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: 12 September – 10 December, 2018
Preliminary selections: Participants will be notified of the results via e-mail by 28 December, 2018
Final Selection: 19 January, 2019
■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) Business
Introducing a Hong Kong product/food/service/custom to Japan
Pick one Hong Kong product, food, service, custom or aspect of culture that has yet to be introduced or become popular in Japan, and develop a business plan to introduce it to Japan.
＜Points＞
・Choose a product, food, service, custom or aspect of culture unique to Hong Kong. Why do you think it has the potential to become a big hit in Japan? Please explain your choice.
・Who are your targets? How would you promote it in Japan?
・Please elaborate on your proposal, preferably with a brief market analysis and business plan.
(2) Culture
Joint school event or programme to promote cultural exchanges
Design a joint school event or programme between your university and a university in Hong Kong to promote cultural exchanges.
＜Points＞
・What kind of activities would attract both Japanese and Hong Kong university students?
・There are no restrictions on the form or duration of the event or programme. For example, it could be an one-off event in Japan/Hong Kong/other parts of the world, a continuous programme utilizing the internet or social media, or combination of the above.
・In what ways can the event or programme promote cultural exchanges?
・How would you encourage the participation of both Japanese and Hong Kong university students?
・Please elaborate on your proposal, preferably with a brief implementation plan.
(3) Tourism
Hong Kong tour program for Japanese university students
Design a Hong Kong tour program for Japanese university students.
＜Points＞
・The programme should be different from the travel plans suggested by most travel guidebooks. It should be unique and cater for the interest of Japanese university students.
・There is no limitation on the duration of the programme, but preferably no more than one week.
・Tell us about the proposed itinerary, places to visit, places to stay, people to meet, etc. What kind of unique experience would the tour offer to them?
・Why do you think this program would be attractive to Japanese university students?
- 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
- ・InvestHong Kong
- http://www.investhk.gov.hk/index.html
- https://www.investhk.gov.hk/ja.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
- ・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. Can you find something that is unique to Hong Kong but has not been introduced to Japan yet? What kind of activities would attract both Japanese and Hong Kong university students? What kind of tour would you like to participate in yourself? - 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 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.
- 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: 19 January, 2019
Venue: KDDI Hall
http://www.kddihall.kddi.com/access.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 11 January, 2019.
- 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. Kenneth Pechter, Hosei University Business School
Ms. Shirley Yung, Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo)
Mr. Kazunori Hori, Regional Director, Japan, Hong Kong Tourisum Board
Mr. Kenichi Okumura, Deputy 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. |
■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 |
| Two-week Hong Kong familiarisation tour and study programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong | 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 |
■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 2017-2018
Satomi Honda, Mukogawa Women’s University
Theme: 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.
Title: Satomi’s Neighboring Show
My presentation was about introducing neighboring areas of famous sightseeing spots. As my primary objective was to entertain the audience, I chose unique themes and unlikely spots for sightseeing such as a local market and a shopping street where computers are sold. I hope I was able to entertain the audience as well as the judges.
What I loved most on the study tour was visiting the seaside with students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. One time we visited an outlying island by ferry and another time we went out of the bay on a small boat. While Hong Kong has the image of an urban city, we can also enjoy beautiful nature. This experience opened my eyes to another Hong Kong’s charms.
When you give a presentation, please keep in mind how to entertain your audience. In order for them to enjoy your presentation, it is important that first you enjoy yourself. I hope you will do your best and win the prize while enjoying yourself all the way!
Masaomi Murakami, Keio University
Theme: Business – 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.
Title: Drop-in Futsal in Hong Kong
In my presentation I especially paid attention to my logic. After building an outline of the presentation, I asked myself again and again, “Why Hong Kong, among other places?” “Why become successful?” Thanks to this preparation, I was able to answer questions from the judges at the finals without panicking.
My biggest discovery in Hong Kong was the vast possibility of its sports market. Based on my preliminary research, watching Hong Kong’s Premier League Football myself and interaction with the locals, I felt that both the recreational and spectator sports markets have room to be cultivated in Hong Kong. Hong Kongers are wealthy enough to enjoy sports, open to Western culture and have sports facilities such as football stadiums. In addition, Hong Kongers are hard workers. As a means to relax, I believe sports have limitless possibilities in Hong Kong.
For those who will apply this year, I would suggest that you tackle the problem giving your best and enjoy yourself. Whatever the outcome may be, your effort for doing research, making presentation slides and presenting in English will be an asset in the future. Enjoy!
Honoka Nishio, Sophia University
Theme: 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.
Title: The Harbor Where Sunrise Meets the Fragrant
Some of you who are looking at this website may still be wondering whether you will enter this program or not because you have never visited Hong Kong or you are not good at speaking in front of an audience. I, for one, barely knew about Hong Kong except Dim Sum and Disneyland before becoming a student ambassador. After participating in this program, however, I became so crazy about Hong Kong that I am constantly looking for a flight to Hong Kong whenever I have the time.
Upon building your presentation, researching about Hong Kong is of course important, but I think it is equally important to make your audience smile with your unique idea, curiosity and humor in the presentation because the judges would naturally see if you have suitability as a student ambassador. Regardless of your performance at the finals, it will be the nourishment of your life.
On the study tour, we had the opportunities to visit the offices of Hong Kong Government and its related organisations. The experience of meeting professional women at these offices along with the encounter with diligent students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong encouraged me to pursue my dream career when I was wondering about what to do after graduation. Now that you have learned about the Hong Kong Cup, it is like you are reaching out for an airline ticket to Hong Kong. Even if you don’t become a student ambassador, you have nothing to lose. Turn this opportunity into a chance to become a student ambassador and challenge yourself. I will be cheering for you!
Nanako Tatsumi, Kwansei Gakuin University
Theme: 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.
Title: Unusual Hong Kong – Cultural Travel with Local Artists -
Upon creating a TV program that introduces Hong Kong’s unknown charm, I was determined to focus on something that has not been covered by past TV programs. I watched TV shows on Hong Kong tourism and researched the audience’s needs among 50 people before building my presentation. I tried to include as much data as possible so that it was convincing. I also created a trailer video and showed it in my presentation to make a strong impression on the judges.
My most cherished memory of the study tour was the interaction with students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I made friends not only with the Buddies who took care of us, but also with students living in the same dormitory and students from abroad. They took us off the beaten path and to their favorite local eateries. I also had a chance to exchange opinions on Hong Kong’s society and its relations with Japan.
For those who will apply this year, my advice is to present your proposal with confidence. I believe that your confidence and passion will move the judges. I also think practice makes perfect. There are not many programs like the Hong Kong Cup that offers precious experiences. I hope you will take advantage of this chance. My best wishes to you all!
Facebook of the Student Ambassadors 2018-2019
For activities of the Student Ambassadors 2018-2019, please see Facebook page created by them.
■Download
- 2018 Hong Kong Cup Japanese flyer （2018flyer_japanese.pdf／1.87MB）
- 2018 Hong Kong Cup English flyer （2018flyer_English.pdf／3.39MB）
- 20181004 Hong Kong Cup Supplement （20181004supplement.pdf／1.99MB）
- 20190213Hong Kong Cup Supplement （20190213supplement.pdf／2.12MB）
- 2017-2018 Prize Winners’ Slides
Champion: Satomi Honda, Mukogawa Women’s University
Satomi's Neighboring Show （SatomiHonda.pdf／5.10MB）
First runner-up: Masaomi Murakami, Keio University
Drop-in Futsal in Hong Kong （MasaomiMurakami.pdf／2.10MB）
Second runner-up: Honoka Nishio, Sophia University
The Harbor Where Sunrise Meets the Fragrant （HonokaNishio.pdf／2.53MB）
Fighting Spirit prize: Nanako Tatsumi, Kwansei Gakuin University
Unusual Hong Kong - Cultural Travel with Local Artists - （NanakoTatsumi.pdf／1.72MB）
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