We successfully organized the Virtual Trading Competition on 24 December through BISTLAB, the Balkan Economy and Finance Laboratory, within the framework of our Investments and Investment Banking courses, reaffirming our commitment to practice-oriented and innovation-driven education. Conducted under the academic guidance of Asst. Prof. Dr. Elena Parnardzieva Stanoeska, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andrijana Bojadzieva Danevska, and Asst. Diellza Bilalli, the competition represented a comprehensive learning initiative designed to bridge theoretical finance education with real-world market dynamics in a controlled, academic environment.

Throughout the semester, we actively engaged third- and fourth-year students from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences in simulated trading activities using the Virtual Macedonian Stock Exchange platform. As a culmination of this intensive process, a pre-selected group of students presented their investment portfolios and articulated the rationale, analytical approaches, and strategic considerations behind their investment decisions. This academic exercise enabled us to strengthen students’ analytical thinking, decision-making capabilities, and understanding of capital markets while fostering a competitive yet collaborative learning atmosphere aligned with international standards in finance education.

During the event, we were honored by the participation of our Vice Rector, Prof. Ahmet Lökçe, who emphasized the vital role of knowledge-based simulations and experiential learning in enhancing students’ practical competencies in finance and investment banking. Our Dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liza Alili Sulejmani, together with the representative of the Macedonian Stock Exchange, Mr. Mihail Vasilevski, awarded Certificates of Appreciation to all participants, while special awards were presented to the top three performing students. We proudly congratulate all students for their enthusiasm, commitment, and academic excellence, and we remain dedicated to expanding such applied learning initiatives that prepare our graduates for successful professional careers.