115/01/07-01/10

Students Demonstrate Excellence in Global Case Competition

From January 7 to 10, 2026, the Center for Strategy and Human Capital Research at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) continued its efforts to support student participation in international case competitions. Under the guidance and leadership of Professor Chiung-Wen Tsao, a team of students from the College of Management traveled to the University of Vermont in the United States to compete in the 13th Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition (SG-FECC). Recognized as one of the leading case competitions in the field of family business studies, the event brought together student teams from around the world to address key challenges in family business succession, governance structures, and sustainable development, while proposing practical solutions that balance both family and business needs.

The 2026 competition featured 21 teams from around the globe, with a total of 105 student competitors and coaches, as well as 59 judges. Participating teams came from the United States, Canada, Germany, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, and Hong Kong, demonstrating strong international participation and diversity. The competition closely simulated real-world consulting scenarios. Each team was required to analyze a case, identify core issues, develop strategic recommendations, and deliver a professional presentation within four hours. The fast-paced and demanding format tested not only students’ analytical skills but also their teamwork and ability to respond under pressure.

NSYSU teams had previously participated only in the 2021 and 2022 online editions of the competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following in-person participation in 2024 and 2025, this marked the third time NSYSU students traveled abroad to compete in the event, reflecting their steadily accumulated experience and growing professional competence in international case competitions.

Outstanding Division Performance and Best Presenter Award

In the highly competitive division rounds, the NSYSU team demonstrated consistent and mature analytical performance, earning Second Place in the Paper Birch Division based on cumulative scores over the first three days of competition. Their overall performance received strong recognition from the judging panel.

In addition, student Ling-Yu Yen (GHRM) received the Division Best Presenter Award in recognition of her outstanding presentation skills, logical structure, stage presence, and ability to respond effectively during the Q&A session. Her performance stood out among competitors and brought further international recognition to NSYSU.

Developing a Consultant Mindset through an Intensive Competition Format

The SG-FECC format emphasizes the ability to quickly identify key family business issues under conditions of uncertainty and time constraints, and to propose feasible strategic solutions. Students noted that the experience helped them shift from a “student mindset” to a “consultant perspective,” learning how to distill complex information into clear priorities while balancing family dynamics, governance concerns, and business strategy.

Shin-Dih Lin (GHRM) shared that through intensive preparation and practice, she developed a clearer analytical framework—starting from problem definition and moving toward structured analysis and strategic recommendations. This process strengthened the persuasiveness of her presentations and improved her ability to address judges’ questions regarding risks and feasibility.

FILIPP JANDARIUSZ (IBMBA) from Poland described the experience as “a journey of exploring a new continent.” Working with teammates from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds enhanced his cross-cultural communication, stress management, and collaborative decision-making skills, while also broadening his vision for future international career development.

Teamwork and Personal Growth as the Most Meaningful Gains

Ling-Yu Yen (GHRM) reflected that months of preparation and training deepened her understanding of the importance of teamwork. She admitted that she had previously tended to pursue perfection independently, but through the high-intensity team process, she learned to listen to different perspectives, adjust when necessary, and trust her teammates. This shift from individual focus to collaborative synergy became one of the most meaningful aspects of her growth.

Students also emphasized that interactions with participants, coaches, ambassadors, and industry judges from around the world expanded their global perspectives and built valuable professional and cross-cultural connections. The competition thus extended learning beyond the classroom into an authentic global environment.

Faculty and Alumni Mentorship Supporting International Practical Learning

The team’s performance was supported by the dedicated guidance of faculty members and alumni, along with the students’ own long-term preparation and teamwork. During the preparation period, students engaged in case discussions, presentation rehearsals, and mock Q&A sessions, gradually developing familiarity with analytical approaches and presentation pacing in family business cases. Through repeated practice, they transformed classroom knowledge into practical problem-solving skills.

The preparation process also benefited from the professional support of faculty and alumni. EMBA alumna Yi-Chun Tuan assisted with training design and practical exercises in Taiwan. Professor Chiung-Wen Tsao and alumna Yen-Chu Lai provided intensive pre-competition guidance and professional feedback. Professor Tsao also led the team to the United States and accompanied students throughout the competition and post-event reflections. Through this collaborative effort, students were able to perform steadily in a highly demanding international competition setting and demonstrate mature analytical and presentation abilities.

International case competitions serve not only as competitive arenas but also as important extensions of management education. They effectively cultivate students’ problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and global perspectives. The Center will continue to encourage student participation in international competitions and learning opportunities, enabling more students to gain practical experience and grow with confidence on the international stage.

A Learning Journey from NSYSU to the World

This experience highlighted students’ growth in professional competence and teamwork, while also reflecting the Center’s ongoing commitment to promoting international experiential learning. Through participation in global case competitions and cross-border exchanges, students were able to apply classroom knowledge to real-world contexts and gain invaluable experience.

The Center will continue to support students in international learning and practical engagement, helping them broaden their perspectives and strengthen their professional capabilities in diverse environments.

Special thanks are extended to EMBA alumni fromYi Cheng Intruper International Co., Ltd. (以珹股份有限公司) and Harpro Resources Limited (禾寶實業股份有限公司). for their generous support, which provided essential resources for the team and enabled students to participate in the competition abroad.

Group photo with the team members and Competition Chair Prof. Dita Sharma (third from the left), and with the UVN delegation ambassador (first from the right).