CUHK Business School students win platinum award at IFMA Student Competition 2025
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School is proud to announce that a team of students from the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) has won the Platinum Award at the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Student Competition for Best Facility Management Project Award 2025.
The champion team comprises five undergraduate students from SHTM, including:
- Ms Stephanie Wu Nga-lam (HRE, Year 3)
- Mr Daniel Lee Chi-chung (HRE, Year 3)
- Mr Alvin Man Yuk (HRE, Year 3)
- Ms Sophia Yip Wai-long (HRE, Year 3)
- Ms Lily Xu Tianjing (HRE, Year 2)
Based on a real-life case study, the winning team was challenged to improve the customer experience in a branch of Standard Chartered Bank. The students came up with innovative strategies to resolve customer pain points specific to three client groups by reimagining and revamping the facility space.
The students were coached by Dr Ervi Liusman, who guided them through an intensive two-month training programme. Dr Liusman offers heartfelt congratulations to the team, remarking, “Winning the championship is truly remarkable, especially as this was our School’s first time participating in the competition. Despite having minimal prior knowledge of facility management, the team embraced the challenge with determination and a thirst for learning.”
Dr Liusman also noted that the team has conducted rigorous research, developed innovative strategies, and took every piece of feedback seriously. “Their dedication was unwavering, with countless late nights spending preparing for this competition. I deeply appreciate their hard work and commitment – an incredible accomplishment that makes us all immensely proud,” she added.
The School extends its sincere gratitude to Standard Chartered Bank and Cushman & Wakefield for their immense support in providing this invaluable learning opportunity for the students by offering a real-life case for the team to study.
The International Facility Management Association (IFMA), established in 1980, is the world’s largest and most recognised professional body in the field of facility management, with over 20,000 members across more than 100 countries. The annual student competition celebrates the creativity, research, and practical impact of emerging talent in the facility management industry.
