1) Application Procedure
Complete and submit this online application form. Application Deadline: 22:00, 13th October 2025 (Hong Kong Time).
2) Competition Format and Performance Invitation
a. The Asia-Pacific Finals will be held on 12th December 2025 (Fri) in Piazza C, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Six bands from the Asia-Pacific region and six local bands who qualified from the Hong Kong Regional Contest will compete for the championship, first runner-up, and second runner-up titles.
b. The six shortlisted bands from the Asia-Pacific region are required to perform at the "Asia Pacific Music Marathon" held at the same venue on 13th December 2025 (Sat).
3) Transportation and Accommodation Arrangements
a. The organiser will provide hotel accommodation for up to six members (band members and assistants combined) per shortlisted band for three nights, from 11th December to 14th December, 2025. A per diem of up to HK1,000 per person will be provided, with the following breakdown: HK$50 for breakfast, and HK$100 for lunch/dinner. The total per diem amount will be prorated based on each individual's actual arrival and departure times. This accommodation and per diem are exclusively for eligible band members and assistants from the Asia-Pacific region who must travel to Hong Kong for the competition. Band members and assistants must present valid proof of travel into Hong Kong and their passports. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of accommodation and per diem for that individual.
b. The organiser will provide a shuttle service for shortlisted bands along the following designated routes: Airport to and from the Hotel, Hotel to and from the Competition Venue, Hotel to and from the "Asia Pacific Music Marathon" Performance Venue. Shortlisted bands are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of all other transportation.
c. Shortlisted overseas bands are responsible for arranging and bearing all costs for their round-trip travel to and from Hong Kong (e.g., flight and train tickets), as well as purchasing their own travel insurance.
d. Should any member of a shortlisted overseas band engage in work while in Hong Kong, they are solely responsible for coordinating with the hiring entity and arranging the necessary work visa.
Hotel Y-loft: https://www.youthsquare.hk/stay/rooms/5
4) Eligibility:
a. All band members must be 35 years of age or younger as of 13th October, 2025.
b. Over half of the band members must hold a passport from the country/region they are representing.
c. The band must consist of 2-6 members who play musical instruments. Each participant can only represent one band to compete.
d. The band member list submitted on this application form is final; no changes or additions to the lineup are permitted during the competition.
5) Competition Song
a. Bands must perform an original song. All music genres are allowed except for classical music. The lyrics must not contain profanity, vulgarity, discrimination, violence, or sexually explicit content. Violators will be disqualified.
b. The same original song must be used for both the application and the Asia-Pacific Finals.
c. The total time for sound check and performance must not exceed ten minutes. Judges reserve the right to deduct points for any time overruns.
6) Instruments and Equipments
a. The organiser will provide the following equipments: two guitar amplifiers, one bass amplifier, one electronic keyboard, one drum set with cymbals, and a professional sound system.
b. Shortlisted band members must bring all other necessary equipment, such as guitars, bass guitars, drumsticks, other instruments, and accessories.
c. The use of sequencers, samplers, DJ equipments, and other production-related equipments is permitted.
d. Shortlisted bands must use the same instrument combination throughout the competition.
7) Judging & Selection
a. The judging panel will comprise of seasoned musicians.
b. The scoring criteria are as follows: Technique (40%), Teamwork (30%), Song Style (10%), Performance Style (10%), and Styling (10%), totaling 100%.
c. The scoring sheet will not be provided to the bands. The judging panel's decision on the competition results is final, and no objections will be entertained.
d. The list of shortlisted bands for the Asia-Pacific Finals will be announced on 17th November 2025, simultaneously on the official website of the Cultural Services Unit of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (http://csu.hkfyg.org.hk), Facebook, and Instagram. Shortlisted bands will also be notified via email.
e. The organiser reserves the right to disqualify any band and to amend the Rules and Regulations.
8) Copyright and Consent
a. The organiser, the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, reserves the right to record and use participants' photos, audio and videos from the competition for public use.
b. Participants' personal information will be kept confidential and will only be used for the purpose of this competition.
9) Enquiries
Phone: +852 2395 5753
Email: hiuyeung.chan@hkfyg.org.hk
10) Awards and Prizes
a. Asia-Pacific Regional Champion, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up: Will receive cash prizes of HK$5,000, HK$3,000, and HK$2,000, respectively, along with trophies.
b. Hong Kong Regional Champion, 1st Runner-up, 2nd Runner-up: Will receive cash prizes of HK3,000, HK2,000, and HK$1,000, respectively, along with trophies.
c. Individual Awards: Awards for Best Lyricist (Hong Kong), Vocalist, Guitarist, Bassist, Drummer, and Keyboardist will be given, with each winner receiving a cash prize of HK$1,000.
11) Reference
- Competition Booklet (2017-2019,2023-2024):(LINK)
- Asia Pacific Music Marathon 2023 - Highlight: (LINK)
- Hong Kong Asia Pacific Youth Band Competition 2023 - Asia Pacific Finals Highlight: (LINK)
- Hong Kong Asia Pacific Youth Band Competition 2024 - Asia Pacific Final Highlight: (LINK)