Sports and Competition Sports and Competition
Fri, December 13, 2024

Hong Kong spent HK$700,000 on panda naming contest. Was it a waste of money?


Published on 2024-12-13 01:25:18 - MSN
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  • Hong Kong authorities have spent HK$700,000 (US$90,028) on a competition to rename two Beijing-gifted giant pandas, in which their original names were retained. The Giant Panda Naming Competition, which kicked off in October,

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Hong Kong's expenditure of HK$700,000 on a panda naming contest for two pandas, An An and Jia Jia, at Ocean Park. Critics argue that this amount, which was used for organizing the contest, including promotional activities and a gala dinner, could have been better spent on more pressing public needs like healthcare, education, or infrastructure. The contest, which aimed to engage the public and boost tourism, received over 10,000 entries, with the winning names chosen by a panel of judges. Despite the backlash, supporters of the event highlight its role in promoting conservation awareness and enhancing Hong Kong's image as a family-friendly destination. The debate reflects broader discussions on government spending priorities, especially in light of economic challenges and public welfare demands.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/other/hong-kong-spent-hk-700-000-on-panda-naming-contest-was-it-a-waste-of-money/ar-AA1vMmcY ]
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