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 2008
Semi-Final  19 April 2008
Final   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