Lau Ze Kai encouraged by getting the first runner up certificate.

For Lau Ze Kai, a Year 3 BSc (Hons) Finance and Investment student, emerging as the first runner up in a team of four at the National Investment Challenge Extravaganza 2019 overall was indeed encouraging and exciting.

The competition was held on October 3-5, 2019 at University Utara Malaysia and organised by the Bursa Young Investor Club (BYIC).

Other certificates received by Lau and team were second runner up in Financial Parley and champion in Stock Research Challenge.

According to Lau, the competition consisted of a report and presentation of slides to the judges. The title of the report was ‘Hibiscus: A Value-Unlocking Gem’. It was a 20-page report including 10 pages of appendices. Essentially, it was about holding and selling shares in the industry.

“Certain courses taught at UCSI such as Equity Analysis and Investment Analysis were especially helpful. Also, my passion is in investment analysis which involves the analysis of shares in terms of buying, selling and holding,” he said.

“Besides classes, I also participate in investment conferences where I can get more insights and valuation on companies,” he added.

Lau will be participating in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Challenge which will be at a higher level in terms of difficulty because there would be more professionals already in the industry.

“This is the perfect chance to get a bigger picture of the finance industry and to progress in my career. It is also a good learning experience – helping me to be more confident and sure of my path,” he said.