The 18th "Hong Kong Cup" Diplomatic Knowledge Competition Finals and Awards Ceremony was successfully held at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on May 9. The event was jointly organized by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hong Kong Government Education Bureau, and The Better Hong Kong Foundation. Distinguished guests in attendance included Hong Kong Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Cui Jianchun, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Sun Shangwu, Deputy Commissioner of the Office for Safeguarding National Security in Hong Kong Chen Feng, Deputy Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Tan Zhiwei, Acting Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government Sze Chun Fai, The Better Hong Kong Foundation sponsor Chung Chi-ping, Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman Liao Cheung-kong,  Council Chairman of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Dr Lam Tai Fai, President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Teng Jinhuang, etc. The judging panel included Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Hua You, Hong Kong Jockey Club Deputy Chairman Lester G. Huang, Vice President of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Prof. Ben Young, Member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong SAR Hon. Ng Wun Kit; and Executive Director of the Better Hong Kong Foundation Tang Shuk Tak. The finals were hosted by CCTV’s Zou Yun and RTHK’s Yan Chongtian. Over 400 primary and secondary school students, along with representatives from various sectors, attended the finals and awards ceremony.

In his address, Commissioner Cui Jianchun vividly illustrated the expectations placed on Hong Kong's youth in terms of their mission and responsibilities through three powerful metaphors: the "lifeline," which represents their foundation and roots; the "horizon," symbolizing their vision and breadth of mind; and the "ridgeline," embodying their drive to climb and transcend. He called on Hong Kong's youth, no matter where they are or what time they live in, to firmly hold onto their lifeline and never forget their roots; to keep their eyes on the horizon and never shy away from their duties; and to bravely scale the ridgeline, making the most of their youthful energy. The hope is that, on the stage of the United Nations, along the journey of the Belt and Road Initiative, and wherever China's voice and strength are called for, we will see more and more vibrant bauhinia flowers in full bloom.

In his address, Chief Executive Lee Ka-chiu highlighted the hope of a nation lies in its youth, and the future of a people rests in their hands. Cultivating in the younger generation both a broad international outlook and a deep sense of patriotism is essential if Hong Kong is to fully leverage its strengths in service of the nation's overall development. We encourage Hong Kong's youth to carry the insights gained from this competition into their daily lives, continuing to engage with global affairs, actively learning about the country's development, and reflecting deeply on how Hong Kong can better integrate into and contribute to the national strategy, expand international exchanges and cooperation, and ultimately grow into pillars of national rejuvenation and prosperity.

With the theme "Diplomacy Shoulders Mission, Youth Create the Future," this year's competition set a new participation record with over 88,000 students from 295 primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, with both the number of participating schools and participants reaching record highs. The event received support from media partners including Ta Kung Pao, Ming Pao, RTHK, Hong Kong Education City, Bastille Post, Parenting Headlines and PoyU, as well as sponsors such as lead sponsor Hong Kong Jockey Club, along with Sino United Publishing, Cathay Pacific, MTR Corporation and Hong Kong Disneyland.

After intense competition, Fukien Secondary School claimed the gold award, while Caritas Tuen Mun Marden Foundation Secondary School and Diocesan Girls' School won silver awards. Lui Ming Choi Lutheran College and the Hong Kong Management Association K S Lo College received bronze awards. Diocesan Girls' School student Li Yixuan was honored with the Best Performance Award.