2026 Asia Graduate Programme Application Task and Instructions
Scenario
Cybersecurity crisis at a listed bank in Hong Kong
A major listed bank in Hong Kong has experienced a severe cybersecurity breach. Sensitive client data—including identity numbers, savings account details, and telephone numbers—has been leaked. The incident has already been reported by the media and is now public knowledge. The situation poses significant reputational, regulatory, and financial risks.
Task
Prepare a 1–2 page analysis that addresses the following:
Research and summarize two similar cases in the financial industry:
One case from Asia
One case from a global market
For each case, analyze:
Incident details and how the breach unfolded
Response strategies used to address different stakeholders
Stakeholder reactions (including but not limited to customers, media, investors, regulators)
Impact on the share price
Factors to consider:
What is the issue and who does it affect?
Who are the priority target audiences you need to communicate with?
How did the organizations in your case studies communicate their response?
What were the key messages?
What were the key channels (press releases, social media, direct customer outreach, etc.)?
What we are looking for
We are looking for answers which are well researched, demonstrate creative thinking and are communicated precisely and succinctly
Well researched – facts and sources of information which guide your thinking. This can come from both traditional or non-traditional sources of media and information – we do not expect you to cite any paid news services
Demonstrate creative thinking – ideas which can help the business improve its communication while being inside the realms of possibility. There is often not a ‘wrong’ answer in communications, but you should explain your thought processes
Communicated precisely – Clarity in how you present your analysis of the problem and your answer – avoid vagueness and be specific
And succinctly – Sharp, well written text which gets your most important points across clearly
