The 17th Asian Physics Olympiad in 2016 (APhO 2016) – Third Circular

24 April 2016

Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to update you the progress of 17th Asian Physics Olympiad in 2016 (APhO 2016):

APhO 2016 Program

Please click here for the final APhO 2016 Program.

Participating Countries/Regions

Official invitation letters have been mailed to the Minister of Education or the Equivalent. As of 24 April, we received confirmations of participation from the following countries and regions:

Australia Chinese Hong Kong - B Laos Romania Russia Turkey

Travel Itinerary

Participating teams are advised to update their flight schedules with us as soon as possible to facilitate our transportation arrangement.

Airport Pick-up

Student Guides and staff will be there to meet the participating teams in front of the McDonald’s between Arrival Halls A and B. (Please click here for the map).

APhO 2016 staff at Airport: Mr. Anton Law (+852 6301 6477)

Accommodation

 Students: Y Loft, Youth Square in Chai Wan (http://www.youthsquare.hk/eng/yloft_hostel_rooms/) Tel.: +852 3721 8989

 Leaders, Observers and Visitors: Conference Lodge in HKUST (http://www.conferencelodge.hk/en/) Tel.: +852 3701 8888

17th Asian Physics Olympiad in Hong Kong (1-9 May, 2016) Tel: (852) 2358 7981 Fax: (852) 2358 1652 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://apho2016.ust.hk

Participation Fees

 Team (maximum 8 students and 2 leaders): USD 1,000 (HKD 7,800)  Observer/Visitor: USD 1,400/person (HKD 10,920)

Official expenses during APhO 2016 (1-9 May 2016) will be covered. All expenses beyond the APhO 2016 period and extra costs such as visa application fee and delivery fee will be covered by the teams.

Payment Methods

Some teams that have difficulties in paying by telegraphic transfer and bank draft requested us to process their payment onsite. Kindly note that the only two accepted methods of onsite payment are: (1) in Hong Kong dollars by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) or (2) cash payment in Hong Kong dollars at the counter of Bank of China at our campus, following the instructions by our staff at the APhO 2016 registration desk (Bank Opening Hours: 9am-5pm during 3-6 May 2016).

Currency Exchange

Foreign currency exchange stores are available at Hong Kong International Airport. You are advised to exchange currencies in advance. ATMs and banks are also available at HKUST campus. Note that banks may collect handling charges.

Calculators

We will provide calculators (Casio FX82MS) to all students for free. User Guide can be found at http://support.casio.com/pdf/004/GY300_Dtype_E.pdf. No other calculators are allowed during the competition.

Confidentiality of the Competitions

To ensure fair competitions, we ask for your understanding and count on your cooperation on the following measures.

The communication devices of the students will be stored up by the organizers from the evening of 1 May until they return to their hotel in the evening of 5 May. All communications between the students and their leaders, parents, etc. from 2 May to the end of the experimental competition have to go through the student guides. They are not allowed to leave the hotel after the official activities end on 2 May and 4 May.

Leaders and observers are not allowed to leave the venue discussing the competition questions until 10 pm of the same evening, nor should they communicate with the outside world. In case of emergency, the communications need to go through the organizers.

Violations of the above measures will be reported to the President of APhO for further actions.

17th Asian Physics Olympiad in Hong Kong (1-9 May, 2016) Tel: (852) 2358 7981 Fax: (852) 2358 1652 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://apho2016.ust.hk

Medical Insurance

It is highly recommended that delegates should purchase suitable travel and medical insurance in their own country. The organizers will not be responsible for any medical expenses incurred by the leaders, students, observers and visitors during their participation within the Olympiad period. During APhO 2016, our onsite medical staff will provide first aid service when necessary. There is a clinic at HKUST and major hospitals near the hotels.

Weather

The temperature in May is around 28 °C, with occasional showers. You are advised to bring a light jacket with you as some places in Hong Kong are air-conditioned. Umbrellas will be prepared for each student, leader, observer and visitor.

Electricity and Voltage

The standard electrical voltage is 220 volts AC, 50Hz and Type G electrical plug is used in Hong Kong. Please be kindly reminded to bring your own travel adapters. Travel adapters will not be available at hotels.

We look forward to seeing you all in Hong Kong!

Yours sincerely,

K. Y. Michael Wong Chair, Organizing Committee of APhO 2016 Professor of Physics, HKUST

17th Asian Physics Olympiad in Hong Kong (1-9 May, 2016) Tel: (852) 2358 7981 Fax: (852) 2358 1652 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://apho2016.ust.hk