Edelman Wins PRHK’s 2026 Cannes Young Lions Hong Kong Competition
Two Next Generation Mavens Will Join Global Talent Event in Cannes in June
Public Relations Hong Kong (PRHK), Hong Kong’s alliance for public relations, media, and communications professionals, announced Edelman as the winners of the local industry Cannes Young Lions Competition. The 2026 competition brings together Hong Kong’s brightest emerging PR talent to demonstrate how creativity and strategic thinking can drive meaningful progress.
Kavieng Cheng and Janet Ma of Edelman will go on to compete against the world’s best at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2026, scheduled to take place on June 22 – 26, 2026; with festival passes, flights and accommodation sponsored by PRHK.
L – R Top: Lola Xie, HKBU; Annouchka Behrmann, FINN Partners; Rachel Ho, Save the Children Hong Kong; Abby Lui, Save the Children Hong Kong; Penn Leung, Creative Consulting Group Inc. Ltd.; Onie Chu, HK4As. L-R Bottom: Jasmine Chan & Charlotte Chan, TEAM LEWIS; Janet Man & Kavieng Ng, Edelman; Jerome Leung & Johanna Lee , Edelman.
Seven teams from Hong Kong’s leading communications agencies competed for the chance to represent the city at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, where they will face the world’s best young PR talent at the Global Young Lions PR competition.
This year’s competition ran from 27 – 28 February. Competitors had 24 hours to respond to a brief from Competitors had 24 hours to respond to a brief from Save the Children Hong Kong – one of the world’s leading independent organisations for children – supporting the organisation’s ongoing efforts to protect children’s rights and improve their mental health and wellbeing through programmes, advocacy, education and community engagement.
Our competitors were challenged to develop an integrated PR campaign to raise awareness of children’s mental health in Hong Kong. With mental health challenges among young people on the rise, and 74% of those affected not receiving psychological or psychiatric services, increased public awareness and early intervention remain critical in addressing this growing concern.
Kavieng Cheng and Janet Ma from Edelman were announced as the winners, with runner-up teams including Jasmine Chan and Charlotte Chan from TEAM LEWIS, as well as Johanna Lee and Jerome Leung from Edelman. Additional teams also participated from The Hoffman Agency and Golin.
Edelman impressed the judges with their campaign titled “Emotional Animal Biscuits,” which featured an innovative and ultra-localised strategy that transformed daily snack time into an opportunity for gentle emotional check-ins. The integrated communications campaign leveraged a nostalgic animal biscuit, recognisable by all Hongkongers, to make previously complicated conversations about emotions accessible for children of all ages. This approach harnessed creative storytelling and strategic media engagement to connect with families and communities across Hong Kong.
Save the Children Hong Kong Senior Marketing and Communications Manager Rachel Ho said, “It is a privilege for Save the Children Hong Kong to contribute to this year’s Young Lions PR competition. The participants delivered impressive, well‑considered proposals that reflect both creative excellence and deep awareness of the mental health challenges affecting children today. Their efforts remind us of the vital role of communications plays in driving lasting change for our next generations.”
“The Hong Kong Young Lions PR Competition remains one of the most exciting events in our industry, giving rising PR talent an unparalleled stage to showcase their expertise while making meaningful contributions to society,” says Nicole Man, PRHK Young Lions Chair. “It’s incredibly exciting to see young PR professionals get the chance to showcase their talents not only here in Hong Kong but also on the global stage at the Cannes Lions Young Lions Competition. This platform offers an experience that is truly transformative for emerging talent in our industry.”
The Hong Kong Young Lions PR Competition was judged by a panel from across the local corporation and academic community:
The Hong Kong Young Lions PR Competition is held in association with The Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of Hong Kong, the Cannes Lions representative in Hong Kong.
About PRHK
PRHK is the forward-looking industry organisation for PR and communications professionals in Hong Kong. It represents, champions, promotes and supports the Hong Kong public relations and communications industry, its professionals, its affiliates, its academic institutions and their students. PRHK is a forum for discussion, learning and networking; an advocate for the industry and monitor of best practices within it; an interface between industry, academia, the business community, government and affiliated media and marketing sectors; and a point of entry for overseas companies, individuals and associations into Hong Kong’s PR scene. Visit www.prhongkong.org or follow on Facebook and LinkedIn at @PRhongkong.
About Save the Children Hong Kong
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and future.
Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.
Visit our website, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
For media inquiries, please contact:
PRHK
Nicole Man – PRHK Young Lions Chair| nman@golin.com
Penn Leung – PRHK Chairperson | penn.leung@creativegp.com
Save the Children Hong Kong
Ruby Leung / Rachel Ho
Email: mediahk@savethechildren.org | Tel / WhatsApp: (852) 5287 3004