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, Japan Hong Kong Society |
■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: 5 September – 11 December, 2017
Preliminary selections: Participants will be notified of the results via e-mail by 5 January, 2018
Final Selection: 21 January, 2018
■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 slides that will be used in the final selection.
(1) Introducing a Japanese Product in Hong Kong
Pick one Japanese product (or type of Japanese cuisine) that has yet to be introduced or become popular in Hong Kong, and develop a business plan to sell it in Hong Kong.
＜Points＞
・Japanese companies are the largest group of overseas companies in Hong Kong, with a total of around 1,400 business set-ups, operating various types of businesses or selling different products.
・Hong Kong has been the largest overseas market for Japanese food and agricultural products since 2006, accounting for about 24% of Japan’s food exports. There are many Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong serving different types of Japanese cuisine, and various types of Japanese food and ingredients are sold in supermarkets or shops in Hong Kong.
・Choose a Japanese product (or type of Japanese cuisine) that has not yet entered into or become widely available in the Hong Kong market, and explain your choice.
・Please elaborate on your proposal, preferably with market analysis and a brief business plan.
(2) Mascot to Promote Hong Kong-Japan Ties
Design a mascot to help promote friendship and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Japan.
＜Points＞
・Using mascots for promotional purposes has been a trend in Japan. Characters like Kumamon and Funassyi are some popular examples.
・Your design has to be original. Please give the mascot a name and provide some images or sketches of your design.
・Please explain the idea behind your design. How does the mascot relate to Hong Kong and Japan?
・How should this mascot be used in promoting friendship and cultural exchanges between the two places?
(3) Study Abroad in Hong Kong
How would you promote studying abroad in Hong Kong at your university?
＜Points＞
・Hong Kong welcomes people from all over the world to study in Hong Kong. For example, Japanese university students may consider taking undergraduate or post-graduate programmes, exchange programmes or short-term language courses in Hong Kong.
・What are the selling points of studying in Hong Kong for Japanese university students? What are the concerns or worries that Japanese students may have?
・How would you encourage Japanese university students to choose Hong Kong over other cities as the preferred destination for studying abroad?
(4)Tourism
You are the producer of a 30-minute TV (or online video) travel programme about Hong Kong. Please come up with a unique idea to introduce the charms of Hong Kong.
＜Points＞
・There are many TV (or online video) travel programmes with different approaches to introducing the tourist attractions of a city. For Hong Kong, many TV programmes focus on food and its night scenery.
・Your programme should introduce Hong Kong from a unique angle, which is different from the conventional travel programmes.
・Tell us about your programme idea, filming locations, and why you think the programme will attract Japanese people to visit Hong Kong.
- Reference Websites:
-
- ・Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo)
- http://www.hketotyo.gov.hk/japan/en/
- http://www.hketotyo.gov.hk/japan/jp/
- ・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 Trade and Development Council
- http://www.hktdc.com/en-buyer/
- http://www.hktdc.com/info/ms/jp/Japanese.htm
- ・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
- ・Study in Hong Kong
- http://www.studyinhongkong.edu.hk/en/
■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 of Japanese product, mascot or TV programme. 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
When your idea is concrete, start making PowerPoint 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 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 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.
- The submitted presentation and mascot design should be your original creation and should not infringe others’ copyright.
- Please mark the designated boxes of the web application form to confirm the originality of your presentation and mascot design.
- 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 and mascot designs will be owned by the organisers.
- The winning mascot designs may be used to promote friendship between Hong Kong and Japan by the organiser.
- The winning mascot designs may be amended or altered by the organiser if they are used.
■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: 21 January, 2018
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 12 January, 2018.
- 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 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. Kazunori Hori, Regional Director, Japan, Hong Kong Tourisum Board
Ms. Yuki Hasegawa, 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 2016-2017
Natsuka Konishi, Keio University
Theme: Business – Start a business jointly with a Hong Kong company
Title: HJ Accelerator – Hub for Japanese Start-ups Worldwide –
I created my presentation to make use of the strengths of both Hong Kong and Japanese businesses. First I wondered what is most sought after in the field of business based on my experience of living in Hong Kong and Japan. Then I gathered data to make my presentation as feasible as possible.
My most cherished memory in Hong Kong was sightseeing and eating out with my fellow students of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. They showed me what is in fashion in Hong Kong and took me to various hot spots. Since they were planning to study abroad in Japan this year, I asked them why they were interested in Japan. They made my stay in Hong Kong even more fruitful. We are still constantly in touch. Making friends with them was the best thing I experienced in Hong Kong.
My advice to this year’s applicants is to create your presentation with an idea that you wish to come true. It does not matter if you have been to Hong Kong or not. Just make sure that your presentation is easy to understand for the judges and audience. I believe that becoming Hong Kong Cup Student Ambassadors will expand your possibilities. I hope you will do your best!
Meiyu Shirai, Mukogawa Women’s University
Theme: Business – Start a business jointly with a Hong Kong company
Title: Future with Comminibus
Wondering how to convey Hong Kong’s attractiveness, I came up with the idea of making a presentation on Hong Kong’s minibus, which I used every time I visited Hong Kong. It is a cheap and fast transportation system. I calculated business figures and feasibility over and over and finally managed to create simple and comprehensive presentation slides. In the finals, I presented my idea with gestures and tried to enjoy myself.
During the Study Tour, I had my dream come true because I had a chance to visit the headquarters of Cathay Pacific Airways. I was impressed with their determination for safety and customer-oriented service. This experience inspired me to work in a Japanese airline upon graduating university.
Since the moment I heard I made finalist, time passed very quickly until the morning of the finals. You have about four months between your application and the finals. My advice for you is to practice like you are delivering your presentation in the finals and keep smiling!
Haruka Mizukami, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
Theme: How would you promote working holidays in Hong Kong?
Title: “Well Met!” Meeting Up Project in Hong Kong and Japan!
I chose the theme of Working Holiday because of my experience of studying abroad and internship in Hong Kong when I was a junior student. My insight came from my Hong Kong friends who always helped me whenever I encountered problems. Based on this experience, I created a presentation describing a system in which Japanese young people who are planning to study abroad or try a working holiday can find supporters in Hong Kong who would help them prepare for the trip before going to Hong Kong.
I had full two weeks in the Hong Kong Study Tour. I participated in various events organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the students of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I also interviewed several Hong Kong students and businesspeople to learn things that the Japanese do not yet know.
My highlight came when I interviewed a blogger who I have long been a fan of and asked about Hong Kongers’ lifestyle. This all happened because I became a Student Ambassador. Everyone, please do not hesitate to challenge yourself!
Yoshika Tagashira, Keio University
Theme: How would you promote Hong Kong’s signature dishes or street snacks to food lovers in Japan?
Title: Delicious and Photogenic Hong Kong
As soon as I saw the themes, I came up with the idea of photogenic food of Hong Kong which I was fascinated by during my three-month stay at Hong Kong University when I was a junior student. By extensively using the photographs I took in Hong Kong, I was able to make my colorful presentation slides.
My most cherished memory in Hong Kong was hiking to the Sharp Peak in the New Territories with local students. As the name shows, it was a tough climb. In the end I was rewarded by a breathtaking view of the city from the peak.
For this year’s applicants, I would suggest you pick whatever you like best about Hong Kong and enjoy your presentation. I think your presentation will be evaluated highly if you sincerely try to introduce your favorite thing about Hong Kong to your peers, rather than trying to get a high score from the judges.
Facebook of the Student Ambassadors 2016-2017
For activities of the Student Ambassadors 2016-2017, please see Facebook page created by them.
■Download
- 2017 Hong Kong Cup Japanese flyer （2017flyer_Japanese.pdf／1.85MB）
- 2017 Hong Kong Cup English flyer （2017flyer_English.pdf／2.61MB）
- 20171005 Hong Kong Cup Supplement （20171005supplement.pdf／6.73MB）
- 20180213Hong Kong Cup Supplement （20180213supplement.pdf／2.06MB）
- 2016-2017 Prize Winners’ Slides
Champion: Natsuka Konishi, Keio University
HJ Accelerator – Hub for Japanese Start-ups Worldwide – （NatsukaKonishi.pdf／0.76MB）
First runner-up: Meiyu Shirai, Mukogawa Women's University
Future with Comminibus （MeiyuShirai.pdf／2.34MB）
Second runner-up: Haruka Mizukami, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
"Well Met!" Meeting up Project in Hong Kong and Japan! （HarukaMizukami.pdf／3.46MB）
Fighting Spirit prize: Yoshika Tagashira, Keio University
Delicious and Photogenic Hong Kong （YoshikaTagashira.pdf／2.04MB）
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