This year’s cases covered topics such as artificial intelligence, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), tourism, and e-commerce. The final round focused on a real-world challenge from HSBC: enhancing diversity in supplier procurement. RMIT’s team delivered four standout performances, earning one First Place and two Second Places in the preliminary rounds, securing a spot in the final four, and ultimately clinching the championship.
Reflecting on the experience, team leader Ngo Hung Phat shared: “This journey has been the most intense and rewarding experience of our lives. We pushed our limits, learned from each other, and proved that Vietnamese students can compete, and win, on the world stage.”
The road to victory began over seven months ago, with RMIT emerging as the national champion in Vietnam after a rigorous selection process. The national round, co-hosted by HSBC Vietnam and the VietSeeds Foundation, featured 51 teams from 31 universities across Hanoi, Hue, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. RMIT triumphed over strong contenders including Foreign Trade University (Hanoi), VinUniversity, and Fulbright University Vietnam.
The national final case centred on a renowned Hong Kong bakery brand - Maxim’s Cakes and challenged teams to devise a growth strategy that would resonate with Gen Z consumers while embracing health-conscious trends. The case demanded deep consumer insight, strategic innovation, and persuasive storytelling – all of which RMIT Vietnam’s team delivered with excellence.
This year marks ten years since RMIT Vietnam first participated in the competition.
Melvin Fernando, Senior Manager of Careers and Industry Relations from RMIT Vietnam, said the HSBC Case Competition is one of the most challenging and prestigious competitions of its kind, “and I’ve had the privilege of coaching RMIT students since its inception a decade ago”.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of our industry partners and dedicated alumni, who generously mentor and coach our students, we have consistently competed against some of the world’s top universities,” Mr Fernando said.
“This year was truly special as our team brought home the title of Global Champions. The achievement is a testament to the students’ hard work, resilience, and exceptional dedication. I’m incredibly proud to showcase to the world that RMIT University produces some of the finest student talent anywhere.”
Dr Irfan Ul Haq, one of the team’s mentors and a lecturer from the Logistics and Supply Chain Management program, praised the team for their efforts.
“Their ability to understand each case deeply and perform consistently left a strong impression on everyone,” he said.
HSBC Vietnam CEO Tim Evans commended the team, highlighting the rapid progress of Vietnamese students over the past decade. Their achievement, he noted, reflects the growing strength of Vietnam’s higher education sector and its ability to compete on the global stage.
“RMIT’s win is not only a testament to the strength of the Vietnamese education system but also a reflection of the resilience, ambition, and drive of the Vietnamese people,” he said.
“This achievement fills me with hope for Vietnam’s future – despite some short-term challenges, the talent and determination that is on stage here should give us every reason to stay optimistic.”
Other finallists in the Asia-Pacific round included the University of Amsterdam (1st runner-up), Ritsumeikan APU Japan (2nd runner-up), and the University of Auckland (3rd runner-up). The competition was judged by senior executives from leading multinational companies, adding real-world pressure and prestige to the event.
RMIT’s victory not only marks a milestone for the University but also sets a new benchmark for Vietnam in international academic competitions. It underscores the country’s rising profile in global education and the potential of its young talent to lead in innovation and strategic thinking.
Story: Ha Hoang
