2006 - 2010

Please refer to the Chinese report. Commissioner Lu Xinhua wishes the study tour a great success Mr. Chen Baotian, Vice Chairman of Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference gave his warm welcome to the study tour Interaction with students from the High School Affiliated to Nanjing Normal University Visit to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center Photo with Haibao, mascot of the Shanghai Expo Visit to Hong Kong Pavilion

Please refer to the Chinese report. The Final Guests from the organiser, supporting organisations and sponsors The Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Ronnie Chan presenting the Best Spokesman Award to the winner from Ying Wa College Group photo after the contest

On 25 September 2009, the prize presentation ceremony of the 3rd Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest was held at the Commissioner’s office. Commissioner Mr. Lu Xinhua, the Secretary for Education Mr. Michael Suen and the Foundation’s Trustee Mr. Victor Cha were the guest of honour and, delivered speeches and presented trophies to winning teams. Over hundred guests including representatives from the supporting organizations and sponsors, i.e. Mingpao, Cable TV, Wen Wai Pao, CCTV, Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Ltd, Hong Kong Jockey Club and Hong Kong Disneyland as well as representatives from the 5 winning teams and the 15 shortlisted teams attended the event. Foundation’s Council Members Dr. Roy Chung, Mr. Thomas Woo, Ms. Winnie Ng, Mr. Joseph Yu and Mr. Tony Choi together with Executive Director Ms. Karen Tang also presented to support the event. On the occasion, the 5 winning teams have sent its representative to share with guests their experiences gained during the contest and the study tour to Beijing and Tianjin. Through the contest, they all agreed that their knowledge of the country and its diplomatic policies were enhanced and the invaluable experience gained would definitely benefit them to advance themselves for the betterment of Hong Kong and China in the future. After the ceremony, a celebration dinner was held at the Commissioner’s office. Representatives of the organizers, supporting organizations and sponsors as well as staffs enjoyed the dinner which concluded the hard work of the past 10 months. Milestones 16 December 2008      Launching Ceremony 14 February 2009        First Briefing 28 March 2009            First Round Competition 21 April 2009              Draw Lots Session and Tour at Commissioner’s Office 9 May 2009                 Semi-final 5 June 2009                 Training Day 19 June 2009               Prize Presentation Ceremony for the Public Group Contest 10 – 16 August 2009   Study Tour to Beijing & Tianjin by the 5 Winning Teams 25 September 2009      Prize Presentation Ceremony Details of the contest are also available at the following websites: The Foundation                    : www.betterhongkong.org The Commissioner’s Office  : quiz.fmcoprc.gov.hk/chn/ Mingpao                               : marketing.mingpao.com/foreign_affairs/index.cfm Group photo of guests and winning teams The Foundation’s Trustee Mr. Victor Cha congratulating the success of the contest At the celebration dinner: (L to R) Ms. Karen Tang, Dr. Roy Chung, Mr. Kenneth Chen (Under Secretary for Education), Mr. Joseph Yu, Commissioner Lu Xinhua, Mr. Victor Cha and Ms. Winnie Ng

The 5 winning teams of the 3rd HK Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest with a total of 45 members started their study tour by visiting Tianjin on 10 August 2009. During their stay in Tianjin, the group visited the Binhai New Area to learn about the planning of new urban development in Tianjin, and toured Tianjin Museum. On 12 August 2009, the study tour moved to Beijing where Ms. Karen Tang, Executive Director of the Foundation joined the group to support the event. During the 4-day visit in Beijing, the group visited China Foreign Affairs University and Training Bureau of General Administration of Sport, and toured Olympic Venues like the “Bird’s Nest” and the “Water Cube” as well as tourist attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. The highlight of the trip would be the meeting with Vice Foreign Minister Mr. He Yafei at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where they also had exchanges with leading officials of Department of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs, Policy Planning Department and Information Department. On 16 August, the group returned to Hong Kong and received by Commissioner Lu Xinhua at the airport. After the study tour, students should have gained a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of China’s foreign affairs, national conditions as well as the history, development and culture of Beijing and Tianjin. Note: In view of the wide spread of H1N1 virus in the community and taking into consideration the health management issue, the Final was cancelled and the 5 teams were all named winning teams with no distinction, and the study tour to Pearl River Delta region has been replaced by book coupons. Visit the Bird’s Nest during the study tour to Beijing and Tianjin   Visit the China Foreign Affairs University   Students are thrilled to meet with Vice Foreign Minister Mr. He Yafei (7th left) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On 9 May 2009, the Semi-final was successfully held at the Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School. The Foundation’s Executive Director Ms. Karen Tang, Deputy Commissioner Yang Zigang and Spokesman Song Ronghua, and Mr. Benjamin Yung of the EBD were the judges of the competition. They were all impressed by the outstanding performance of the students who showed their extensive knowledge of the history of the PRC’s foreign affairs, Hong Kong-related foreign affairs, diplomatic etiquette as well as the latest developments in China and the world. Their well-composed performance and sober-minded analysis during the limited three minutes at the “simulations” session could have made you believe that they were real diplomats. After intense competition, 5 teams excelled in the Semi-final. They were (in alphabetic order): Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary SchoolCNEC Christian College Kwun Tong Maryknoll CollegeQueen’s CollegeShatin Pui Ying College. In August 2009, they would be invited to join a study tour to Beijing and Tianjin where they would meet diplomats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, see tourist attractions in Beijing and experience the development in Beijing and Tianjin. And the remaining shortlisted 15 teams would join another study tour to Pearl River Delta region in October. The Semi-final of the 3rd Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest is held at the HKBU Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School The scenario improvisation section is a challenge to the contestant Contestants taking group photo with the judges after the competition

Please refer to the Chinese announcement.

Please refer to the Chinese report. Representatives of the Organisers at the briefing: (R to L) Executive Director of the Foundation Ms. Karen Tang, Spokesman of the Commissioner’s Office Mr. Song Ronghua and Principal Curriculum Development Officer of the Education Bureau Mr. Benjamin Yung Over 40 secondary schools attending the briefing The Foundation Executive Director Ms. Karen Tang introducing the prizes of this year’s Contest

The Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest (“the Contest”) is jointly organized by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in HKSAR, the Hong Kong Education Bureau and the Better Hong Kong Foundation. The launching ceremony of the 3rd Contest was successfully held at the Commissioner’s Office on 16 December 2008. Commissioner Lu Xinhua, Secretary for Education Mr. Michael Suen and Permanent Secretary for Education Mr. Raymond Wong, the Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Ronnie Chan and Executive Director Ms. Karen Tang officiated the launch; and representatives of supporting organizations including Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman Mr. John Chan and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Cable TV Assistant Controller Mrs. Ellen Wu, Ming Pao Chief Operating Officer Mr. Keith Kam, Wen Wai Pao Associate Publisher Ms. Han Li, etc attended the ceremony. Since its inception in 2006, the Contest has been very well received among the secondary schools and the public. Over 200 secondary schools and hundreds of people participated. The Contest widens students’ horizons, especially on the international relations and China’s diplomatic policies. Through scenario analysis and improvisation, students’ crisis management skill and independent thinking ability can also be enhanced. Commissioner Lu Xinhua reviewed the results of the past two Contests and thanked the organizers and supporting organizations for their dedication and contributions made to the Contests. The Secretary for Education Mr. Michael Suen expressed the Education Bureau’s commitment in organizing national education including the Diplomatic Knowledge Contest so as to enhance students’ awareness of the national affairs. The Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Ronnie Chan said that the Contest was conducive in nurturing youngsters’ interest and knowledge in international affairs and understanding of the country’s diplomatic policy, which is important and beneficial to grooming the next generation for Hong Kong and for the Mainland. Tentative dates of the Contest:First Round  7 March 2008Semi-Final  19 April 2008Final   27 June 2008 Details of the Contest will be announced soon. (L to R) Mr. John Chan, Mr. Michael Suen, Commissioner Lu Xinhua, Mr. Ronnie Chan and Deputy Commissioner Yang Zigang Commissioner Lu Xinhua welcomed guests to attend the launching ceremony Mr. Michael Suen said the Contest has become one of the highlighted events in promoting national education in schools Mr. Ronnie Chan said the Foundation will give its continuous support to the Contest Commissioner Lu Xinhua and the Foundation’s Executive Director Ms. Karen Tang are glad to work together again on the 3rd Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest (L to R) Mr. Benjamin Yung, Ms. Karen Tang, Deputy Commissioner Yang Zigang, Mr. Michael Suen, Commissioner Lu Xinhua, Mr. Ronnie Chan, Deputy Commissioner Zhan Yongxin, Mr. Raymond Wong and Mr. Song Ronghua Group photo of representatives from organizers, co-organizers and sponsors

The five teams who had won in the Second Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest visited Beijing from August 13 to 16. As representative of one of the three co-organizers of the Contest, Miss Karen Tang, Executive Director of the Foundation, joined the trip. During their stay in Beijing, the delegation visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC and was received by Mr. Yang Jiechi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Qin Gang, the Spokesman; Mr. Song Ru’an, Counselor of Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC; and Mr. Huang Songfu, Deputy General Director of Department of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of PRC. Mr. Yang Jiechi praised the teams’ outstanding performance and congratulated them on their success. Also the delegation was arranged to watch Olympic Games, including beach volleyball and hockey. The delegation stayed in the China Foreign Affairs University and was briefed by Mr. Heng Xiaojun, Professor and Deputy Secretary of CPC Committee of China Foreign Affairs University, the history and programs of the University. In response to a student’s question on the qualification of admission to the University, Mr. Heng Xiaojun answered that students from HK could take an exam for HK and Macau students and in fact there were students from HK studying in the University and the first Macau student had just been admitted this year. The delegation was grateful to the hospitality of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the University, and was thrilled by the Olympic Games ambience in Beijing. The Study Tour visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and took the photo with Mr Huang Songfu, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs (5th from right), Ms Karen Tang, Executive Director of the Better Hong Kong Foundation (6th from right), Mr Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs (7th from right), Mr Benjamin Yung, Principal Education Officer of Education Bureau (8th from right), Mr Deng Zhonghua, Director-General of the Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs (9th from right) and Mr Song Ronghua, Spokesman of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR Ms Karen Tang, Executive Director of the Better Hong Kong Foundation presented the souvenir to Mr Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Enjoyed the Olympic beach volleyball games Mr Lu Xinhua, Commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong SAR gave his warmest congratulations to the students when they returned to Hong Kong

The Finals of the 2nd Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest were successfully held on 28 July 2008. Last year’s Champion, the CNEC Christian College won again in this year’s contest, while the Cheung Chuk Shan College and the PLK Tang Yuk Tien College were proclaimed 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up respectively. The Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School and Ying Wa College were given the Awards of Merit. (Please refer to the below list for the other 10 shortlisted schools). Jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, the Education Bureau and the Better Hong Kong Foundation, the contest was co-organized with the China Foreign Affairs University, the China Institute of International Studies, Mingpao, China Central Television, Hong Kong Cable TV, Wenweipo, Xinhuanet and China News Services. Sponsors of the contest were Air China and Sino United Publishing (Holdings) Ltd. The five teams competed in three different sections including the mandatory question and answer section, the scenario improvisation section and the compete-to-answer section. Questions covered various aspects such as history of China’s contemporary diplomatic policies, development of international relationships, current issues, 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, etc. Through the agility of their responses and strength of their supporting evidence, the students demonstrated their strong knowledge and understanding of China’s diplomacy. The Commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR Mr. Lu Xinhua, the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR Mr. Li Gang, the Secretary for Education Mr. Michael Suen and the Foundation’s Trustee Tan Sri Dato’ David Chiu were the officiating guests and presented trophies to winning teams. Commissioner Lu congratulating the winners and the success of the contest, hailed the young people in Hong Kong for their good team work and keen grasp of China’s foreign policy and commitment and care for their motherland. Judges of the contest included Mr. Zhan Yongxin, the Deputy Commissioner of the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR; Mr. Xu Jian, Vice President, China Institute of International Studies; Professor Qin Yaqing, Vice President of China Foreign Affairs University; Mrs Sophie Leung, Legislative Councilor and Prof. John  Leong, President of the Open University of Hong Kong. There were more than 300 attendees. Xinhuanet and people.com.cn had a live broadcast at their networks. The Cable TV also broadcast the contest on 29 August 2008. Details of the contest are available at http://marketing.mingpao.com/foreign_affairs/index.cfm. The 2nd Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest was launched in March 2008. A total of 121 local secondary schools have participated in the contest which consisted of first round competition, semifinals and finals. An open competition category for the general public was first established for this year’s contest. Over 6,000 people participated in the open competition in which 61 prizes were awarded. * List of the other 10 shortlisted schools: Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College Sing Ying Secondary School    PLK Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College STFA Lee Shau Kee College    SPHRC Kung Yik She Secondary School La Salle College    CCC Ming Kei College SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School    Ma On Shan St. Joseph’s Secondary School Ng Wah Catholic Secondary School  Foundation’s Trustee Tan Sri Dato’ David Chiu (3rd right) presenting the award to one of the winning teams Foundation’s Executive Director Ms. Karen Tang (6th left) and Deputy Commissioner Mr. Yang Zigang (7th left) presenting souvenirs to guests Group photo of guests and winning teams

The Semifinals of the 2nd Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest was held at the HKBU Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School on 26 April, 2008. The winners of the semifinals are: Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College, Ying Wa College, Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School and Cheung Chuk Shan College, who will compete for the championship in the finals on 28 June, 2008. The contestants of Ying Wa College, SPHRC Kung Yik She Secondary School, S.K.H. Lam Kau Mow Secondary School, Ma On Shan St Joseph’S Secondary School and Cheung Chuk Shan College with the judges. The contestants of Po Leung Kuk Tang Yuk Tien College, Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College, Sing Yin Secondary School, STFA Lee Shau Kee College and CCC Ming Kei College with the judges. The contestants of CNEC Christian College, PLK Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College, Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School, La Salle College and Ng Wah Catholic Secondary School with the judges.

Please refer to the Chinese version Group photo of representatives of the organizing parties and the participating schools Students enjoy the photo tour by Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in HKSAR

Please refer to the Chinese version. Representatives of the Orgainizing parties spoke at the briefing session. (From left) The Foundation’s Executive Director Ms. Karen Tang, Spokesman of the Commissioner’s Office Mr. Song Ronghua, Principal Curriculum Development Officer Mr. Benjamin Yung and Chief Curriculam Development Officer Mr. Tony Lai The Foundation’s Executive Director Ms. Karen Tang introduced the awards to the winning teams. More than 100 students and teachers attended the briefing session

The First Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest 08 – 11.07.2007 Study Tour to Beijing 16.06.2007 Final 14.04.2007 Semi-final 04.04.2007 Semi-finals briefing 24.03.2007 Preliminary round The First Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest was jointly organised by Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Better Hong Kong Foundation, and Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Its main objectives were to enhance Hong Kong students’ understanding and interest towards China’s diplomatic affairs; to strengthen students’ pride towards their nation in order to further promote national education; and to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The contest was split into two parts, the first part was held in 2007 during January 1st to February 14th at the participating schools, over 70 secondary schools and almost 50,000 students took part. The second part was an inter-school contests; including a preliminary round, semi-finals and finals. The top 5 schools were awarded a study trip to Beijing, to meet leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and to visit the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and other noted sights. 117 secondary schools and over 400 students took part in the second part of the contest. This was the first time for an event of this nature to be held in Hong Kong, and the contest was selected as a featured activity for the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. 08 – 11.07.2007 Study Tour to Beijing The First Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest came to an end on June 16th, 2007. Teachers and students of the top 5 schools’ teams visited Beijing from July 8th to 11th, which concluded the Contest. The Better Hong Kong Foundation’s (“The Foundation”) Communications Manager Miss Alice Mak was one of the representatives to lead the delegation. On the day of departure, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in HKSAR, Mr. Lu Xinhua surprised the delegation when he appeared at the airport to send off the delegation. This showed the importance that Commissioner’s Office has paid to the Contest and this visit. The Commissioner wished the students to take this rare opportunity to enhance their understanding towards China’s development. The itinerary of study tour was tight and action-packed. Apart from attending the MFA’s regular press conference, conversing with diplomats, touring the Olympic Game Stadium, the Great Walls, the Imperial Palace etc., they were also granted the opportunity to meet with Mr Yang Jiechi, the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in person. Minister Yang Jiechi said to the delegation that it was very meaningful to hold the Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest during the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR. He was glad that the students showed interest towards the development of the international position of China, and that they were concerned about the country’s diplomatic affairs. He believed that the students would definitely benefit from this eye-opening experience, and that they would develop an even stronger awareness towards their country’s diplomatic matters. Finally, Minister Yang encouraged everyone by saying that they were the future of Hong Kong, the future of China, and also the future of a better world to come. He hoped that everyone would be hardworking, showed pride towards Hong Kong and China, and became important pillars for the development of Hong Kong and China. Afterwards, Minister Yang took a group photo with the students and their teachers to commemorate this special event. The visiting group also met with Mr He Yafei, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, whom they received souvenirs from. Mr. He hoped that the students would grasp this chance, do their best to acquire new knowledge, discover their abilities, and to learn serving others, in order to contribute to Hong Kong and China’s development. On behalf of the Better Hong Kong Foundation, Miss Alice Mak thanked the Ministry for their warm hospitality, and hoped that there would be more collaboration between the Foundation and MFA in the future, to organize more enlightening events to provide a channel for Hong Kong students to learn more about their country. The Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest received compliments from the MFA’s Department of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs. Director-General of the Department Mr. Gao Zhansheng hosted a lunch to welcome the students. Moreover, the visiting students had the chance to attend a Ministry’s Press Briefing Session. After the conference, MFA’s Spokesman Mr. Qin Gang had a friendly conversation with the students. The students made use of this chance to learn how to become a successful spokesperson. Mr. Qin said that in order to become a successful spokesperson, one must have a firm stance, and they must also have a strong passion towards their country and towards their job. With the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games being an important event, the delegation met with Li Lingwei former badminton world champion, and currently Deputy Director of the International Relations Department of Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, who is now responsible for the promotion of the 2008 Olympic Games. During their meeting, Ms. Li introduced to the students the history of the Olympic Games and the work that has been done in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The delegation toured the Display Centre and Construction Sites of the games venues. They witnessed the main stadiums that were still under progress: the “Bird’s Nest” (National Stadium) and “the Water Cube” (National Aquatics Center). Another memorable part of the students’ visit was the trip to the Diaoyutai Guest Statehouse. The students were specifically arranged to visit Fang Fei Villa and the 18th guesthouse in which only leaders of the visiting foreign country could stay. Students also browsed many prized relics of Diaoyutai. Other activities for the Beijing visiting group included: visiting the Jian Fu Garden which was rebuilt and donated by the China Culture Relics Protection Foundation in the Imperial Palace, Lu Qou Qiao Museum, Tiananmen Square flag raising ceremony, The Office of the Government of HKSAR of China in Beijing, and they also visited the Great Wall of China. 16.06.2007 Final The First Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest Finals were held on June 16th, 2007 at the Hong Kong Culture Centre in Shatin. After a vigorous competition between five school teams, the CNEC Christian College, Tak Sun Secondary School and Sing Yin Secondary School were proclaimed the Champion, 1st Runner-up and 2nd Runner-up respectively. PLK Tang Yuk Tien College and La Salle College obtained Awards of Merit. The five teams had to compete in 3 different sections including the mandatory question and answer section, the scenario improvisation section and the compete-to-answer section. Through these 3 sessions, the teams showed their diplomatic knowledge as well as their ability to improvise. In the scenario improvisation stage, a student from each team had to act as a Chinese diplomat and had 3 minutes to speak; they had to discuss issues such as China’s Peace development, China’s participation in international affairs, Hong Kong people’s protection from the consul when they were abroad, and how the minister would cope with sudden crisis, etc. Through their agility and strong supporting evidences, the students demonstrated their strong knowledge and understanding of China’s diplomacy. The teams were well-applauded by the judges and audience. In the last section, the compete-to-answer stage, the competition was even more vigorous. After the masters of ceremony announced the winners of the contest, the officiated guests Chief Secretary of HKSAR, Mr. Rafael Hui, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s government in HKSAR, Mr. Li Gong, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in HKSAR,  Mr. Lu Xinhua, Permanent Secretary of the Education Bureau, Mr. Raymond Wong, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Better Hong Kong Foundation, Dr. Ronnie Chan awarded trophies, medals, and souvenirs to the winners as well as participants from the semi-finals. The five teams from the finals were awarded to join a study tour to Beijing. During his speech, Commissioner Lu congratulated the students and their teachers, and expressed his recognition of the students’ outstanding performance and their eagerness to compete and learn. Moreover, he felt grateful to the efforts of the Better Hong Kong Foundation and the Education Bureau of the HKSAG Government and other co-organizing units. The Commissioner encouraged the students to work hard in order to contribute to the society in the future. Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Better Hong Kong Foundation Dr. Ronnie Chan said that through the competitors’ eager and passionate participation, he witnessed the pride and interest that students held towards their country. He encouraged the students to strengthen their biliteracy and trilingualism skills, which he believed were the key to success in the international centre of Hong Kong. Judges of the contest included Deputy Commissioner of the MFA of PRC in HKSAR, Mr. Xie Xiaoyang, Vice Chairman of the Basic Law Committee, Ms. Elsie Leung, Vice President of China Forign Affairs University, Professor Qin Yaqing, Vice President, China Institute of International Studies, Dr. Ruan Zongze and Professor Kwok Siu Tong of Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College. 14.04.2007 Semi-finals Semi-finals of the First Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest were held on April the 14th at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. 20 teams representing their schools took part in the contest. After a day of intense competition, La Salle College, CNEC Christian College, PLK Tang Yuk Tien College, Sing Yin Secondary School Tak Sun Secondary School were able to advance to the finals. According to the regulations, the 20 schools were divided into 4 groups of 5 schools and competed in 3 different sections including the mandatory question and answer section, the scenario improvisation section and the compete-to-answer section. Through these 3 sessions, the teams showed their diplomatic knowledge as well as their ability to improvise. In the scenario improvisation stage, a student from each team had to act as a Chinese diplomat and had 3 minutes to speak, this section was challenging for competitors as they had to improvise and discuss certain topics in merely 3 minutes. The judges of the semi-finals included Ms. Karen Tang, Executive Director of the Better Hong Kong Foundation, Mr. Min Junfu, Deputy Commissioner of the MFA of PRC in HKSAR, Mr. Tu Wentu of the Commissioner of the MFA of PRC in HKSAR, and Professor So Wai Chor from the Open University. 04.04.2007 Semi-finals briefing The First Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest preliminary round was held on the 24th of March. The 20 school teams who scored the most would be able to advance to the next level – the semi-finals. On April 4th 2007, the briefing and the ceremony of drawing lots were held at the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Ms. Karen Tang of the Better Hong Kong Foundation drew lots to determine the grouping and order of the competing school teams. 24.03.2007 Preliminary round The preliminary round was held on March 24th, 2007 at the Lam Woo International Conference Center of the Baptist University. The contest was a written test; the 20 teams with the highest scores would be able to proceed to the next level. Question topics included Chinese diplomatic facts, Hong Kong’s history with the diplomats, etc. 117 local secondary schools, with more than 400 students, participated in the written competition. 20 schools were to advance to the semi-finals on April 14th, 2007, and 5 teams from the semi-finals were to advance to the finals on June 16th, 2007. The 20 schools winning teams to the semi-finals included: 1. Baptist Lui Ming Choi Secondary School 2. PLK Tang Yuk Tien College 3. Ying Wa College 4. CCC Ming Kei College 5. Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College 6. Immaculate Heart of Mary College 7. La Salle College 8. SKH Lam Kau Mow Secondary School 9. Yan Chai Hospital Wong Wha San Secondary School 10. SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School 11. St. Catharine’s School For Girls 12. Tak Sun Secondary School 13. CNEC Christian College 14. T.W.G.Hs. Kap Yan Directors’ College 15. Sing Ying Secondary School 16. Sha Tin Methodist College 17. Hong Kong Chinese women’s Club College 18. Shatin Pui Ying College 19. PHC Wing Kwong College 20. SKH Lui Ming Choi Secondary School Please visit http://quiz.fmcoprc.gov.hk for more information about the Contest. On the day of departure, Commissioner Lu Xinhua saw the visiting group off at the airport Students took a picture before the “Chinese People Fight against Japanese War Museum” Students visited Lu Qou Qiao The Foundation’s Communications Manager Miss Alice Mak (3rd from right) with Commissioner Lu (4th from right) Students visited the construction work sites of Olympic game venues Model of the Olympic game venues Students bought a lot of souvenirs at the souvenir shop inside the Organizing Committee’s office building “Ju Yong Guan” – The First Gate in the World Group photo at Ju Yong Guan Students watched the solemn Tiananmen Square flag raising ceremony Students visited Jian Fu Juan Garden which was rebuilt and donated by the China Culture Relics Protection Foundation in the Imperial Palace, and was not open to the public MFA’s Spokesman Mr. Qin Gang had a friendly conversation with the students. Mr. Qin Gang took photo with students in front of the spokesman’s stage Group photo at the Office of the Government of HKSAR of China in Beijing Mr. Gao Zhansheng , Director-General of MFA’s Department of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs, introduced to students the work of the Department. Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei encouraged students to do their best to acquire new knowledge, discover their abilities, in order to contribute to Hong Kong and China’s development. Minister Yang Jiechi met the students in person and he hoped that everyone would be hardworking, showed pride towards Hong Kong and China, and became important pillars for the development of Hong Kong and China. Group photo at Diaoyutai Guest Statehouse the students’ outstanding performance won the applause of the guests and audience La Salle College students PLK Tang Yuk Tien College’s students 1st runner-up: Tak Sun Secondary School 2nd runner-up: Sing Yin Secondary School The competing teams in the final round. The front row is CNEC Christian College students who won the cup The Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman, Mr. Ronnie Chan spoke at the ceremony. Former Chief Secretary of HKSAR, Mr. Rafael Hui, awarded the trophy to the Champion, CNEC Christian College. Commissioner Lu Xinhua presented souvenir to officiating guest Mr. Rafael HUI. Commissioner Lu Xinhua presented souvenir to officiating guest Mr. Li Gang The Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman, Dr. Ronnie Chan presented souvenir to the Chief Judge, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Xie Xiaoyan. The Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman, Dr. Ronnie Chan presented souvenir to the one of the judges Vice Chairman of the Basic Law Committee, Ms. Elsie Leung The Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman, Dr. Ronnie Chan presented souvenir to the one of the judges Vice President of China Foriegn Affairs University, Professor Qin Yaqing The Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman, Dr. Ronnie Chan presented souvenir to the one of the judges Vice President, China Institute of International Studies, Dr. Ruan Zongze The Foundation’s Executive Committee Chairman, Dr. Ronnie Chan presented souvenir to the one of the judges Professor Kwok Siu Tong of Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College. The officiating guests, represnetatives of the organizing parties, all other guests and students took a group photo after the ceremony. Members of the Foundation took photo with the officating guests: (left from the midle row): Mr. Leung Wai Fung, Miss Winnie Ng, Mr. Woo Chu and Mr. Roy Chung As a judge of the contest, Foundation’s executive director Ms. Karen Tang (1st from right) paid close attention to the students’ performance. As a judge of the contest, Foundation’s executive director Ms. Karen Tang (1st from right) paid close attention to the students’ performance. Foundation’s executive director, Ms. Karen Tang (5th from left, last row), students, master of ceremony and judges take part in a group photo The competition on stage is vigorous; and the audiences off stage are equally anxious One of the five teams to proceed to the finals: Sing Yin Secondary School One of the five teams to proceed to the finals: Tak Sun Secondary School One of the five teams to proceed to the finals: CNEC Christian College One of the five teams to proceed to the finals: P.L.K. Tang Yuk Tien College One of the five teams to proceed to the finals: La Salle College Foundation’s executive director Ms. Karen Tang draws lots Ms. Karen Tang presents the ballots indicating the order in which the students will speak Students working hard at the examination venue Deputy Commissioner Mr. Xie Xiaoyan talking to students about how they prepared for the competition

The Better Hong Kong Foundation joined the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in HKSAR and the Education and Manpower Bureau of the HKSAR Government in organizing the First Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest. The aims of the contest were to promote student interest in the diplomatic knowledge of the country and to enhance their sense of national pride. The event has been selected by the HKSAR government as one of the major events to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s reunification with the mainland. Other organizing partners of the Contest are the Chinese Academy of Foreign Affairs, Mingpao, iCable, CCTV and Wenweipo. The contest is divided into two parts. The first part is an intra-school contest, which will begin on 1st January 2007. The second part is an inter-school contest, the first round of which will be held on 24th March 2007, with the Semi-Final and Grand Final to be held on 14th April and 16th June 2007 respectively. The Champion, the First Runner-up, the Second Runner-up, and two Consolation Prize winners of the Grand Final will be invited to a study tour in Beijing to meet officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will also visit the Diao Yu Tai State Guesthouse and other famous scenic spots in Beijing. Organizing Committee Members: (From left): Prof. Arthur Li, Secretary for Education and Manpower; Mr. Lu Xin Hua, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR; Dr. Ronnie Chan, Chairman of the Better Hong Kong Foundation Organizing Committee Members with members of the Working Group: (From left): Miss Alice Mak, Communications Manager of the Better Hong Kong Foundation; Miss Karen Tang, Executive Director of the Better Hong Kong Foundation; Mr. Song Rong Hua, Spokesman of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR; Prof. Arthur Li, Secretary for Education and Manpower; Mr. Lu Xinhua, the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR; Dr. Ronnie Chan, Chairman of the Better Hong Kong Foundation, Mr. Wong Hung Chiu, Permanent Secretary for Education and Manpower, Mr. Yung Po Shu, Principal Education Officer and Mr. Ming Jun Fu, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR Representatives of the organizing parties showing the poster of the event: (From Left) Mr. Song Rong Hua, Spokesman of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR, Miss Karen Tang, Executive Director of the Better Hong Kong Foundation; Mr. Yung Po Shu, Principal Education Officer of the Education and Manpower Bureau Ms. Karen Tang, Executive Director of the Better Hong Kong Foundation speaks at the press conference