On 8 July 2025, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK), in collaboration with the Youth Innovation Development Charity (YIDC) and the Youth Concentric Association, successfully hosted the Smart Money Challenge 2025 for Hong Kong Secondary Students cum Legislative Council Experience Day at the Legislative Council Complex.
The event aimed to enhance financial literacy among secondary school students, foster youth engagement in public affairs, and explore both the challenges and opportunities facing young people in financial planning—within the broader context of Hong Kong’s journey towards good governance. Activities on the day included a guided tour of the Legislative Council Complex, a youth roundtable discussion on financial policy, and an awards presentation, all conducted in a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere.
Distinguished Guests in Attendance:
- Professor Louis Cheng, Acting Dean, School of Business, HSUHK
- The Hon. Gary Chan Hak-kan, SBS, JP, Executive Council Member, Chairman of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB), and Legislative Council Member
- Ms. Elaine Shiu, Director of Mainland Affairs, School of Business, HSUHK; Chairperson, YIDC; Vice-Chairperson, Youth DAB
- The Hon. Chan Hok-fung and The Hon. Chan Han-pan, Vice-Chairmen, DAB; Legislative Council Members
- Dr. Leung Kim-ping, Associate Dean, School of Business, HSUHK
- The Hon. Leung Hei, The Hon. Steven Ho Chun-yin, and The Hon. Kwok Ling-lai, Legislative Council Members
- Dr. Tung Wing-chiu, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics and Finance, HSUHK
- Dr. Angela Yu, Honorary President, YIDC
The event commenced with a guided tour of the Legislative Council Complex, led by Mr. Chan Hok-fung, Mr. Steven Ho, and Ms. Kwok Ling-lai. Students gained firsthand insight into the structure, operations, and legislative processes of Hong Kong’s legislature, strengthening their understanding of public governance and civic responsibility. Following the tour, the roundtable discussion and awards ceremony began. Ms. Elaine Shiu delivered the welcome address, underscoring the importance of equipping young people with financial knowledge from an early age. She expressed her hope that the competition would prompt students to reflect on the value of financial planning and that the Experience Day would inspire greater youth involvement in policymaking and civic engagement.
In his speech, Mr. Leung Hei encouraged students to recognize the importance of sound financial management and to develop suitable personal finance strategies. He expressed confidence that these foundational skills would serve students well throughout their lives. The roundtable discussion, titled “Opportunities and Challenges in Youth Financial Management in Hong Kong,” featured insights from Mr. Chan Hok-fung, Mr. Leung Hei, and Mr. Steven Ho. Mr. Chan emphasized the integration of financial literacy into family education, Mr. Ho discussed the influence of youth values on entrepreneurship and consumer habits, and Mr. Leung shared real-world examples to caution students against falling into debt traps. The session was highly interactive, with legislators offering practical guidance and answering student questions with clarity and personal insight.
The awards presentation was officiated by Professor Louis Cheng, Dr. Angela Yu, Mr. Gary Chan, and several Legislative Council Members, who recognized the creativity, dedication, and performance of the student teams. In addition to promoting financial literacy, the event offered students a rare opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s legislative environment and engage directly with policy leaders.
In his closing remarks, Professor Cheng noted that the event successfully deepened students’ understanding of financial discipline and planning. Drawing on his professional background in financial education, he encouraged young people to take charge of their financial futures. He also reaffirmed HSUHK’s commitment to supporting secondary school financial education through similar initiatives in the future. Both YIDC and the Youth Concentric Association pledged continued support for youth development, aiming to provide more educational and exchange opportunities for young people across Hong Kong.
Award Winners:
- Champion: Tuen Mun Government Secondary School
- 1st Runner-up: Kiangsu-Chekiang College
- 2nd Runner-up: True Light Girls’ College
- 3rd Runner-up: Tsuen Wan Government Secondary School & Chinese Y.M.C.A. Secondary School
- Dr. Angela Yu Most Creative Award: GCCITKD Lau Pak Lok Secondary School
- YIDC Most Promising Award: True Light Girls’ College
- YIDC Outstanding Performance Award: St. Clare’s Girls’ School & Kiangsu-Chekiang College, Shatin.
