The 2024 National College and High School Virtual Investment Competition, organized by the Department of Finance and Banking at STUST, drew participation from 840 high school teams and 675 college students across the nation. After a rigorous six-week simulated investment challenge, the top 10 teams from both divisions advanced to the finals. The college division's investment trading strategy competition and the high school division's online investment trading experience presentations took place on December 11, 2024, at the STUST campus.

【Dean Ren-peng Huang of the College of Business and Management at STUST (center), Manager Jia-shi Shie of Uni-President Securities Tainan Branch (first from left), and Manager Zhi-hao Ye of the proprietary trading department at Huanan Everbright Securities (second from left) during the 2024 National College and High School Virtual Investment Competition.】

In collaboration with leading securities firms, STUST hosted the 2024 National College and High School Virtual Investment Competition to nurture financial expertise among students. Now in its fourth year, the competition provided a practical platform for students to understand financial products, market rules, and investment strategies through simulated operations. The event aimed to bridge academic learning with real-world application by allowing participants to experience the risks and rewards of financial decision-making. Through the competition, students strengthened their analytical, strategic, and presentation skills while gaining valuable market insights. High school and vocational teams, restricted from using credit transactions, were ranked by their "rate of return" in the preliminary rounds. In contrast, the college division, which permitted credit trading, was evaluated based on the "Sharpe ratio" to emphasize risk-adjusted returns. Judges from sponsoring securities firms, including Uni-President Securities Co., Ltd., and Huanan Everbright Securities Co., Ltd., offered expert feedback on trading strategies during the college division finals.

【Deputy Dean Ling-mei Ke (second from right) of the College of Business and Management at STUST, judges, and award-winning students at the competition.】

During the finals, participants presented detailed analyses of their investment motivations, strategies, and reflections on their simulated trades. They also responded to challenging questions from the judges, adding an interactive and rigorous dimension to the competition. Judges provided constructive feedback, including practical asset allocation advice, which benefitted all participants.

【Deputy Dean Ke of the College of Business and Administration at STUST (first from left) was presenting the college group championship to Zhang from Ming Chuan University.】

【Deputy Dean Ke of the College of Business and Administration at STUST (first from left) was presenting the second place award in the college group to Lai from Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology.】

【Deputy Dean Ke of the College of Business and Administration at STUST (first from left) was presenting the third place award in the college group to Hsu from Fu Jen Catholic University.】

Chair Yong-ji Chang of the Finance Department expressed gratitude to the sponsors, Uni-President Securities, Huanan Everbright Securities, and Baoshuo Financial Technology, for their unwavering support. Special recognition was given to Mr. Chen, an instructor at Huajiang High School, for integrating the competition into his financial management curriculum, demonstrating the university's commitment to University Social Responsibility (USR) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Chair Chang highlighted the importance of continuing the annual competition, emphasizing that such initiatives help students develop sound investment and financial management concepts.

【Assistant Manager Ying-mi Huang (first from left) of Huanan Everbright Securities Tainan Branch was presenting awards to Guo from Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology and Lin from Tamkang University.】

【Manager Shie of Uni-President Securities (first from left) was presenting awards for outstanding works to Hu from Tamkang University and Lin from National Chi Nan University.】

【Chen from Yunlin University of Science and Technology and Ye from STUST received awards for outstanding work from Manager Ye of Huanan Everbright Securities.】

President Neng-fu Huang praised the event for equipping students with practical skills and cultivating their ability to make informed decisions. "By providing hands-on opportunities like this competition, STUST ensures students are well-prepared to excel as financial professionals in a competitive global market," he stated. STUST remains committed to enhancing financial literacy and fostering future leaders through diverse and impactful educational experiences.

【A photo of all participants in the 2024 National College and High School Virtual Investment Competition】

【A list of winners from the semi-finals of the competition hosted by the Department of Finance and Banking at STUST】