Deakin Business students leading the way with success beyond the classroom
It has been a busy start to the year for Deakin Business School students, with many competing around the globe at industry events and competitions. We are so proud of our students and their academic mentors who have represented Deakin at home and on the world stage.
Victorian Universities Supply Chain Case Competition🏆
In March, for the second year in a row, the Deakin Business School team secured first place–a result shaped by trust, teamwork and a shared belief in what they could achieve. The team, pictured below, led the way to victory, finishing ahead of RMIT (second) and Swinburne (third).
Hosted by University of Melbourne, this was an amazing opportunity for our students to collaborate with their peers, connect with industry experts and expand their professional network.
Mai reflected on her experience, ‘In the end, it was about refining the story, connecting all the pieces, and presenting with clarity. Three of my team mates presented, great work bringing the team efforts into the spotlight.’
L-R Leo Nguyen (BCom), Mai Nguyen (M Bus Analytics), Jeremy Palmer BCom/BSci, Sneha Sharma (M Bus Analytics), organiser Dr George Panas, Melbourne University.
Students from seven universities competed to design AI-based solutions addressing real-world sustainability reporting challenges faced by Simplot Australia.
Supported by academic mentors, Dr John Hopkins, Huashan (Jason) Li and Sukanto Bhattacharya, the Deakin teams winning proposal was an integrated AI solution to streamline data collection, improve accuracy, and enable more efficient and reliable sustainability reporting.
Winning the prize was rewarding, but more importantly, this experience reinforced how belief, action, humility to ask, and strong delivery come together to create impact. Grateful for the team, the lessons and the journey. Mai Nguyen.
CaseIT competition – Canada 🍁
In February 2026, the Deakin Business School CaseIT undergraduate team; Kai Neilsen, Sophie Gates, Rachel Phung, Henry Tran mentored by Professor Rens Scheepers, competed against 16 of the world’s top business schools at CaseIT 2026 in Vancouver, Canada.
L – R: Professor Rens Scheepers, Kai Neilsen, Sophie Gates, Rachel Ngoc Anh Phung, Henry Mang Phuoc Tran
Over six intensive days, the team worked through real-world business cases, developing and presenting solutions that addressed IT and business strategy, implementation, change management and financial considerations.
The team is immensely appreciative of the opportunity to compete, and the funding from Deakin Business School, which enabled an amazing learning experience beyond the classroom.
Representing Deakin at an international competition was a very proud moment for me. As a final-year student, it is my honour to contribute to our university for supporting my development over the past few years. Henry Mang Phuoc Tran
2026 Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) Oceania conference
L – R Yeshey Dhendup, Dr Iliyas Yusoff, Leshane Kandegedara
Hosted by the University of Technology Sydney, the 2026 Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) Oceania three‑day conference brought together students, faculty, and industry leaders from across the region
Competing in the Best Practice Presentations, Deakin students were awarded third place in the Collaboration and Unity category, a recognition that reflected their emphasis on partnership, inclusivity, and measurable impact.
Deakin is excited to be the 2027 host, marking its first in‑person mid-year event and an amazing opportunity to showcase our strengths while fostering deeper collaboration across the Oceania region.
If you are studying an accounting, finance, business analytics, or information systems course or major, please consider becoming an Associate Member or join our next event! Find out how to join on the Beta Alpha Psi Society webpage.
The recognition we received at the conference sets a new benchmark for what is possible and reinforces the importance of continuing to design initiatives that are impactful, scalable, and aligned with BAP’s broader mission. Yeshey Dhendup
Inspired? Get involved
If these experiences have inspired you to get involved, keep an eye on upcoming opportunities at our MS Teams site, General | Business and Law Student Peer Mentor Community, on Deakin Life or email the BL Peer Support and Transition Team, bl-se@deakin.edu.au for information.
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