Outstanding Financial Planning Awards for Hong Kong Undergraduates
Eight University Teams Demonstrate their Knowledge of Financial Planning

   

March 8, 2008, Hong Kong – American International Assurance Company (Bermuda) Limited (AIA) today held the 2008 Final Competition cum Award Presentation Ceremony of “Outstanding Financial Planning Awards for Hong Kong Undergraduates”. Eight finalist teams from different local universities made a presentation to the judging panel on a designated financial planning topic to compete for the awards.

The “Outstanding Financial Planning Awards for Hong Kong Undergraduates” aims to encourage students to put theories and knowledge of financial planning learned in the classroom into practice, and promote understanding of the concept of financial planning among young people through competitions. A series of workshops was organized aimed at sharpening analytical skills as well as teaching participants about the core areas of financial planning and how to identify financial goals.

Mr. Jones Lam, Vice President and Head of Financial Planning of AIA said, “The inaugural ‘Outstanding Financial Planning Awards for Hong Kong Undergraduates’ held last year was a great success. With the tremendous support of participating universities, we are delighted to organize the event again this year. As the demand for wealth management services increases, financial planning has become one of the most fast growing industries in recent years. By organizing this competition, AIA hopes to arouse students’ interest and understanding of the importance of financial planning at different stages of life. Not only are they asked to start financial planning for themselves at a young age, they are also encouraged to develop their career in this field upon graduation.”

This year’s competition received an overwhelming response attracting 302 teams and 559 students. Each of the participating teams had to submit a proposal on financial planning in the intra-school competitions.

On the day of the final round, eight finalist teams were required to make a presentation to the judging panel on a specified topic selected by draw. Topics drawn were (1) how to solve the aging problem in developed countries, and (2) how financial planners in Hong Kong should make the most of the business opportunities presented by China’s rapid economic development.

In addition to the championship, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up awards, “The Most Creative Report Award” and “The Outstanding Presentation Award” were presented to teams with outstanding performance. Prizes were sponsored by AIG Finance (Hong Kong) Limited.

The judging panel comprised economists from various universities as well as representatives from professional associations, including Dr. Raymond Wong, Lecturer, School of Business, The University of Hong Kong; Professor Lynn Pi, Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Finance, Business School, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Dr. Clement Wong, Director of Undergraduate Programmes, Department of Economics & Finance, Faculty of Business, City University of Hong Kong; Dr. Louis Cheng, Associate Professor, School of Accounting and Finance, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Professor Gordon Tang, Head and Professor, Department of Finance & Decision Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University; Dr. Arthur Hau, Associate Professor, Department of Finance and Insurance, Lingnan University; Mr. Joseph Lam, Committee Member, Society of Registered Financial Planners; Ms. Carrie Leung, Chief Executive Officer, The Hong Kong Institute of Bankers; Ms. Catherine Chang, Director of Examination Development Department, The Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong; and Mr. Jones Lam, Vice President and Head of Financial Planning, AIA.

AIA is one of the largest life insurers in Southeast Asia, with branch offices, subsidiaries and affiliated companies located in countries and jurisdictions including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Australia, Brunei, Guam, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. AIA markets a full line of life insurance products through a multi-channel distribution system, whose core franchise is an extensive agency force.

AIA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). AIG, a world leader in insurance and financial services, is the leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional and individual customers through the most extensive worldwide property-casualty and life insurance networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of retirement services, financial services and asset management around the world. AIG's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges in Ireland and Tokyo.


Outstanding Financial Planning Awards for Hong Kong Undergraduates

Awardees List

Championship: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

1st Runner-up: Lingnan University

2nd Runner-up: The University of Hong Kong

The Most Creative Report Award: The University of Hong Kong

The Outstanding Presentation Award: Hong Kong Baptist University

Photo Captions


  
Mr. Jones Lam, Vice President and Head of Financial Planning of AIA, (fourth from left of the front row) pictures with the panel of judges and winning students at the prize presentation ceremony of “Outstanding Financial Planning Awards for Hong Kong Undergraduates”.
Mr. Jones Lam, Vice President and Head of Financial Planning of AIA, (first from left) congratulates students from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University who took home the championship of “Outstanding Financial Planning Awards for Hong Kong Undergraduates”.


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