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Five Japanese university students were selected as student ambassadors of Hong Kong at the finals of the Hong Kong Cup All Japan University Student Ambassadors English Programme 2015-16 held in Tokyo today (January 16).
This is the eighth edition of the contest organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Tokyo) and the Japan News, which aims to encourage university students in Japan to explore the dynamism and rich diversity of Hong Kong.
About 100 students from universities across Japan participated in the first round of the contest, and 15 outstanding students were selected to present their thoughts on Hong Kong under three themes at the finals today. The three themes were "Business", "Tourism" and "Culture".
Koki Matsumura of Rikkyo University emerged as the champion. In his presentation entitled "Hair Salon Business in Hong Kong," he presented a business plan of setting up a hair salon in Hong Kong by inviting young Japanese hair stylists to introduce the latest hairstyle trends from Japan.
The other top winners were Satoshi Asano of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Kyo Hakugyoku of Musashino University, Yu Iwama of Tokyo Medical University and Megumi Ikeda of Aoyama Gakuin University.
The five winners will serve as student ambassadors of Hong Kong to promote better understanding of Hong Kong among university students in Japan. They will go to Hong Kong this year for a familiarisation visit and attend a 10-day exchange programme at the Chinese University of Hong Kong to get a glimpse of studying in Hong Kong and also see for themselves the many exciting facets of life in Hong Kong. They will also be offered internships and invited to join various events related to Hong Kong held in Japan.
The Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Sally Wong, who was one of the judges, said, "I am delighted to see many students from different parts of Japan joining the contest. I am very impressed by the creative and innovative ideas presented by the contestants."
Ms Wong added, "Through this programme, we hope to enhance an understanding of Hong Kong among young people in Japan, and promote cultural ties, friendship and goodwill between Hong Kong and Japan."
The programme was supported by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Cathay Pacific Airways; Dah Chong Hong (Japan) Ltd; the Hong Kong Tourism Board; the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; and the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The panel of judges comprised Ms Wong; Professor Michael Korver of Hitotsubashi University; the Managing Editor of the Japan News, Mr Michio Hayashi; and the Regional Director of Japan of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Kazunori Hori.
Ends/Saturday, January 16, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:50
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