In a world increasingly transformed by artificial intelligence and automation, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough to guarantee success. The ability to collaborate across diverse backgrounds, communicate ideas effectively, and exercise sound judgement has become equally important. 

Demonstrating precisely these qualities, Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) student Wong Yik Shern recently celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Huawei Sales Elite Challenge 2026. 

Organised annually by Huawei Malaysia, the Huawei Sales Elite Challenge is a prestigious nationwide competition that brings together high-performing students from universities across the country. Participants are tasked with solving real-world business and sales challenges involving technical Business-to-Business (B2B) and consumer Business-to-Consumer (B2C) products, requiring them to combine business acumen, technological understanding, and persuasive communication skills. 

The grand finals, held in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya on 24 May 2026, saw some of Malaysia’s brightest young talents compete at the highest level. Among them was Wong, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Financial Technology (FinTech) at APU. 

What made the achievement particularly noteworthy was the composition of his team. Joining forces with students from Monash University Malaysia and the University of Malaya, Wong demonstrated the ability to collaborate effectively beyond institutional boundaries. 

Together, the inter-university team secured the 1st Runner-Up title in the B2B Category and the 2nd Runner-Up title in the B2C Category, earning cash prizes of RM3,000 and RM2,000, respectively. 

Throughout the competition, the team showcased exceptional teamwork, strategic thinking, adaptability, and innovation. Participants were required to develop and present business solutions for both B2B and B2C market segments, addressing authentic industry challenges while creating meaningful value for customers. 

By combining rigorous market analysis, customer-centric thinking, and creative problem-solving, the team devised innovative strategies that impressed the judges. Their success reflected not only technical competence but also their ability to navigate different perspectives, align ideas, and work cohesively under pressure. 

According to Asst Prof Dr Julia Juremi, Head of APU’s Forensics and Cyber Security Research Centre (FSeC), who mentored Wong throughout the competition, the team's willingness to challenge conventional thinking was a defining factor behind their success. 

“A key factor behind the team’s success was their ability to think beyond conventional approaches. Through out-of-the-box thinking, they explored innovative ways to position technology solutions, identify market opportunities, and enhance customer engagement,” she said. 

“Their proposals balanced practicality with innovation, demonstrating a strong understanding of both business objectives and evolving customer needs.”

Reflecting on the experience, Wong highlighted how the competition provided far more than an opportunity to win awards. 

“This competition provided me with an opportunity to work with talented students from different universities, exchange diverse perspectives, and apply academic knowledge in a highly competitive industry environment. This precious experience will form one of my portfolios in the future when core human competencies are valued,” he said. 

His reflection resonates strongly with the realities of the future workplace. As technology continues to automate routine tasks, uniquely human capabilities such as storytelling, creativity, and judgement are emerging as critical differentiators. 

Competitions such as the Huawei Sales Elite Challenge provide students with opportunities to cultivate these competencies through collaboration, communication, and real-world problem-solving. 

Wong’s accomplishment is therefore more than a competition victory. It is a testament to the power of teamwork across institutions, the value of diverse perspectives, and the importance of nurturing adaptable, future-ready graduates. 

Ultimately, the achievement reflects the quality of talent nurtured at APU and underscores the university’s commitment to developing graduates who are innovative, industry-ready, and capable of thriving in an increasingly complex global business and technology landscape.