The studies of Economics and Business Studies are crucial to our next generation. Studying economics can enhance students' awareness of the significance of economic events as well as the implications of individual, corporate and government economic decision-making. Business studies can enrich our learning about best business practices and management skills, which are relevant today with increasing company ownership through equity in the community. Both subjects seek to help senior high school students gain the skills and competence required to participate in, and contribute to, our society in an effective way.

The Commerce and Economics Society of UNSW initiated the Economics and Business Studies Competitions to assist the development of general and specific skills and knowledge related to business and economics. Specifically, the Competitions aim to:

• Stimulate the teaching and learning of Economics and Business Studies at the high school level
• Foster and enhance students' interests in the area of Economics and Business Studies
• Provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills by participating in a national competition
• Encourage awareness of current economics, business and political environment
• Recognise and reward excellence in the fields of Economics and Business Studies

The Economics Competition was launched in 1991 in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Since then, it has grown significantly to become one of the pre-eminent competitions of its kind globally. In 1996, due to overwhelming popularity from outside NSW, the competition expanded nationally, with students from all states and territories in Australia taking part.

With the support of the University of Auckland, in 1997, students from New Zealand were invited to participate in the Economics Competition for the first time, with their involvement growing considerably from those earlier years. The Competition also attracted students from Tonga, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. In 2006, more than 6,000 high school students in Australia and New Zealand took part in the Economics Competition.

Since its introduction in 1999, the Business Studies Competition (held in Australia only) continues to experience strong growth, with almost 8,000 students entering the Competition in 2006.

In 2010, the Competitions Organising Committee from the Faculty of Business at UNSW will continue the tradition of adding value to the education of Economics and Business Studies students. We look forward tosharing the success of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Economics and Business Studies Competitions with you.