduled time, the team will automatically be disqualified from the competition.

OR-5. All team members are required to participate at least once in their respective presentations.

OR-6. Team members who have not participated in at least one presentation are ineligible for any prize or certificate of participation.

OR-7. If one team member is sick or otherwise unable to participate, the team can continue as a team of three. A team that has fewer than three members must forfeit.

OR-8. All teams must attend all rounds of competition, either as participants or observers.

OR-9. All teams must attend all the non-competition events marked on the schedule, including team-building events, company visits, and dinners.

OR-10. Teams who have finished their presentation can watch the presentation of remaining teams in their division. Due to limitations on room size coaches and students can only watch the presentations in their team’s presentation venue.

OR-11. Each team must have a coach accompanying it to Hong Kong and the competition unless the Asia Case Research Centre has granted prior written approval.

OR-12. Teams or team members who fail to comply with the competition rules will be disqualified.

OR-13. If disputes occur, the decision of the Asia Case Research Centre shall be final.

OR-14. The preparation and presentation times for teams may be amended at any time by the Asia Case Research Centre.

OR-15. If in doubt about any of the rules, participants should consult a member of the Asia Case Research Centre.

NEW ROUND: Boardroom Challenge

Structure & Rules

1. Key Concept

Each team has a total of 20 minutes to use across three tasks:

1. Presentation (at least 10 minutes required)
2. Challenge
3. Rebuttal

A timer will be used to record the times used by the team across the three tasks. When 20 minutes have been used the team will have to stop talking. Of the 20 minutes, at least 10 minutes will have to be used for the Presentation.

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2. Closed Preparation

• Each team receives the written case and has 3 hours to prepare in a locked room.
• No external materials, internet, or electronic devices are allowed.
• Teams may only use printed materials provided by the organizers and any handwritten notes they create during this preparation period.

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3. Debate Sequence ("Battle")

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4. Time Use

• Total 20 Minutes per Team
  
  • At least 10 minutes must be allocated to Presentation.
  • The remainder is divided between Challenge and Rebuttal.
  • Teams can choose not to use their challenge or rebuttal time.
  • If less than 30 seconds is left and teams still have not started their challenge or rebuttal, they have to forfeit their opportunity to start these tasks.

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5. Timekeeping

• An official timekeeper tracks each team's usage.
• Teams will be able to see their remaining time and that of the opposing team.

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6. Classroom position

• Students will have to stay in designated spaces during the debate. These sections will be explained by the room moderator and are different depending on the presentation venue.

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7. Use of Visualizer

• Teams can only use the visualizer during their Presentation and Rebuttal. Setting up slides under the visualizer during the rebuttal time will be deducted from the team’s time The visualizer cant be used during the challenge phase and the Q&A with the Judges.

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8. Evaluation, Scoring & Ranking

1. Judging Criteria
   • Substance and strength of arguments
   • Clarity and organization of presentation
   • Effectiveness in challenging the opposing side and responding to challenges
   • Overall persuasiveness and professionalism
2. Match Points
   • In each head-to-head match, the winning team is awarded 2 points, and the losing team is awarded 0 points.
3. Ranking (for 4 Teams)
   • After all matches, teams are ranked by total match points.
   • The teams receive 3 (1st place), 2 (2nd place), 1 (3rd place), or 0 (4th place).
   • Any ties or special circumstances are resolved at the judges' or organizers' discretion.