SMU-Next Gen ESG Conference 2024
2024 is our third year running this Conference and we could not be more pleased with the results!
The SMU-Next Gen ESG Investing (SMU-NGEI) Conference brings together Asia’s savviest Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) investors to share insights and investment ideas to raise awareness for ESG investing and to support the Endowment’s cause of grooming the next generation of responsible investors.
2024 is our third year running this Conference and we could not be more pleased with the results!
The SMU-NGEI Conference calls for an actionable investment idea that evaluates the materiality of ESG issues and its impact to the company over a long-term investment horizon. The teams came up with a comprehensive ESG scoring metrics for their company of choice and assessed whether it was an investable idea. Such presentation was made in front of the attendees at the final showcase. Our distinguished panel of judges then selected the winning investment idea based on their determination of the most compelling idea with a 36-month horizon.
This year, we received 200 applications across various universities in Singapore.
Similar to last year's Conference, finalists attended two workshops before the final showcase, providing them with valuable insights and skills to enhance their presentations.
Here is the list of finalists and the companies they pitched:
Let's give it up for Champions Team Chihuahua Capital, alongside Wong De Rui, one of the judges, and Tiffany Liu, co-founder of Next Gen. Heartiest congratulations to Jun Bao Ong (third from the left) who also won Best Analyst!
De Rui posted his experience from the event, sharing his thoughts and views on being contrarian.
For 1st Runner-up we have Team Chestnut Capital standing alongside Jerry Goh, judge and Investment Director at abrdn, and Walter Beckett, guest speaker and Partner at Brown Advisory.
For 2nd Runner-up we have Team PnL Capital standing alongside Kenneth Ho, judge and Head of ESG Management and Research at Seatown Holdings International. We are pleased that he also found the event impactful and posted on his LinkedIn as such:
We cannot forget to thank Walter Beckett from Brown Advisory for being the guest speaker of the day.
Following the prize presentations, we had to have a celebratory meal and a hearty round of networking with our guests and finalists!
The SMU-NGEI Conference is always a chance not just to increase the awareness of ESG investing and to nurture the next generation of student investors - it is also an opportunity to bring together like-minded investors and professionals in the space.
We also could not have made this year's conference happen without the support of SMU Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, as well as our event partners – SMU Sustainable Investment Club, and event sponsors - Brown Advisory and Tiger Brokers.
We hope to continue the good work of the SMU-NGEI Conference year on year. It is impactful not only for students and partners, but it also provides an effective platform for students to find potential hirers (internships or jobs), and for companies to find their next talent in the team.
Finally, to sum off this recap, why hear from me when you can hear from the participants themselves? Here are 3 responses from the students. Enjoy!
Participating in the 2024 SMU Next Gen ESG Investing Conference was an eye-opening experience that honed my analytical and presentation skills. The workshops organized by the committee were invaluable, offering deeper insights into valuation techniques and market analysis, which helped us refine our investment thesis as a team. Presenting to industry professionals was both challenging and rewarding, and their feedback enhanced our collective understanding of key metrics and market positioning. This competition further fueled my passion for finance, reinforcing the importance of clear communication and strategic thinking in stock pitching.
– Jun Bao ONG, Best Analyst Award, Team Chihuahua Capital
Participating in the SMU-NGEI Conference was an enriching experience. It allowed me to explore new companies and industry landscapes, deepening my understanding of the sectors I researched. For instance, I discovered Vitacoco’s unique supply chain, which gives it over 50% market share in the U.S. coconut water market, challenging giants like Pepsi and Coca-Cola. The competition also highlighted the importance of ESG factors, particularly corporate stewardship, which was a new learning area for me. Our team’s success was driven by effective collaboration and leveraging each member’s strengths. Moving forward, we can improve by enhancing slide clarity, ensuring cohesive links between thesis and models, and tailoring presentations to judges’ preferences.
– Julian LEE, Team Chestnut Capital
I've learned the importance of differentiating presentations to stand out, choosing simpler companies for easier judge comprehension, focusing on both ESG risks and value creation, and the value of a detailed appendix for Q&A sessions. My team, PnL Capitol, pitched a complex Portuguese conglomerate, JMT, and realized that simpler business models are more effective in stock pitches.
– Siva PALANIVELU, Team PnL Capitol