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Four 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 2014-15 held in Tokyo today (January 10).
The mission of the student ambassadors is to raise interest in and promote better understanding of Hong Kong among university students in Japan. They were selected out of more than 170 students who participated in the first and final rounds of the contest.
This is the seventh edition of a programme 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. This year, instead of holding an English speech contest as in the past, the format was changed to a presentation contest.
At the finals today, 15 outstanding contestants from universities across Japan presented their thoughts on Hong Kong. The five themes were "Hong Kong - A City of Thrills", "Attracting Talent to Hong Kong", "Investing in Hong Kong", "Cooperation in Creative Industries" and "Promoting Tourism in Social Media".
Mr Takehiro Mouri of International Christian University emerged as the champion. In his presentation entitled "AdvisaTrip - An Innovative Way to Connection Young People in Hong Kong and Japan", he presented a business plan of providing an advisory service on travelling in Hong Kong which also promotes interaction between young people in Hong Kong and Japan.
The other top winners were Mr Tsuyoshi Taniguchi of Keio University, Miss Sae Aoki of Waseda University and Mr Yuma Takizawa of Tokyo University.
The four winners will serve as student ambassadors of Hong Kong. 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 also one of the judges, said, "I am impressed by the creative and innovative ideas presented by the contestants on how to further strengthen the ties between Japan and Hong Kong."
Ms Wong added, "The programme offers an excellent opportunity for university students in Japan to enhance their English language and presentation skills, boost their confidence in public speaking, explore foreign culture and make new friends in Hong Kong."
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 was led by Professor Timothy Wright of Otsuma Women's University. Other members included Ms Wong; the Director, Japan, of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Ms Shigemi Furuta; and the Managing Editor of The Japan News, Mr Takashi Sadahiro.
Ends/Saturday, January 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:20
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