SFU team advances to business research challenge finals
Sam Thiara, SFU Beedie School of Business, 778.782.6833, sthiara@sfu.ca
Derek Moscato, SFU Beedie School of Business, 778.782.5038, derek_moscato@sfu.ca
Dixon Tam, SFU media relations, 778.782.8742, dixont@sfu.ca
A team of undergraduate and graduate students from Simon Fraser University took top honours this past weekend at the BC Investment Research Challenge regional competition. The finance showdown, sponsored by CFA Vancouver and held at the Four Seasons in downtown Vancouver, included the top business schools and universities from across British Columbia.
“To come out on top against some of the best business school minds in British Columbia is a testament to the calibre of students and teachers at Simon Fraser University,” said Sam Thiara, manager, student affairs at SFU’s Beedie School of Business.”
The SFU team was represented by Beedie School of Business students Jin Yan, Chris Tse, Lauren Looi and Alex Conconi, plus SFU Economics student Robb Ponti. Beedie School of Business adjunct professor Derek Yee and SFU alumnus Jamie Kozak coached the team.
Its final presentation was focused on a valuation of Vancouver technology firm Westport Innovations, a leading global provider of proprietary technology that allows engines to operate on clean-burning gaseous fuels. A high-profile panel of heads of research analysts and portfolio managers evaluated the SFU presentation.
“To provide this level of research and analysis around a designated publicly traded company takes an extraordinary level of skill and dedication,” explained Thiara.
By taking top honours, the SFU team advances to the Americas Regional Final, held in Omaha, Neb., in April, where they will compete against 40 other universities and sit in on a lecture from billionaire investor Warren Buffett.
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