Hong Kong's top students lock horns today in the final of the South China Morning Post's 29th Student of the Year Award, a contest that this year encompasses a broader section of the student community.
The six finalists, survivors of a selection process based on their academic and community-oriented achievements, come from the New Territories, Hong Kong and the Outlying Islands, and Kowloon.
'Previously, the competition was dominated by the so-called elite schools, but this year we have a more diverse selection,' said Kevin Kwong, editor of Young Post.
From 300 nominations, 48 candidates made it to the semi-finals - 16 from each region - where they participated in impromptu discussions on unprepared topics.
'This year they really have to think on their feet,' said Mr Kwong, one of the semi-final judges.
In the final, held at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, candidates will have to show evidence of creativity, confidence, fluency in English, and the ability to build a coherent argument.