On 3 May 2025, the EOC hosted the Grand Final cum Award Ceremony of the Equal Opportunity Cup Inter-School Debate Competition. The two finalists, Heep Yunn School and Hong Kong University Graduate Association College, debated the motion: “The advancement of technology is more beneficial than harmful in achieving an inclusive society”. Hong Kong University Graduate Association College took home the championship. Heep Yunn School secured the first runner-up, while Fanling Rhenish Church Secondary School and Tsung Tsin Christian Academy shared third place.

Launched in December last year, the inaugural competition aims to provide opportunities for secondary school students to explore issues related to equal opportunities in Hong Kong, and to promote diversity and inclusion by raising public awareness of the anti-discrimination ordinances. The competition attracted applications from 117 secondary schools with over 500 students. Thirty-two schools were selected for the competition through a draw.

The Hon Ronny TONG Ka-wah, Non-Official Member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, was the guest of honour at the Grand Final. He was joined by Prof Hon CHOW Man-kong, Chairman of the Panel on Education of the Legislative Council, Dr Rocky CHENG Chung-ngam, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau, EOC Chairperson, and Ms Queenie CHAN Lai-kwan, EOC Member and Deputy Convenor of the Community Participation and Publicity Committee of the EOC, as the panel of judges of the Grand Final to select the champion.

In her remarks, EOC Chairperson Ms Linda LAM Mei-sau said, “Promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion to young people has always been a priority for the EOC. Debate enables young students to learn how to ‘put themselves in other people’s shoes’ and examine various issues from multiple perspectives. By launching the inaugural Equal Opportunity Cup Inter-School Debate Competition, the EOC hopes that young people will engage in discussions and reflections on equal opportunities issues through the participation and gain a deeper understanding of the value and importance of building an equal, diverse, and inclusive society.”

The highlights of the Grand Final will be broadcast on the Commercial Radio 1 programme “School Net 334”.

• Read the press release