Sunway University Business School champion PNB Quiz

Derick Yee, Sonia Lim and Yap Wan Li who represented the Sunway University Business School (SUBS) during the national level Investment Quiz Competition organised by Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) made Sunway University proud when they championed the 2011 competition. The students did not falter even though they were perceived to be ‘newbies’ in the competition and displayed strength and character throughout. This is the first time in 11 years a private institution (IPTS) has won.

Three students were chosen to represent the university in the final round that was held at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang in December.The trio from Sunway University competed against 32 teams during the semi-finals and landed themselves in the finals against 3 other teams including Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia.

From left to right: Yap Wan Li , Deric Yee Seng Kit and Sonia Lim Suan Li, SUBS’s Bachelor of Science (Hons) Accounting and Finance students.

For their efforts the trio won a cheque worth RM 5,000 for Sunway University and they each received a RM1,000 equivalent of Amanah Saham Gemilang units. The students topped the quiz by getting the most number of diagonal and horizontal strikes and boxes during the competition.

The competition was part of PNB’s aim to promote awareness and educate university students on the relationship between risks and return in long-term investments. The depth of terminologies and current issues in investments and economic developments in university students was put to the test.

From left to right: Yap Wan Li , Deric Yee Seng Kit and Sonia Lim Suan Li with the replica of the PNB Investment Quiz 2011 Champion’s Trophy.

Yap Wan Li said, “It was a memorable and fruitful experience overall. We did not only learn about the technicality of financial knowledge but also developed strategies throughout the competition as we progressed.” The three students had to prepare for both their final examination and competition at the same time. They ensured they remained calm and collected throughout the competition.

Yap shared, “Winning the game was secondary while enjoying the whole process was a priority. It was this mindset which pulled us through the semi-finals that later contributed to us winning the competition. Knowledge is essential, but skills like teamwork and strategising your game is equally important too.”

Yap added, “It was a progressive feeling of excitement as we could see that we were leading the competition judging by the total scores collected along the way. However, we could not help but feel a deep sense of pride when we were announced champions of the PNB competition." We are glad to have made our university proud by being the first private university which has won the competition since it was first held.”