Notice of Cancellation of the Hong Kong Cup All Japan University
Student Ambassadors English Programme 2019-2020
In view of the unforeseen circumstances in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and The Japan News have cancelled the Hong Kong Cup programme this year. We apologize for any inconvenience this will cause to the students who were preparing for the programme and the university faculties who supported it.
Hong Kong Cup Application Office
03-3216-7112
hongkongcup@yomiuri.com
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: 10 September ? 9 December, 2019
Preliminary selections: Participants will be notified of the results via e-mail by 27 December, 2019
Final Selection: 18 January, 2020
■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 in PDF format that will be used in the final selection.
(1) Hong Kong in a word
Use one English word to describe Hong Kong.
＜Points＞
・You are a marketing consultant and have been asked to build a marketing campaign for Hong Kong around a single word.
・The word can be an adjective, a noun or a verb that expresses your perception or opinion of Hong Kong or Hong Kong people.
・The word may describe Hong Kong in general. Alternatively, you may focus on one major aspect of Hong Kong, such as scenery, culture, economy or society, etc.
・Explain your choice of word with concrete examples.
(2) Business
Launch a startup in Hong Kong.
＜Points＞
・Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic startup destinations in Asia, and home to a rapidly growing number of startups in areas such as fintech, retail tech, health tech, IoT, smart city technologies and many more. If you were to launch a startup in Hong Kong, what kind of business would you like to do?
・Why Hong Kong (but not Japan or other cities in the world) for your startup?
・Who are your target markets or clients? (They can be in Hong Kong, Japan or elsewhere in the world.) Elaborate on your proposal, preferably with a brief market analysis and business plan.
・Why do you think your new business will be successful?
(3) Tourism
Design a school excursion programme to Hong Kong for Japanese high school students.
＜Points＞
・You are a salesperson for a travel company specialised in arranging school excursion trips for Japanese high school students.
・The duration of the trip should be no more than one week.
・Tell us about the proposed itinerary, such as places to visit, places to stay, people to meet in Hong Kong, etc. What kind of unique learning experiences would the tour offer?
・Since all excursion programmes will have a similar overall format of a weeklong schedule, please highlight the unique characteristics that set your programme apart from other programmes.
・What are your target high schools? How would you promote the programme to them?
- Reference Websites:
-
- ・Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo)
- www.hketotyo.gov.hk/japan/en/
- www.hketotyo.gov.hk/japan/jp/
- ・General information about Hong Kong
- www.gov.hk/en/about/abouthk/
- www.gov.hk/en/nonresidents/
- www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/index.html
- ・Brand Hong Kong
- www.brandhk.gov.hk/html/en/index.html
- ・Start Me Up Hong Kong
- www.startmeup.hk
- ・Hong Kong Trade and Development Council
- www.hktdc.com/
- www.hktdc.com/info/ms/jp/Japanese.htm
- ・InvestHong Kong
- www.investhk.gov.hk/index.html
- www.investhk.gov.hk/ja.html
- ・Tourism information about Hong Kong
- www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/index.jsp
- www.discoverhongkong.com/jp/index.jsp
■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 approach the question? Is relevant information accessible? - Do Your Research
Whatever theme you decide on, you need to do some research on the current market situation. - Develop Your Idea
Develop your idea based on your research. Think freely and creatively. Avoid mediocre ideas that others have already tried. - 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, proposal and analysis. Once you have been selected as finalists, you may add more slides to elaborate your idea and 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: 18 January, 2020
Venue: Nomura Conference Plaza Nihonbashi
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 15 January, 2020.
- 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. Fumihiro Kitayama, Managing Editor, The Japan News
■Marking Criteria
Preliminary Selection
| Content, Proposal & Analysis | Rich and interesting content. Convincing in-depth analysis. Originality and creativity. |
|---|---|
| Organisation & Slides | Attractiveness and clarity of presentation slides. Effective order and flow. |
| Language & Delivery | Clarity in delivery. Convincing and effective. |
Final Selection
| Content, Proposal & Analysis | Rich and interesting content. Convincing in-depth analysis. Originality and creativity. |
|---|---|
| Visual Presentation Material | Attractiveness and clarity of presentation slides. Effective order and flow. |
| Language & Delivery | Clarity and confidence in delivery. Convincing and effective. |
| 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, Kingdom of Eswatini, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Australia, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Ghana, Canada, Republic of Cameroon, Republic of the Gambia, Republic of Kiribati, Cook Islands, Granada, Republic of Kenya, Independent State of Samoa, Republic of Zambia, Republic of Sierra Leone, Jamaica, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Zimbabwe, Republic of Suriname, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Republic of Seychelles, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, 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, Niue, New Zealand, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Vanuatu, Commonwealth of The Bahamas, Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Republic of Palau, Barbados, Republic of Fiji, Republic of the Philippines, 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, Republic of Liberia, Republic of Rwanda, Kingdom of Lesotho, Hong Kong
■Messages from the Student Ambassadors 2018-2019
Kunihiro Kodama, Ritsumeikan University
Theme: Culture ? Design a joint school event or programme between your university and a university in Hong Kong to promote cultural exchanges.
Title: Collaboration of Culture in Hong Kong and Japan to Keep Health and Community
Hong Kong Cup ? that sounds fun! My first encounter with the Hong Kong Cup was when I found a flyer at my university. While I prepared my presentation with the help of my friends and English professors at my school, my biggest inspiration came from a friend who is from Hong Kong.
Upon participating in the Hong Kong study tour, nothing left me with a stronger impression than the sheer power of Hong Kong. Great numbers of people passed me hurriedly in limited spaces packed with high-rise buildings ? at first, I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere, but gradually I found myself enjoying its power and energy. Hong Kong’s connectivity to the world and to human and information networks teaches us the dynamics of an international society.
If you are still wondering whether or not to apply for the Hong Kong Cup, I would definitely recommend you try. I myself had a lot of fear because I have never lived overseas or been to Hong Kong. Nevertheless, I was lucky enough to become a champion. Even if you also have fear or hesitation, you will be able to learn a lot from this experience. Grab the chance or not ? I guess you already have the answer.
Niina Nomura, Kobe City University of Foreign Studies
Theme: Culture ? Design a joint school event or programme between your university and a university in Hong Kong to promote cultural exchanges.
Title: Intensive Summer Study of Environment (ISSE) in Hong Kong and Japan
When building my presentation, I felt research was the toughest part. I chose environmental issues as my topic because when I was studying environmental problem-solving programs in Hong Kong, I realized that there is scarcely any communication between Hong Kong and Japan, especially among young people. I was in the trial-and-error stage right up until I decided on this topic, as there are so many topics to choose from. When it comes to the presentation, it is a matter of how you can appeal to the judges both visually and orally. I made sure to spend enough time polishing my presentation, while English was not a problem for me.
In Hong Kong, I was most impressed to find that it is well balanced in terms of economic development and preserving the natural environment. Compared to mainland China and elsewhere in the world where air pollution is a serious problem, Hong Kong’s efforts to tackle environmental issues are advanced. I learned that Hong Kong puts priority on greening the city and environmental education, not to mention waste separation.
The Hong Kong Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Put aside your excuses ? I don’t have the time or I cannot do it ? and apply for the Hong Kong Cup. Your efforts will pay off in the end!
Akino Shirane, Mukogawa Women’s University
Theme: Tourism ? Design a Hong Kong tour programme for Japanese university students.
Title: Romancing MTR
In preparation, I put the most emphasis on making a fun presentation using Hong Kong’s MTR (subway). In order to make the audience smile, I tried to enjoy myself and made my presentation as entertaining as possible. As you cannot enjoy yourself if you have stage fright, I practiced again and again until I had absolute confidence.
During the study tour, we stayed at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) for ten days. Getting to know local students and students from around the world was most fruitful. I also had the chance to meet Japanese students who are studying at CUHK. By asking why they chose Hong Kong and what they like most about it, I learned how Hong Kong is seen by the rest of the world. I also had a chance to discuss educational issues with local students, which stimulated me very much.
Visiting Hong Kong as a student ambassador gave us a unique experience that cannot be obtained otherwise. I was very fortunate to create networks with other student ambassadors and local students. It is your turn to face the challenge and gain new experiences and encounters.
Aiko Yamashita, Hokkaido University
Theme: Business ? 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.
Title: SWALLOW BEAUTY
My presentation was about introducing a swallows’ nest facial mask made with swiftlets’ saliva to the market for Japanese women. I thought the most important thing was to get the attention of the audience. Putting in my best efforts, I purchased swallow’s nest facial masks from Hong Kong and tried them myself. I even made a video of myself using a mask.
The best experience I had in Hong Kong was meeting a lot of local people and talking about Hong Kong. I was impressed by their pride as Hong Kongers and their strong will. I learned a lot from them.
In participating in this contest, I tried to enjoy myself. If you think your topic is genuinely interesting, you will naturally feel that you want to communicate your idea. As a result, your presentation will be enthusiastic enough to move the audience and it will be successful. I hope a lot of people will apply for the Hong Kong Cup this year. Hong Kong is a truly amazing place!
Facebook of the Student Ambassadors 2018-2019
For activities of the Student Ambassadors 2018-2019, please see Facebook page created by them.
■Download
- 2019 Hong Kong Cup Japanese flyer （2019flyer_Japanese.pdf／5.14MB）
- 2019 Hong Kong Cup English flyer （2019flyer_English.pdf／5.41MB）
- 2018-2019 Prize Winners’ Slides
Champion: Kunihiro Kodama, Ritsumeikan University
Collaboration of Culture in Hong Kong and Japan to Keep Health and Community （KodamaKunihiro.pdf／1.77MB）
First runner-up: Niina Nomura, Kobe City University of Foreign Studies
Intensive Summer Study of Environment (ISSE) in Hong Kong and Japan （NomuraNiina.pdf／3.57MB）
Second runner-up: Akino Shirane, Mukogawa Women’s University
Romancing MTR （ShiraneAkino.pdf／4.46MB）
Fighting Spirit prize: Aiko Yamashita, Hokkaido University
SWALLOW BEAUTY （YamashitaAiko.pdf／2.06MB）
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