The Department of Accountancy (ACY) successfully hosted the mentorship gathering, “The HSUHK Boardroom Challenge,” on Saturday, 7 February 2026.
Transforming the traditional classroom setting into a high-stakes corporate environment, this interactive business simulation aimed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world professional judgment.
Dr. Vivian Zhang, Assistant Professor of the Department of Accountancy and Person-In-Charge of the ACY Mentorship Programme, delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of professional judgment in the age of AI and setting the stage for the challenge. Participants were divided into five “Investment Committees”, comprising mixed teams of students and seasoned industry mentors. Each team was entrusted with a hypothetical HK$10 million fund and tasked with evaluating three complex investment opportunities: A tech start-up, a traditional manufacturer, and a premium retail chain.
The simulation unfolded in three intense phases, beginning with due diligence and analysis, where teams analyzed financial data to identify critical “red flags”, including legal risks, audit irregularities, and operational concerns. This was followed by a strategic debate to reach a consensus on a single investment target. Finally, during The pitch, teams delivered professional 5-minute presentations to defend their investment thesis.
Following the presentations, mentors and faculty members cast their votes to select the winning team for the “Best Performance Award”. The gathering concluded with a networking lunch, allowing further exchange of career insights.
This initiative underscores the Department of Accountancy’s commitment to experiential learning. By moving beyond textbook theory, the ACY Mentorship Programme continues to equip students with the essential soft skills, strategic thinking, and business acumen required for future leadership roles in the accounting and business sectors.
