(Last updated on February 22nd, 2021)
The first annual Hong Kong Economic Policy Challenge was an astounding success.
Six finalist teams from across Hong Kong's tertiary institutions competed and presented innovative policy solutions to Hong Kong's housing crisis. Suggestions ranged from unique tax proposals to discourage land hoarding to floating container homes that utilize Hong Kong's inner harbors.
In the end, judges from HKUST, HKU, James Law Cybertecture, and EY chose three teams that demonstrated not only exceptional understanding of the underlying issues, but proposed bold, yet practical, recommendations.
These teams were the winning Team 120, consisting of students from CUHK and HKUST, followed by first runner-up Team 116 of HKUST, and second runner-up Team 80 from HKU. Given the event's success and the need for more practical learning in economics, the HKEPC will be merged with HKUST Business School's new Center for Economic Policy.
Winning Team: Team 120
CHIU, Long Kit Daniel (HKUST)
CHAN, Edwin (CUHK)
TAI, Wing Lam (CUHK)
LEUNG, Wai Lam (CUHK)
Team 120's Finalist Summary (PDF file)
First Runner-up: Team 116
LI, Hsin Huai (HKUST)
Kaustubh Kaushal (HKUST)
Srijan Saxena (HKUST)
Swapnil Mishra (HKUST)
Team 116's Finalist Summary (PDF file)
Second Runner-up: Team 80
TSANG, Wai Yiu Wanda (HKU)
LUN, Yiu Tung (HKU)
CHENG, Hoi Yan (HKU)
CHIU, Yuen Ting (HKU)
Team 80's Finalist Summary (PDF file)
Finalist: Team 15
CHUI, Ying Kit (CityU)
KWOK, Kin Sing (CityU)
CHIN, Tai Wei (CityU)
FONG, Ming Yuen (CityU)
Team 15's Finalist Summary (PDF file)
Finalist: Team 44
WONG, Sze Man (HKUST)
LEE, Junyong (HKUST)
HUI, Wing Yan (HKUST)
LAM, Nga Ting (HKUST)
Team 44's Finalist Summary (PDF file)
Finalist: Team 66
SUN, Mikaela Patricia (CUHK)
KIM, HaLim (HKUST)
KIM, Sarang (CUHK)
TAPNIO, Janine (CUHK)
Team 66's Finalist Summary (PDF file)
Judges' Comments
James Law
James Law Cybertecture
“The potential for positive disruptive solutions to solve our pressing social and economic challenges to build a better society for all can only come from creative young minds who boldly innovate with a spirit of courage and innovation the very fabric of our economy”
Kelvin Wong
Department of Real Estate & Construction, The University of Hong Kong
“[The] Hong Kong Economic Policy Challenge is an excellent competition for university students to exchange and debate policy ideas most relevant to the society. It is highly recommended for students who are eager to tackle economic issues in a novel and practical way.”
Tony Tsang
Ernst & Young, Hong Kong
“The program is a wonderful platform allowing students to analyze economics challenges of Hong Kong and providing valuable suggestions for solving our critical issues.”
YK Fan
Department of Economics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
“[The] HKEPC is the perfect link between economic theory and economic policy, the classroom and the economy, and the ivory tower and the real world!”