SIGNATURE WORK
CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2024

My journey into economics started with Joseph Schumpeter’s “Theory of Economic Development,” sparking a curiosity that led me to dive deeper into the field during my freshman year at Duke Kunshan University. From navigating online courses to immersing myself in different college campuses across China and South Korea, each challenge strengthened my resolve to understand the intricate mechanisms behind economic progress.

This year, armed with a solid foundation, I engaged on a Signature Work project examining the financial resilience of Moroccan and South Korean banking sectors amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Drawing on my academic training and professional experiences, I delved into the complexities of financial health, risk management, and liquidity strategies. Through meticulous analysis of key financial ratios such as debt-to-equity ratios, return on assets (ROA) and interest coverage ratios (ICRs), I uncovered fascinating insights into how these sectors navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic.

The findings revealed significant disparities: Moroccan banks displaying robust risk management practices, while South Korean counterparts exhibited a higher risk appetite, shedding light on the nuanced strategies adopted by banking sectors amidst adversity. With this newfound understanding, I am driven to continue exploring these connections and to make meaningful contributions to positive change in both academic and professional arenas.