Wikan Karis Basutama (FEB UGM undergraduate student from Department of Accounting 2013) participated in an event held by Deloitte Southeast Asia Network named "SEA Tax Challenge 2017". It was a regional-scale tax case competition whose contestants came from several countries, namely Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. It took place at Deloitte University Asia Pacific (DUAP), Sentosa Island, Singapore.

The competition was divided into two categories, group and individual. In addition, this competition was the advanced stage for the tax challenges held by Deloitte in each country. The contestants sent to participate in the SEA Tax Challenge were also selected participants from each country. Wikan represented Indonesia in the individual category, facing three tough teams from the three other countries. The participants of this competition came from several reputable universities in the Southeast Asia region; Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), Trisakti School of Management (Indonesia), Singapore Management University (Singapore), Thammasat University (Thailand), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Malaysia), and Swinburne University of Technology (Malaysia).

The first day was filled with training sessions about technical and presentation skills from  Deloitte Singapore and a Gala Dinner at night. The competition began on the second day. The participants of the individual category were given a case with two questions, and 90 minutes to answer. The participants were required to make a short essay and presentation slides. The participants were then given 20 minutes to present in front of three judges, followed by a questions and answers session. The judges of this event were partners and leaders of Deloitte SEA. The grading system was based on content, visuals, delivery, and ability to answer questions thrown by the judges.

The winners of SEA Tax Challenge were announced on the same day as the competition, at the Ballroom of DUAP, the same place where the presentations took place. The announcement was delivered by DUAP faculty members and the awards were given by the three judges. The awarding event was also attended by the Deloitte Southeast Asia Regional Leader. “I am extremely gratified to my family and friends, and also every faculty member of FEB UGM for their constant support so that I can achieve first prize,” said Wikan. The second position was won by the representative from Thailand.

Source: Wikan/FEBUGM