CISI Educational Trust 2024 Global Awards total £21,600

The CISI Educational Trust have announce the winners of its CISI Educational Trust Global Awards 2024.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students from partner universities in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, and India entered this year’s awards. From the regional winners, three postgraduate and ten undergraduate students were invited to compete in the global final held online.

These global finalists submitted a PowerPoint presentation addressing the question “What are the three most significant factors contributing to the cost-of-living crisis, how do they impact individuals, families, and societies, and what are your proposed solutions to address these challenges and alleviate the burden on affected populations?” and attended interviews with the panel of judges.

At the end of an intense morning, Sebastian Tataru of Anglia Ruskin University, UK was declared the global winner in the undergraduate category and My Tam Hoang from Exeter University, UK, as the global postgraduate winner. In addition, three close runners-up were highly commended in the undergraduate category: Maitrii Prasad from Christ University, India, Oscar Heaney from the University of East Anglia, UK and Alvin Christian De Silva from Far Eastern University, Philippines, and were awarded discretionary prizes.

The prizes awarded amounted to £21,600 with the global graduate and graduate champions also invited to attend the CISI Annual Awards Ceremony in London, later this year. The CISI Educational Trust is a charity focussed on the development of transferable skills, enabling students at schools, colleges and university to access careers in the financial services industry.

Frank Moxon CF, Chartered FCSI(Hon) Chair of the CISI Educational Trust, said: “The judging panel was delighted to virtually meet such a fantastic group of finalists from across the globe, each one of whom was already a regional prize-winner or runner-up. The level of entries was high and competition was fierce.

“Congratulations to our global undergraduate and postgraduate champions and to our highly commended runners up and thank you to all the finalists for their hard work and enthusiasm.” On receipt of his award, Sebastian Tataru (left), top performing undergraduate student from A.R.U Anglia Ruskin University, UK, said: “I feel honoured to share my experience of being selected the winner of the CISI Educational Trust Global Awards 2024.

“The experience as a whole has been remarkable, and I am incredibly proud to have received such recognition. My experience with CISI started when I decided to study towards the Investment Operations Certificate, and I was luckily nominated by my lecturer to participate in the competition. 

“I was thrilled to hear that this year’s presentation topic was on the ‘Factors contributing to the Cost of Living Crisis’. I was really excited to undertake my research on a relevant economic topic affecting societies around the globe and it was extremely intriguing to comprehend and analyse how global events have affected economies around the world. The first stage of the competition gave me the chance to present my views on the topic and it was one of the happiest moments of my life when I heard that I have won it.

“It has served me as a motivation boost, and I became really eager to give my best during the competition’s final. During the finals, I had the unique opportunity to participate in an interview and discuss about my career aspirations as well as about current challenges in the financial sector.

“When the results of the final were announced, I couldn’t believe it when I was announced as the Overall Winner of the competition. Words can’t describe how happy I was during that moment, and I will cherish it for the rest of my life.

“I am immensely thankful to CISI for giving me the opportunity to participate in the competition and for the amazing experience and support offered during the whole process. Never did I imagine that I would have the opportunity to win such a prestigious award, and I am hopeful that this milestone will lay the foundation for great things to come ahead."

My Tam Hoang (pic) from Exeter University, UK, top performing postgraduate student, said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be announced as the overall winner of the CISI Educational Trust Awards 2024 in the postgraduate student category. Through in-depth research and analysis on the topic of the cost-of-living crisis, I had the opportunity to deepen my grasp of economic dynamics and refine my research and presentation skills, both of which are crucial skills in the financial services industry.

“Moreover, engaging with industry experts and practitioners during the competition provided me with valuable insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services profession. The exchange of ideas and discussions with professionals not only enriched my knowledge but also inspired me to strive for excellence in my future endeavours.

“I am also eager to continue my studies and become a chartered member of CISI. As an ambassador of the CISI, I would encourage other students to participate in such a fascinating journey.”

CISI Educational Trust Global Awards 2024 winners