From April 29 to May 2, SMU hosted the APEX Global 2009, which featured 16 universities from 11 countries. In addition to the main case competition, the entire event boasted 4 days of social events and business networking activities.
APEX Global 2009, the inaugural Business IT Case Competition in Asia. Let's relive moments of the event!
Day 1, 29th April 2009
1200 – 1700: Team Arrival & Registration
APEX Global kicked off with team registration on the 4th floor of Swissotel the Stamford, a 5-star hotel chosen as the venue of the competition and teams’ accommodation.
Upon checking in, teams proceeded to the registration booth, where they collected goodie bags, welcome booklets, and had their team photos taken.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University at registration booth
Simon Fraser University, Canada with team host Chuanyi (left) and organizer Hazel Yong (right)
After registration, teams were given some lesiure time before having to assemble at the hotel lobby. Once they were gathered together, they were quick to socialize with participants from other universities. Teams were then led to the venue of the Welcome Dinner.
Team hosts and organizers bringing teams from different countries together
1800 – 2100: Welcome Dinner
The Welcome Dinner was held at Thai 1827, a restaurant in the Old Parliament Building, 10 minutes away from Swissotel.
Along the way to Thai 1827, team hosts and organizers introduced the teams to historic landmarks such as the Supreme Court and the Padang.
Hong Kong University of Science & Tecnology and Simon Fraser University getting to know each other
During the dinner at Thai 1827, teams were encouraged to mingle with the other teams within the small and cosy restaurant.
Team coaches from various universities at the same table
Participants from the University of Mannheim, Germany and Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Deeraj Karnani, the Vice-President of APEX Global 2009, announcing the start of the Welcome Dinner
Participants from the University of Mannheim, Germany and Chulalongkorn University, Thailand
Next, Mr Torben Bonde, CIO of Vestas (APEX Global 2009’s Leading Sponsor) gave his opening speech. Mr Bonde actually took time off his busy schedule to travel to Singapore from Denmark to grace this 4-day event.
Lastly, Professor Desai (left), the faculty advisor for APEX Global, also extended a warm welcome to the participating teams and did not forget to praise the event organizers for their efforts.
After the opening addresses, everyone helped themselves to the sumptuous buffet dinner. During the dinner, everyone moved around the tables and introduced themselves to each other.
New friendships blossomed over dinner
Soon, it was time for team introductions. Each of the 16 teams had to introduce themselves and explain their uniqueness in the most creative manner they could think of. One by one, the teams took the stage and charmed the audience with their witty lines, drawing roars of laughter from the crowd.
Chulalongkorn University teaching the audience Thai greetings.
Nanyang Technological University with their humorous yet authentic Singaporean-style introduction.
Once the team introductions ended, the 16 teams drew lots to determine their division groupings and presentation order and watched with bated breath…
The resulting team division groupings and presentation order
2100 – 2300: Social Pubbing
Teams were invited to Harry’s Bar at the Esplanade Theatres to relax and unwind.
Chulalongkorn University and team host Miaolan (left) at Harry’s Bar entrance
Fudan University, China and team host Chuanyi enjoying a round of drinks
For teams who had just arrived in Singapore during the day, it was a perfect way to end a tiring day of traveling with a bottle of iced cold beer and a chat with other teams.
Teams from University of Mannheim, Germany and Sabanci University, Turkey
The crowd at Harry's Bar
Even though the day’s official program ended at Harry’s Bar, some of the teams were still in the mood for a taste of Singaporean nightlife. Together with the organizers, they decided spontaneously to continue the night of fun at Zouk, a popular club with the local revelers.
Day 2, 30th April 2009
1000 – 1200: Business IT Leaders Panel Discussion
Day 2 started on a more serious note with the Business IT Leader Panel Discussion. The theme of the discussion was “Unpredictability of the IT Industry”.
Business IT Leader Panel Discussion
Despite having a long and eventful night the day before, all teams turned up punctually for the discussion in the early morning, dressed in business suits. They were attentive throughout the discussion and diligently took down notes that could prove useful during the competition.
Participants and team coaches anticipating the start of the discussion
The roundtable discussion featured a panel of experienced discussants from various players of the IT industry to share their knowledge and insights, including CIOs, global consultants, It management technology providers and professors.
Torben Bonde – Chief Information Officer & Senior Vice President, Group IT, Vestas
Nariman Karimi – Senior Cice President and CIO of DHL Express Asia-Pacific
Ng Kuo Pin – Executive Partner, Communications and High Tech Operating Group, Accenture
Ryan Sia, Vice-President , Avocent
Dr. Eric K. Clemons , Professor of Operations & Information Management , The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
The moderator of the discussion was our very own SIS Dean:
Steven Miller, Dean, School of Information Systems, SMU , speaking to the participants and team coaches
During the discussion, the panelists shared their challenges in coping with unpredictability in the IT industry during the past and in the current economic climate. A general sentiment that was echoed around the discussion was that IT heads have to be deft at both long and short games like golfers, especially in these uncertain times.
To find out more about the discussion, refer to these Zdnet andBusiness Times articles.
In the second half of the discussion, the teams’ attention was diverted to the competition itself as Darren and Steven briefed the teams of the competition format and the scoring criteria which was to be used by the judges in evaluating the teams’ presentations.
Prof Ilse, SMU team coach posing a question.
Prof Narayan, the SIS faculty member who wrote the business case, fielded questions from teams
The panel discussion concluded with a group photo of the panelists and their colleagues.
Thereafter, everyone proceeded to a buffet lunch before being brought on a tour around the SMU’s city campus.
Members from Chulalongkorn Univeristy, The University of Hongkong and Nanyang Technological University posing for a picture near the SMU Li Ka-Shing Library. Photo credit: Adrian Liew of NTU
Aarhus Business School team taking an aircon break in SMU library. Photo credit: Serla.
Following the SMU campus tour, all teams had a few hours of leisure time before dinner. Some decided to head back to the hotel for a nap while some teams went on to explore Singapore.
1800- 2200: “Explore Singapore” Dinner & Sight-seeing
Teams which were game enough to try out authentic Singaporean street hawker food headed down to Gluttons Bay, located next to the Esplanade Theatres, for dinner.
HKU team with team hosts at Glutton Bay. Photo credit: Timothy Chan.
After dinner, the teams proceeded to one of Singapore’s landmarks in the vicinity: the Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.
Mahidol University on Singapore Flyer
A incomplete group shot of the participants. Photo credit: Adrian Liew
Day 2 ended with the visit to Singapore Flyer. Day 3 will be continued in Part 2 of the event report.