Nima Sarhangpour
Chair
Nima Sarhangpour is a 4th year student at Beedie School of Business concentrating in Management Information Systems (MIS) and Management & Technology. He is currently a candidate for the Business Technology Management (BTM) certificate. He is extremely passionate about CaseIT and is returning for a second year to serve as the Chairperson of CaseIT 2012. Alongside Gordon Swenson, Nima is determined to host a premier international event for participants from across the globe and provide a strong platform where the best in IT and business case analysis converge. While studying at SFU Beedie, he has taken part in several extra-curricular activities: Director of Technology for CaseIT 2011, Competing at APEX 2011 Global-IT Case Competition in Singapore, Teaching Assistant for an MIS Course (Systems Analysis and Design), and working with faculty to redesign a first-year course. Nima enjoys playing soccer and working on his car during his spare time.
Gordon Swenson
Vice Chair
Gordon is entering his third year at SFU and is pursuing the new BTM certificate in business and a philosophy minor. Gordon feels honored to be back with CaseIT for a second year as Vice-Chair. His experience last year as the Director of Sponsorship made such an impact upon him that he was willing to forego an earlier graduation date to come back for another year; to work alongside, and with Nima Sarhangpour to give back to this amazing organization and to work hard to bring it to the new levels that it is destined for. He enjoys playing squash and working on developing a business concept within SFU’s incubator, VentureLabs. Before CaseIT, Gordon played competitive golf at the NCAA Varsity level for the nationally competitive CSUS, and later as the assistant captain for reemerging SFU team. The transferable skills of teamwork, individual and collective vision, determination and perseverance became clear to him last year, and he is eager to bring a more focused and amplified level of each of these to help support the incredibly talented CaseIT 2012 organizing committee. He is genuinely motivated to exceed the value and experience expectations for all of CaseIT’s stakeholders.
Brian Lau
Director of Administration
Brian is currently a fourth year Business student concentrating in Management Information Systems and Accounting. In school, he has been a teaching assistant for the past two years and a project manager for a charity run and multiple networking events. These invaluable experiences have helped him develop quality leadership and teamwork skills that he will readily apply to this year’s organizing committee. Outside of school, Brian enjoys a wide variety of activities that include running, tennis, hiking, and most importantly, squash. Whether it is on the squash court or in the classroom, he is always ready to bring an unparalleled level of determination and passion to his work. For CaseIT 2012, Brian’s role will involve many administrative duties, which include researching and contacting Media outlets to help gain worldwide exposure for CaseIT. As this is his first year on the organizing committee, Brian looks forward to helping take CaseIT to the next level and uphold its lasting legacy as the crown jewel of SFU Business.
Alex Chen
Director of Technology
As a 4th year Interactive Arts and Technology student at Simon Fraser University, Alex has been working in the website and graphic design field for the past 3 years. Having helped out with the Marketers’ Night event that hosts by Student Marketing Association last year, he loves pushing his creative boundaries and gaining experience in different team environment and style. Proudly, he is in the position of the Director of Technology and a Marketing & Media Executive in CaseIT 2012. He is also a freelance multimedia designer who is passionate in website, graphics, film production and 3D animation. Whether working in a team or individually, Alex always tries to do the best he can for the honor, opportunity and being proud of it. As part of the Organizing Committee for CaseIT 2012, he is excited in developing a valued public relations experience with participants and industry professionals.
Maggie Lee
Director of University Relations
Maggie Lee is entering her third year at Simon Fraser University pursuing a major in Criminology with a concentration in Forensics. Last year, Maggie was involved with CaseIT as the Director of Administration as well as a Sponsorship Intern. She has grown passionate for the event and is excited to return for another year. Amongst CaseIT, Maggie is also involved with the Canadianized Asian Club (CAC) as the Ski Trip Director as well as working at La Senza as a Customer Service Lead. In her spare time, she enjoys singing, dancing, and playing volleyball. As the Director of University Relations, Maggie is looking forward to take on this new role and spark the interest of all the prestigious schools out there. She is eager for February to arrive and cannot wait to meet all the participants from around the world!
Norman Tam
Director of Marketing and Media
A 4th year student studying Interactive Arts + Technology, Norman returns this year as the Director of Marketing & Media after acting as a Marketing & Media Executive last year. With his commitment to CaseIT, he hopes to further push the envelope and take this chance to improve upon the leadership, creativity, and project management skills of last year in his professional pursuits. With his free time, Norman enjoys snowboarding, following hockey, and cinematography. As a previous teaching assistant for an introductory MIS course at SFU, CaseIT truly provides the amazing prospect for MIS leaders and students to collaborate in this internationally recognized competition. Norman looks forward to share in this unique opportunity to meet the future of MIS from around the world.
Esther Young
Marketing and Media Executive
Esther is entering her 2nd year of studies at SFU, pursuing a joint major in Business Administration and Interactive Arts + Technology. Aside from her studies, She is currently an executive member of the Student Marketing Association (SMA). She has always been an active volunteer of her community by helping out with organizations like the Surrey Food Bank, the Guildford Public Library, and the Surrey Memorial Hospital. Esther is very passionate about graphic design so she is excited to incorporate her artistic skills and start her journey in CaseIT as a Marketing & Media Executive. She feels privileged and absolutely thrilled to be working with a pool of talented individuals to present a world renowned case competition.
Peter Lew
Director of Entertainment and Hospitality
Peter Lew is entering his third year of studies at Simon Fraser University, pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He is currently in limbo in terms of concentrations, but Finance and Management Information Systems are being considered. Apart from school, Peter is active around the community via clubs, extra-curricular activities and volunteer work. Peter is looking forward to finding the perfect venues, bonding with fellow OC members and meeting the CaseIT 2012 participants. Peter is very passionate about the environment, and will try to keep the competition as efficient and sustainable as possible. As a Team Host last year, Peter gained a lot of experience and lifelong friendships with the OC and competitors. Peter hopes to maintain CaseIT’s rich traditions and welcomes the 2012 participants to Vancouver!
Matthew Tse
Director of Sponsorship
Matthew Tse is entering his 3rd year of studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, with a concentration in Finance & Management Information Systems. In addition to the two focuses, Matthew also hopes to obtain a Corporate Social Responsibility Certificate. Aside from his studies, Matthew focuses on maintaining a important balance of family, friends, and extra-curricular activities. Whether its organizing charity events within the Canadianized Asian Club (CAC) or acting in youth theatre festivals, he has gained valuable experience to extend his repertoire of interpersonal and leadership skills. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys playing soccer, guitar, and occasionally breaking out into song and dance. It is without a doubt that Matthew is thrilled to be returning as the Director of the Sponsorship Team for CaseIT 2012. Having already experienced the legendary experience that is CaseIT, Matthew will put forth his greatest efforts to sustaining its legendary status.
Rachael Lee
Sponsorship Executive
Currently entering her fourth year, Rachael is pursuing an Accounting Honours Degree in the Faculty of Business Administration at SFU. Rachael’s passion for event planning began as a student councilor in Singapore, where she was born and raised. Although this is Rachael’s first time organizing CaseIT, she believes her interpersonal and organizational skills developed through her work and volunteer experiences will help her to excel as a Sponsorship Executive. During her time at SFU, she has been a Project Manager for the Accounting Student Association, and a teaching assistant for two different business courses. Aside from CaseIT, Rachael can be found updating the BBA Portal, spending quality time with family and friends, browsing fashion blogs, singing, tossing a Frisbee, jogging, playing squash and walking her new dog, Xavier. Rachael sees CaseIT as a great platform for the exchange of ideas and looks forward to sharing viable sponsorship opportunities with industry professionals.
Emily Louie
Sponsorship Executive
Emily is in her fourth year at Simon Fraser University pursuing a major in Communication studies and a minor in Social Geography. This is Emily’s second year with CaseIT, from Team Host to Sponsorship Executive. After many setbacks in the recent year, Emily remains optimistic about the unexpected ways of life; she is passionate about growth and opportunities and believes CaseIT will bring her to the next level in her career. She is eager to expand her professional network working another year alongside the talented CaseIT Organizing Committee and while exploring the world culture through the event’s international prestige. Interested in affairs, Emily is dedicated to apply her education towards making the world a stronger and better community. On weekends and after meetings, Emily enjoys being a Vancourite relaxing with a wonderful cup of joe.
Calvin Kwan
Team Host
Calvin is a second year student at the Beedie School of Business hoping to concentrate in Accounting and possibly Management Information Systems (MIS). He is extremely excited and honoured to be a part of the CaseIT team. At school, Calvin is an astute worker and works hard to accomplish his academic goals while having enough time for family, friends and the community. In his leisure time, Calvin enjoys playing volleyball, taking photos and following the Vancouver Canucks. Also, Calvin is extremely proud to be Chair of his Dragonboating team and he hopes to lead his team to a successful year at the Rio Tinto Alcan Festival. Calvin feels excited to be working with all of the CaseIT members and hopes to be able to create an unforgettable year working with participants and industry professionals.
Jonathan Wat
Team Host
Jon is a first year undergraduate admitted into the Beedie School of Business at SFU and is considering a major in Marketing in the coming years. Jon is exceptionally grateful to be offered a position on the host team for the CaseIT Competition especially since this is his first major undertaking since entering into university. In High School, he held the role of Graduation Council President and has accumulated experience in event planning, public relations, and networking to name a few. Despite Jon’s relative “greenness”, he is enthusiastic about his position as Team Host and is determined to offer his best to help with the preparation and functioning of the CaseIT Competition. In his relatively little spare time; Jon enjoys working out and discovering neat eateries in Vancouver. He would like to extend his warmest welcome to all teams participating and wishes them all the best of luck!
JJ Marlinga
Team Host
Joy is currently a 3rd year business student pursuing MIS, Marketing and Human Resource Management concentrations. In addition, she plans to pursue the BTM certification and CAPM designation. It is her first year with CaseIT and she is looking forward to working with this group of very talented people and using her previous event planning experiences to ensure that CaseIT continues to hold its prestige as a premier case competition. This year will also be her first year as a TA for business ethics. Outside of school, she works part time as a lifeguard for the City of Richmond and has been competing in lifeguard competitions for the past 5 years finishing off this past season by placing 1st at the BC Provincial Lifeguard Championships. Other than school and work, she loves to cook and workout as she hopes to compete in a fitness competition shortly after she graduates.
Ricky Bao
Team Host
Entering his 3rd year at Simon Fraser University, Ricky is pursuing a major in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. This is Ricky’s first time as a team member of the CaseIT organizing committee, and he will strive to bring the best of the competition to all the participants along with the rest of the team. Aside from his studies, Ricky has a great passion for arts and designs in the fashion industry. He also enjoys staying active by doing Bikram yoga and weightlifting. As a team host this year, Ricky is looking forward to meeting all the participants from other universities as well as local and international industry professionals. With the help from the rest of the organizing committee, it is without a doubt that CaseIT 2012 will be the most memorable and unique experience for everybody who is involved in the competition. On behalf of the organizing committee, I welcome you to the best place on earth – Vancouver, British Columbia.
Wilson Teng
Team Host
Wilson Teng is a 2nd student at the Beedie School of Business concentrating in Management Information Systems (MIS) with a second, undecided concentration. Outside of CaseIT, Wilson is also very involved in the SFU Beedie community, actively contributing to events and programs around the school. Current on the board of directors for the SFU Student Marketing Association as the Director of E-Communications, Wilson is looking to gain more experience with Case Competitions and sees CaseIT as one of the best opportunities to do so. He is excited to meeting the participants of CaseIT from all around the world and is looking forward to doing some travelling of his own in the future. Some of his interests include science and technology, as well as photography and videography. In particular, Wilson is interested in time lapse videos, and is planning to create some of his own in the future.
Julian Fok
Photographer
Julian is currently a fourth year undergraduate kinesiology student of Simon Fraser University and also a student of the New York Institute of Photography. Apart from school, he is employed as a studio supervisor, and as a freelance stills and motion photographer. In his spare time, Julian enjoys the outdoors, fishing, sports, and martial arts. Having a competitive edge along the way, Julian never fails to help others succeed. As the official photographer for CaseIT 2010 and 2011, he brings the experience to capture the spirit of CaseIT. Julian considers CaseIT as a way of challenging himself as well as working with some of the best and brightest in the business.
