For teams looking for an edge in the upcoming ACCA Hong Kong Business Competition, Brenda Lam, head of learning and development at ACCA Hong Kong, has a few insights into winning strategies.

Lam says that the competition aims to equip degree and sub-degree business students with thorough analytical skills, proposal-writing skills, presentation skills and communication skills by working in teams on a real and interesting business situation.

Teams that advance to the finals will be judged on their presentations and written proposals. “Teams can use roleplay and PowerPoint to present their business proposals. Each team will be allocated 25 minutes to present, including a 10-minute Q&A section towards the end,” she says.

“Judges tend to come up with challenging questions and the presentation will be conducted in English, so participants should be well-prepared. With limited time, I advise teams to go straight to the point with their presentations. Good time management is also key.”

Many people like to make use of note cards when they present. Lam suggests this should be avoided as it will lessen eye contact with judges. “If you have note cards, try not to rely on them. You can hold on to the cards if it makes you feel more comfortable,” she says. “Finally, remember to keep smiling when you speak.”

Each team’s business proposal will reveal their potential in promoting the development of the creative industries in Hong Kong, and whether they can arouse the interest of people of all ages.

The five finalist teams are required to submit a business proposal of no more than 3,000 words in English. Lam advises contestants to pay extra attention to the feasibility of their proposals. “Contestants should think through their proposals from various perspectives. They also need to have evidence and background information to support their ideas,” she says.

Cindy Kwong, senior manager (funding) for CreateHK, advises participants to have a thorough understanding of the importance of the creative industry to the economic development of Hong Kong. “If participants want to come up with a proposal which can effectively serve the interests of individual creative sectors, they should understand the particular industry,” she says.

“The key to success is to convince the judging panel that the proposal is feasible, involves effective operation and financial management, and is able to contribute to the development of creative industries.”