Four Japanese university students selected as student ambassadors to promote understanding of Hong Kong (with photos)
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They were chosen out of more than 220 students from universities across Japan who participated in the first and final rounds of the contest.
They will come 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 aspects of life in Hong Kong. They will also be offered internships and invited to join various events related to Hong Kong held in Japan.
This is the ninth 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.
At the finals today, 15 outstanding contestants presented their thoughts on Hong Kong under four themes, namely "Expanding into the International Market with a Japan-Hong Kong Joint Venture", "Working Holiday in Hong Kong", "Storyline for a Movie" and "Promoting Hong Kong’s Cuisine".
Natsuka Konishi of Keio University emerged as the champion with her presentation entitled "HJ ACCELERATOR – Hub of Japanese Startup in World Wide".
The other winners were Meiyu Shirai of Mukogawa Women's University, Haruka Mizukami of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and Yoshika Tagashira of Keio University.
The Principal Hong Kong Economic and Trade Representative (Tokyo), Ms Shirley Yung, who was one of the judges, said, "It is heartening to see so many students from different universities in Japan joining the contest. I am very impressed by the enthusiastic response, creativity and performance of the contestants."
Ms Yung added, "The four winners will become student ambassadors to promote better understanding of Hong Kong among university students in Japan. We hope they will further enhance the 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 Yung; Professor Michael Korver of Hitotsubashi University; the Managing Editor of The Japan News, Mr Michio Hayashi; and the Marketing and Sales Manager, Japan, of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Mr Nick Brooks.
Ends/Sunday, January 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:18
Issued at HKT 17:18
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