The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco announced today (June 13, San Francisco time) the five winners of its Hong Kong Young Entrepreneur Competition, recognising their innovative business ideas and rewarding each of them with an all-expenses-paid trip to Hong Kong.

     The contest, which was launched in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, challenged students in colleges in the western United States (US) to develop a business idea that could change the way Hong Kong citizens work, communicate and live.

     "We are glad to use this opportunity to foster the ideas of future business leaders," said the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, San Francisco, Mr Ivanhoe Chang, "These students showed excellent promise and prepared thoughtful business proposals."

     This July, the five business-minded college students will embark on a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to Hong Kong, where they will have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of Hong Kong's government officials and business leaders, and experience first-hand the city's rich and dynamic culture.

     "As one of the world's leading international business and financial hubs, we are proud to introduce these sharp young minds to Hong Kong," said Mr Chang.

     A panel of five judges comprising a Hong Kong government official and US business and community leaders judged entries from 13 cities across five western US states and selected the winning ideas based on creativity, applicability and compliance.

     "I am so thankful for this opportunity to showcase my idea and meet leaders that can guide me and help me prosper in the business world," said contest winner Christina Hacobian. "I am excited to embark on this trip to learn more about the business culture in Hong Kong."

     Winner Emma Martino shared a similar sentiment. "I am beyond thankful that I have been presented with this amazing opportunity. I am so eager to speak with international government leaders to discuss ideas that could potentially help the people of Hong Kong, as well as completely immerse myself in the culture," she said.

     Winners Jared Lee and Hank Sze also appreciated this great opportunity. "I am excited to immerse myself in Hong Kong's culture and business, as well as to broaden my education with this unique experience," said Lee.

     "I was astounded when I learned that I was selected for the Hong Kong Contest. I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to bring the startup idea to one of the most prominent cities in Asia and learn more about the startup's potential for the community in Hong Kong," said Sze.

     The contest commenced in January 2017 and concluded on March 31. The trip will take place this summer, from July 10 to July 16. Details of their business plans can be viewed at www.hketosf.gov.hk. The names and each winning applicant's entry is below.
 

• Christina Hacobian of Loyola Marymount University presented a proposal on UV light air filters. Her proposal would place UV lights on air filters inside metro systems to sanitise and purify the air, thereby protecting people from airborne viruses and improve their quality of life.
• Savannah Kaufman of Reed College presented a proposal on indoor food production, which would increase the number of vertical and indoor farms, thereby making food more accessible and allowing it to be produced year-round in a self-sufficient, low-cost environment.
• Jared Lee of Pepperdine University presented a proposal on tele-healthcare, which would provide remote healthcare to ease the responsibility of elderly care on family members and enable Hong Kong to maintain a vibrant, productive workforce.
• Emma Martino of California State University, Chico, presented a proposal for a nutrition app, which would recognise and define the ingredients listed on food packaging or menus to help people in Hong Kong better understand what they are eating.
• Hank Sze of University of California, Berkeley, presented a proposal on an educational technology startup that aims to provide data-driven academic and professional resources for community college students.

Ends/Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Issued at HKT 6:30

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