Global Student Challenge comes to a climax

The Global Student Challenge (GSC) organized by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has come to a climax today (10 June) at its Final held on the university campus, with six finalist teams competing for the coveted award in the University Division and another six teams competing in the Secondary School Division.

This event is organized by PolyU as a major initiative to embrace internationalization, innovation and entrepreneurship. The first GSC has attracted more than 200 top students from all over the world and the 12 finalist teams of elite students have risen to the top amidst fierce competition. They presented their innovative business proposals today to a panel of judges comprising entrepreneurs, senior business personnel and university professors.

PolyU President Professor Timothy W. Tong extended a warm welcome to the participants, many of them have made a special trip to Hong Kong for GSC. He also expressed his thanks to the sponsors and supporting organizations. He said, “It is truly impressive to see the widespread support from the community for this initiative and keen participation of students from different parts of the world. I strongly believe that students, through participation in the GSC, can develop innovative entrepreneurship and broaden their international horizon.”

Professor Judy Tsui, Vice President (International and Executive Education), said “We are extremely pleased to host this inaugural competition which provides a unique opportunity for students to demonstrate their business sense and creativity. More importantly, it helps heighten PolyU’s effort in promoting internationalization, innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Presentations by the participants of the University Division are adjudicated by a judging panel chaired by Mr Paul Chow, Former Chief Executive, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and the Secondary School Division by another panel chaired by Dr Raymond Chan, Chairman & CEO, IDT International Ltd.

In preparing for the Final, the 12 teams have spent much effort for the “Elevator Pitch” which involves a 60-second video shooting for their business products/services. The video was broadcast prior to each team’s presentation at the Final. Each three- to four-member team is required to present their business proposal with originality and creativity.

The business proposals are grouped by the themes of Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Environment and Sustainability, and others. Winners of Gold, Silver, Bronze, Commendation Awards as well as the Theme Award and Best of the Best Commercial Award for each Division will be selected and announced on 10 June evening at the Gala Dinner cum Presentation Ceremony at The Mira Hong Kong. The awardees will each receive a cash prize, a trophy and a certificate.

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The finale of the programme – Gala Dinner cum Presentation Ceremony was graced by the Guest of Honour, Professor K C Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Government of the Hong Kong SAR. At the occasion, the audience have the chance to gain insights from the keynote speaker, business tycoon Mr Ronnie Chan, Chairman of Hang Lung Group, speaking on the topic of “How innovative entrepreneur takes on social responsibility”.

During their stay in Hong Kong, GSC participants have ample opportunities interacting with their peers through an array of activities. The comprehensive excursion programme range from educational visits to the Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport to fun occasions such as Ocean Park Visit, Star Ferry Cruise and Tai-chi experience.

The GSC has received strong support from the community and PolyU has raised funds and received sponsorships amounting to over HK$7 million for this new initiative. The inaugural GSC attracted more than 180 teams from secondary schools and universities from 21 countries and territories.

The University is grateful to the following sponsors and supporting organizations for their ardent support to the GSC:

Diamond Sponsor
Dr Francis Choi, GBS, JP

Emerald Sponsor
Chevalier Culture and Education Foundation
The Mira Hong Kong

Gold Sponsor
Oregon Scientific (Hong Kong) Limited

Official Carriers
Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
Hong Kong Dragon Airlines Limited

Supporting Organization
The Hong Kong Tourism Board

Co-organizer (for competition on the Chinese mainland)
International Strategic Technology Alliance

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Press Contact : Ms Caroline Tso, Senior Manager, International Affairs

Telephone : (852) 2766 4518

Email : [email protected]

Website : www.polyu.edu.hk/polyuchallenge