The Faculty of Business and Finance (FBF) team emerged as the champion at the National Financial Instruments Trading (NFIT) Competition 2024, hosted by Curtin University, Sarawak, on 13 September 2024. The competition saw participation from 16 teams representing 10 universities across Malaysia and Brunei, highlighting the high level of talent and competition.

The winning team, comprising Bachelor of Finance student Wong Wun Kei and Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Banking and Finance student Lai An Xuan, displayed remarkable skills and strategic insight throughout the competition.

Their approach, grounded in technical analysis, swift decision-making, and disciplined risk management, enabled them to outperform their peers in a highly competitive environment. Guided by FBF academic Mr Lim Chong Heng, the team demonstrated their ability to stay ahead of the competition with momentum trading and data-driven decisions, ultimately securing the top spot.

Their achievement earned them not only the prestigious title but also a cash prize of RM2,000.

The NFIT competition aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge of financial instruments trading through a simulated real-world trading scenario. Participants were required to trade various financial instruments, including stocks, bonds, derivatives, and cryptocurrencies, over the course of a full day. With the goal of maximising their portfolio value, competitors were tasked with making sound, strategic decisions under the pressure of live market conditions.

Speaking on the team’s success, their mentor, Mr Lim, remarked, “I am incredibly proud of my students. Their achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and ability to excel under pressure. Watching them making quick decisions and adapting strategies in such a dynamic environment was rewarding. This win not only reflects their individual efforts but also highlights the support they have received from UTAR.”

The students credited their success to the resources and mentorship provided by UTAR. Wong shared, “From access to financial software tools to the guidance from our professors, we were well-prepared to face the competition. Mr Lim’s insights on financial strategies and his constant encouragement to think outside the box were game-changers for us.”

The team’s competition project, Advanced Strategies for Maximising Returns in Financial Instruments Trading, presented a dynamic approach to short-term speculative trading in the financial markets. By applying key technical indicators, such as the Parabolic SAR and RSI, the team focused on identifying active and high-gaining stocks to maximise returns. Their strategy included maintaining a well-diversified portfolio across sectors such as technology, logistics and utilities.

The team also demonstrated how profit generation could be aligned with sustainability goals by integrating Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) principles into their approach. Their portfolio included companies with strong ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments, showcasing the importance of balancing financial returns with responsible investing.

This achievement not only enhances the academic journey of FBF students but also provides them with valuable real-world experience. Competitions like NFIT offer an opportunity for students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, building their confidence and problem-solving abilities. As Mr Lim noted, “This accomplishment motivates them to push their boundaries and prepares them for future challenges in their studies and careers.”