This is a presentation contest to select four Student Ambassadors for Hong Kong whose mission is to raise interest and promote better understanding of Hong Kong among university students in Japan.
The Student Ambassadors will be awarded a two-week familiarisation and study tour in Hong Kong, and will also be offered the opportunity to do internships in Japan at organisations related to Hong Kong and The Japan News for up to two weeks.
| Organiser | : | Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo), Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region |
|---|---|---|
| Co-organiser | : | The Japan News |
| Patrons | : | Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; The Yomiuri Shimbun |
| Supporting organisations | : | Cathay Pacific Airways, Dah Chong Hong (Japan) Ltd., Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
■Entry Qualifications
Full-time university undergraduate students in Japan.
Students whose nationality or citizenship is a country or territory where English is an official language* are not eligible to enter.
*For complete list, please see below.
Final decisions on eligibility rest with the organiser.
■Schedule
Application period: 6 September – 30 November, 2016
Preliminary selections: Participants will be notified of the results via e-mail by 22 December, 2016
Final Selection: 22 January, 2017
■Preliminary Selection and Themes
Applicants are required to submit a three-minute audio presentation on one of the following themes along with up to five PowerPoint or Keynote slides that will be used in the final selection.
(1) Expanding into the International Market with a Japan-Hong Kong Joint Venture
If you were to start a business jointly with a Hong Kong company with a view to expanding into the international market, what kind of business would you like to set up? Why?
＜Points＞
・How would you make use of the strengths of both Japan and Hong Kong to make your business a success in the international market?
・What are the merits of a joint-venture compared to entering the market by yourself?
- Reference Websites:
-
- ・Hong Kong Trade and Development Council
- http://www.hktdc.com/en-buyer/
- http://www.hktdc.com/info/ms/jp/Japanese.htm
- ・General information about Hong Kong
- http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/
- http://www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/
- http://www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/index.html
- ・Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo)
- http://www.hketotyo.gov.hk/japan/en/
- http://www.hketotyo.gov.hk/japan/jp/
(2) Working Holiday in Hong Kong
How would you promote working holidays in Hong Kong among Japanese young people?
＜Points＞
・The Hong Kong Government has established a Working Holiday Scheme, welcoming young people of Japan (aged between 18 and 30) to gain first-hand experience living and working in Hong Kong for up to 12 months.
・During the stay, they may take up short-term employment (not allowed to work for the same employer for more than three months) and/or enroll in a short study course (course duration of not more than six months).
・The Working Holiday Scheme is a bilateral arrangement between Hong Kong and Japan, with each side providing an annual quota of 250 for applicants from the other side. The Hong Kong Government and the Japan Government reached a new
agreement in August 2016 to increase the annual quota to 1,500.
・Around 1,700 Hong Kong youths and 450 Japanese youths have participated in the programme since its establishment in 2010.
・What motivates (or deters) young Japanese people from taking working holidays overseas?
・How would you encourage them to choose Hong Kong over other cities as the preferred destination for a working holiday?
- Reference Websites:
-
- ・Working Hoiday Scheme
- http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/working_holiday_scheme.html
- http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201608/25/P2016082500288.htm
- http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/release/press4_003629.html
- ・General information about Hong Kong
- http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/
- http://www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/
- http://www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/index.html
- ・Tourism information about Hong Kong
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/jp/index.jsp
- https://ja-jp.facebook.com/DiscoverHongKong.jp
(3) Storyline for a Movie
Create an interesting storyline for a movie to be filmed in both Hong Kong and Japan, targeting both the Hong Kong and Japan markets.
＜Points＞
・Tell us about your proposed story, actors/actresses, locations for the movie, and why you think the movie will be a great hit in Hong Kong and Japan.
- Reference Websites:
-
- ・General information about Hong Kong
- http://www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/
- http://www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/
- http://www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/index.html
- ・Tourism information about Hong Kong
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/jp/index.jsp
- https://ja-jp.facebook.com/DiscoverHongKong.jp
(4) Promoting Hong Kong’s Cuisine
If you were to promote Hong Kong’s signature dishes or street snacks to food lovers in Japan and encourage them to visit Hong Kong, how would you do so?
＜Points＞
・Hong Kong has a rich and diverse gourmet culture. Name two or three signature dishes or street snacks in Hong Kong which you think young Japanese tourists will like, and explain your choice.
・Please elaborate on your proposal with details such as promotional activities and marketing strategy.
- Reference Websites:
-
- ・Tourism information about Hong Kong
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp
- http://www.discoverhongkong.com/jp/index.jsp
- https://ja-jp.facebook.com/DiscoverHongKong.jp
■Tips for Your Presentation
If this is the first time for you to make a presentation, you may wish to take note of our advice.
- Pick Your Theme
Which theme inspires you most? Can you think of interesting ideas to solve the problem? Is relevant information easily accessible? - Do Your Research
Whatever theme you decide on, you need to do some research on the current market situation. Look for successful examples in joint ventures, movies or tourism promotion. Ask around among your peers to find out what they think of Hong Kong. - Develop Your Idea
Develop your idea based on your research. Think freely and creatively. Avoid mediocre ideas that others have already tried. You do not have to worry too much about the feasibility of the project at this stage, but clearly impractical ideas will not help you score high. - Make PowerPoint/Keynote Slides
When your idea is concrete, start making PowerPoint/Keynote Slides. For the Preliminary Selection, you can only submit up to five slides. Please make sure you include your presentation title with your name and university. You may include in the slides, findings from your research, your idea and an implementation plan. Once you have been selected as finalists, you may add more slides to elaborate your proposal further. - Make a Recording
Write a three-minute script to match your PowerPoint/Keynote slides. Practise until you can read it fluently. When you record your presentation, state your name and university at the beginning.
■How to Apply
Please send the following data files using the application form below.
- (1) Three-minute recorded audio presentation in MP3, WMA or M4A format
- (2) Up to five PowerPoint/Keynote slides in PDF format
- (3) Scanned or photographed image of student ID in PDF or JPG format
- Applicant’s name should be included in the file names of the above three files.
- Each presentation needs an original title and should be labeled with applicant’s name and university.
- Applicant’s name and university should be stated at the beginning of the recorded presentation.
- The recorded presentation should be tested to confirm it is audible.
- Applications without the necessary information and attachments will not be accepted.
- Applicants who encounter problems should contact the Application Office.
- Applicants should identify all sources when they use third party information.
- Applicants should obtain permission when they use images, videos and sound whose copyright is owned by others.
- Applicants’ personal information will be strictly managed by the Application Office and will be used only for selection, communication with applicants and announcement of results.
- The copyrights for all presentations will be owned by the organisers.
■Application Office
Tel: 03-3216-7112 (Weekdays 9:30-17:30)
e-mail: hongkongcup@yomiuri.com
■Final Selection
Fifteen students will be chosen for the final selection, in which they are required to make a six-minute presentation with visual aids in front of the judges, followed by a three-minute question-and-answer session.
Date: 22 January, 2017,10:30-16:00
Venue: Nomura Conference Plaza Nihonbashi 5F Hall
http://www.nomura-nihonbashi.com/conference/access_en.html
For those who wish to see the finals, please apply to hongkongcup@yomiuri.com with your name and occupation (name of school for students) by 13 January, 2017.
- Applicants may use slides and video in addition to the slides they submitted for the preliminary selection. There is no limitation on the number of slides for the finals.
- PC, remote controller for PowerPoint/Keynote and pin microphone will be provided by the organiser.
- Transportation costs of finalists who come from outside the Tokyo metropolitan area will be covered by the organiser.
- Costs of transportation and one night’s accommodation of finalists who come from outside the Kanto area will be covered by the organiser.
■Judges
Prof. Michael Korver, Graduate School of International Corporate Strategy, Hitotsubashi University
Ms. Shirley Yung, Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo)
Mr. Nick Brooks, Marketing & Sales Manager, Japan, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
Mr. Michio Hayashi, Managing Editor, The Japan News
■Marking Criteria
Preliminary Selection
| Content, Analysis & Proposal | Rich and interesting content. In-depth analysis. Originality and creativity. |
|---|---|
| Organisation & Slides | Smooth and logical flow. Attractiveness of slides. |
| Language & Delivery | Good English skills with controlled speed. Convincing and effective. |
Final Selection
| Content, Analysis & Proposal | Rich and interesting content. In-depth analysis. Originality and creativity. |
|---|---|
| Organisation & Presentation Material | Smooth and logical flow. Attractiveness of presentation material. |
| Language & Delivery | Good English skills with controlled speed and body language. |
| Suitability as Student Ambassador | Passion, interest in Hong Kong. Credible and friendly communicator. Pertinent responses with knowledge of the theme and original ideas in the Q&A session. Handles unexpected questions with composure. |
* The presenter has to stop his/her presentation when a timekeeper rings a bell at the end of the sixth minute.
■Prizes
| Trophy | Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Fighting Spirit prize winner |
|---|---|
| Testimonial from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology | Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up |
| Economy-class round-trip air ticket to Hong Kong | Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Fighting Spirit prize winner |
| Familiarisation visit and study tour at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (two weeks) | Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Fighting Spirit prize winner |
| ¥30,000 book coupon ¥20,000 book coupon ¥10,000 book coupon ¥7,000 book coupon ¥1,000 book coupon |
Champion 1st runner-up 2nd runner-up, Fighting Spirit prize winner Other finalists All applicants |
| Six-month free subscription to The Japan News Three-month free subscription to The Japan News |
Champion 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Fighting Spirit prize winner |
| An opportunity for an internship in Japan at the organiser, supporting organisations or The Japan News for up to two weeks | Champion, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, Fighting Spirit prize winner |
* The Fighting Spirit Prize will be awarded to the finalist who puts forward the best performance after the three top winners and has less than one year of overseas experience.
■Home Country or Territory of Students Not Eligible to Enter
Below is a list of countries and territories where English is an official language, as defined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ireland, United States of America, Antigua and Barbuda, India, Republic of Uganda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Australia, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Ghana, Canada, Republic of Cameroon, Republic of the Gambia, Republic of Cyprus, Republic of Kiribati, Cook Islands, Granada, Republic of Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Independent State of Samoa, Republic of Zambia, Republic of Sierra Leone, Jamaica, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Zimbabwe, Republic of the Sudan, Republic of Suriname, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Kingdom of Swaziland, Republic of Seychelles, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Federal Republic of Somalia, Solomon Islands, United Republic of Tanzania, Tuvalu, Commonwealth of Dominica, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Kingdom of Tonga, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Republic of Nauru, Republic of Namibia, New Zealand, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Vanuatu, Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Republic of Palau, Barbados, Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Republic of Fiji, Republic of the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Belize, Republic of Botswana, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malta, Malaysia, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of South Africa, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of Mauritius, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Rwanda, Kingdom of Lesotho, Republic of Lebanon, Niue, Hong Kong
■Messages from the Student Ambassadors 2015-2016
Koki Matsumura, Rikkyo University
Theme: Business – Starting my own business in Hong Kong
Title: Hair Salon Business in Hong Kong
First of all I would like to emphasize that Hong Kong is fun! Why not make Hong Kong your second home? You can meet a lot of people off campus and get a chance to see the world with your own eyes if you work hard enough.
I picked “starting my own business” for my theme. For those who pick business for your theme, I would suggest you look for things you felt inconvenient around you, especially when you went abroad. In order to solve that problem, you can start your own business with services that Japan can offer but Hong Kong cannot. After researching Hong Kong’s market, you should argue that it is worth trying and show data which will reinforce your argument.
I learned the importance of networking. In order to pursue my mission as a student ambassador, it is important to work with my friends in Hong Kong as well as with business people. Meeting new people will give you more possibilities. Hong Kong has a lot of green nature and is full of cultural activities. I would like to transmit the attractions of Hong Kong which are not yet known as a student ambassador.
Satoshi Asano, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Theme: Business – Starting my own business in Hong Kong
Title: Sports Innovation in Hong Kong
Based on my experience of having studied abroad in Hong Kong for a year, I felt that Hong Kongers spend less time enjoying sports such as baseball compared to their Japanese counterparts, while hiking and mountain climbing are still popular. I assumed that lack of space for sports may be one of the reasons for that. Considering these facts and my assumption, I came up with my proposal of making indoor sports facilities utilizing Hong Kong’s vacant buildings and Japanese virtual reality technology.
On this two-week tour, we visited such establishments as the Legislative Council and Hong Kong Trade Development Council, where we would not visit on a regular sightseeing tour. I was intrigued by interesting briefings on Hong Kong’s politics and business. I also had a lot of opportunities to meet local students and it gave me a chance to see Japan from a new viewpoint.
I believe that your unique idea will lead you to success. Take your time on research so that your presentation gets persuasive. As making a presentation in English in front of an audience is not an experience that comes around often, I would strongly recommend you to take the challenge.
Kyo Hakugyoku, Musashino University
Theme: Tourism – Attracting young Japanese tourists to Hong Kong
Title: Hong Kong Pocket - Your Hong Kong Travel Mate -
To enter, first, I used the internet to research the reasons why Japanese young people do not go to overseas as much as before. “Foreign countries are scary,” “No money” and “No interest” were the major reasons. I came up with my travel application software “Hong Kong Pocket” to solve these problems. It has three languages – Japanese, English and Chinese, and one can learn the attractions of Hong Kong by “Hong Kong Story.” He/she can also get electric coupons by collecting “Footprints.”
In Hong Kong, I visited local dim sum restaurants, Wetland Park, Ocean Park, Dragon’s Back, the Police Married Quarters, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Victoria Harbor at night. I enjoyed Hong Kong fully in two weeks. Especially I cherish my memory of the Chinese University of Hong Kong where I took classes with vibrant local students and participated in the Japanese festival.
I assume the Hong Kong Cup puts more emphasis on original ideas and creativity than English fluency. As I consider that participating in a contest itself gives me precious experience, I applied without expecting I would be selected as a student ambassador. Why don’t you try, too!
Megumi Ikeda, Aoyama Gakuin University
Theme: Culture – Promoting Hong Kong on campus
Title: Let’s Share Hong Kong!
Since I have long been interested in foreign culture, I used to visit “Tourism EXPO Japan” held at Tokyo Big Sight every September. It was at the event that I got hints and came up with my proposal of using social networking services to promote Hong Kong tourism.
Although I stayed in Hong Kong only for two weeks, I met a lot of people and had a fruitful time. Hong Kong’s young people are more interested in politics than their Japanese counterparts and they are very serious in trying to solve their problems. I experienced things that I can never do on a regular sightseeing tour and met friends whom I will cherish all my life.
Participation in this event made me determined to become someone who can connect Japan and overseas in the future even more. My experience in Hong Kong became more valuable to me than I ever imagined. How about applying yourself this year?
Yu Iwama, Tokyo Medical University
Theme: Culture – Promoting Hong Kong on campus
Title: Dai Pai Dong at University Festival
I challenged the Hong Kong Cup because I wanted Japanese students to know more about Hong Kong, which I am familiar with as my father used to live in Hong Kong away from his family for business and I often visited him.
While Hong Kong is relatively close to Japan and a lot of Japanese people travel to Hong Kong, none of my friends knew about it very well. So before thinking of ideas for my promotional plan on a campus festival, I asked around among my peer university students their impression on Hong Kong.
It took me a long time to prepare slides. I practiced many times and expressed my passion for Hong Kong in the finals. I think the Hong Kong Cup values originality and passion among other things.
In the two-week prize tour to Hong Kong, I met a lot of Hong Kongers and learned its history and culture. As a student ambassador, I am still transmitting the attractions of Hong Kong by Facebook and our original website. By participating in the Hong Kong Cup, you can find best friends and invaluable experience. I hope you will join us!
Website and Facebook of the Student Ambassadors 2015-2016
For activities of the Student Ambassadors 2015-2016, please see the website and Facebook page created by them.
■Download
- 2016 Hong Kong Cup Japanese flyer （2016flyer_Japanese.pdf／2.89MB）
- 2016 Hong Kong Cup English flyer （2016flyer_English.pdf／2.77MB）
- 20160911Hong Kong Cup Supplement （20160911supplement.pdf／1.26MB）
- 20170212Hong Kong Cup Supplement （20170212supplement.pdf／1.11MB）
- 2015-2016 Prize Winners’ Slides
Champion: Koki Matsumura, Rikkyo University
Hair Salon Business in Hong Kong （KokiMatsumura.pdf／1.8MB）
First Runner-up: Satoshi Asano, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Sports Innovation in Hong Kong （SatoshiAsano.pdf／3.11MB）
Second Runner-up: Kyo Hakugyoku, Musashino University
Hong Kong Pocket - Your Hong Kong Travel Mate - （KyoHakugyoku.pdf／1.86MB）
Fighting Spirits Prize: Megumi Ikeda, Aoyama Gakuin University
Let's Share Hong Kong! （MegumiIkeda.pdf／2.43MB）
Fighting Spirits Prize: Yu Iwama, Tokyo Medical University
Dai Pai Dong at University Festival （YuIwama.pdf／0.93MB）
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