Inter-University Exchange Sparks Talent and Internship Opportunities

AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) is dedicated to fostering industry innovation and nurturing future leaders in the MICE sector. Following the success of its inaugural Business Case Competition last year, AWE was proud to host the “AWE Interschool Business Case Competition 2025”, expanded to include tertiary institutions across Hong Kong. The event has attracted enthusiastic students from leading universities, including City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU), The University of Hong Kong (HKU), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). The competition not only provided a platform for students to apply their business knowledge, but also showcased the passion and ambition of the younger generation for the MICE industry.

Elevating Hong Kong’s status as a mega event hub from Gen Z perspective

The 2025 competition encouraged participants to enhance visitor engagement and introduce innovative concepts, aligning with AWE’s mission to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global event hub and to celebrate the venue’s 20th anniversary theme, “Explore ALL in AWE”. Participating teams, leveraging the unique perspectives of Gen Z and current market trends, presented creative and practical solutions. After a thorough evaluation by judges from diverse fields, six exceptional teams progressed to the final round. On 19 June, these finalists delivered their presentations and participated in a Q&A session, competing for the titles of Champion, First Runner-Up, Second Runner-Up, and the newly established “AWE Innovator Award”.

AWE received exceptional proposals from students across multiple universities. The entries spanned diverse areas, including smart technology applications, cross-sector collaboration models, cultural integration, and sustainable development, showcasing the creative potential and pragmatic strategies of the new generation. A team from CUHK, demonstrated their strategy for infusing new visitor experience to attract the world’s leading franchise IP tournament event to Hong Kong. They stood out in the final round, winning the championship through insightful analysis, strategic thinking, and impressive presentation skills.
 
In addition to the Champion, First Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up awards, the winning teams were rewarded with tickets to a popular concert and dining vouchers for AWE. This year’s newly introduced “AWE Innovator Award”, selected by the venue’s management team, recognised outstanding participants. The award recipients were offered internship opportunities at AWE, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in exhibition and event operations, acquiring invaluable industry insights.

Talent luncheon fostered academic exchange and sparked creativity

AWE organised a networking luncheon, bringing together participating students, finalist teams, and the venue’s management team to foster cross-institutional and intergenerational communication. The luncheon served as an extension of the competition, breaking down barriers between stage and audience, and providing students with a unique opportunity to engage closely with MICE industry professionals. The atmosphere was relaxing yet inspiring, with students freely sharing their insights and engaging in in-depth discussions with the AWE team about industry challenges and opportunities. This event not only deepened students’ understanding of the MICE sector’s operations but also allowed the management team to gain insight into the creative visions of the younger generation, bridging the gap between industry and emerging talent while sparking fresh ideas.


 

Enid Low, Chief Strategy Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo, remarked “This year’s competition transcended institutional boundaries, connecting more youngsters with the MICE industry. We are delighted to see students’ submissions brimming with creativity, skilfully integrating successful international case studies while addressing local market needs. This opportunity helps to broaden their business perspectives, and strengthen their confidence in shaping the future development of the exhibition industry.”

Looking ahead, AWE will continue to organise networking and internship initiatives in collaboration with various tertiary institutions to cultivate the next generation of MICE talent, driving Hong Kong’s long-term growth in the global market.



Hi-res photos can be downloaded via this link.

Media Contact

For media enquiries, please contact AsiaWorld-Expo Management Limited:

Sidney Lo
Tel: 3606 8843
Fax: 3606 8889
Email: slsy@asiaworld-expo.com