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They secured the victory after competing against finalists from The University of Hong Kong, City University of Hong Kong, INSEAD, and Ritsumeikan University.

The competition challenged participants to act as intermediaries between consulting firms and relevant industry experts. This year’s case focused on the Generative AI (GenAI) ecosystem—from its supply chain and key players to the competitive dynamics of this rapidly evolving sector.

In this context, the Abek and Friends team was tasked with formulating a strategy and identifying the most relevant expert recommendations across three potential industries and two major competitors.

Their proposed solution not only demonstrated a deep understanding of the GenAI landscape but also showcased strong alignment with the client’s needs in terms of accuracy and strategic value.

“This competition trained us to think quickly and precisely, while also gaining a deeper understanding of how AlphaSights bridges client needs with credible expert insights,” said Albert.

The team’s interest in joining the competition stemmed from their desire to embrace a new challenge. Drawn to the unique format, they were eager to explore how expert network consulting operates at a global level.

Clara shared that their motivation came from the novelty of the competition’s concept and theme. “What attracted us from the start was that this competition presented a new kind of challenge—we had never encountered a case where we had to connect a client’s needs with the right experts. It was something fresh. Plus, the international scale and the opportunity to attend the final in Hong Kong made it even more exciting. We wanted to gain international exposure to improve both our skills and our network,” Clara explained.

To prepare, the Abek and Friends team conducted in-depth research and engaged in intensive discussions early on. One of their key strategies was consulting directly with AlphaSights staff to better understand the company’s standards and expectations.

“Throughout the process, we asked a lot of questions—not just about research methods, but also how to deliver our insights and frame our perspectives in a way that fits AlphaSights’ working style. We’re really grateful for how open they were in sharing their knowledge. That guidance helped us sharpen our final solution to make it more mature and relevant,” said Caitlyn.

The Abek and Friends team encourages other students not to shy away from trying new things. For them, competitions like this offer a valuable opportunity to learn directly from the industry while honing practical skills that are rarely covered in traditional academic settings.

Translator Indira Akmalia Hendri