AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business Students Shine Globally in Capsim Challenge Fall 2024
The AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business is proud to announce that three of its undergraduate finance students - Mohannad Khairy, Youssef Helmy, and Abdalla Hafez - have secured 2nd place in the prestigious Capsim Foundation International Challenge.
The AUC Onsi Sawiris School of Business is proud to announce that three of its undergraduate finance students - Mohannad Khairy, Youssef Helmy, and Abdalla Hafez - have secured 2nd place in the prestigious Capsim Foundation International Challenge. Competing against over 600 competitors worldwide, these talented students showcased remarkable business acumen, solidifying their position as global contenders.
A Transformative Learning Experience
Reflecting on the journey, Youssef Helmy shared his excitement:
“It was something I was passionate about - to team up with my friends, combine our skills and compete against universities not just in Egypt, but globally. It was a hands-on experience in the business world, and everything was amazing. The competitive aspect made it fun!”
The biannual competition tests participants’ skills in managing the complexities of running a global corporation across all critical business functions – marketing, finance, R&D, production, and more. In this competition, the AUC team managed a sensor technology company, navigating the challenges of decision-making and strategy.
A Team Effort Fueled by Practical Education
Abdalla Hafez also expressed his gratitude for the experience:
“We felt like we were running an actual company. It was a very managerial process, and decision-making was tough. But the education we received at the school was incredibly beneficial – it prepared us for every challenge we faced. The teamwork aspect really helped us push through and keep going.”
The students were supported by Irene Shaker, assistant professor of marketing, Heikal Department of Management, who proudly reflected on the achievement:
“I am immensely proud of our students at The Onsi Sawiris School of Business. They continually demonstrate their ability to compete and excel on the world stage. This success reflects their dedication and the exceptional education they receive here.”
Strategic Thinking and Dedication
The competition consisted of eight rounds, with each round representing a “business year”. The students endured long nights of research, analysis and strategic decision-making, culminating in their well-earned second place finish.
Mohannad Khairy described the experience:
“It’s not just about being profitable, having the highest revenues, or achieving the best stock price - it’s a combination of factors that assess your decision-making and overall strategy. There were nights we stayed up until 4 am, not knowing how we ended up doing. It was hectic, but also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.”
Legacy of Success
The recent accomplishment continues the Onsi Sawiris School of Business’s legacy of excellence in the Capsim Challenge, marking the fourth consecutive global ranking for its students.
Recent Capsim Achievements:
- Fall 2024: Mohannad Khairy, Abdalla Hafez, and Youssef Helmy (Second Place)
- Spring 2024: Mohamed Khaled (Third Place)
- Fall 2023: Mohanad Hany (Winner)
- Spring 2023: Mazen Tawfik (Third Place)
These accomplishments truly highlight the caliber of our students, their dedication to excellence, and the world-class education provided by the Onsi Sawiris School of Business at The American University in Cairo.