Terms & Conditions
Before you submit the applications and any forms or orders on our website, please carefully review all rules and regulations. The terms and conditions (T&C) are set by the Hong Kong Victoria International Music Competition, organized by Hong Kong Universal Musicians League, a wholly-owned entity of Hong Kong Music and Art Culture Ltd. (referred to as "we"). By submitting the applications and any forms or orders, you, or your parents or legal guardians if you are under 18, acknowledge and agree to these terms, rules, and regulations.
1. Seasonal Competitions
​
1.01 The Hong Kong Victoria International Music Competitions comprise four seasonal competitions within each Competition Year, commencing from the start of February every year.
1.02 The Hong Kong Victoria International Music Competitions are conducted through online video submissions, such as via YouTube upload. Participants under the age of 18 must have their applications completed and submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
1.03 For seasonal competitions, you have the option to submit multiple applications for different categories, with each application designated for only one category. Moreover, you can submit multiple applications within the same category for different majors/pieces. Each application, subject to clause 1.06, should feature only one type of major and one piece. In cases of multiple applications within the same category, the total duration of all submitted videos must not exceed the designated time limit for that category.
1.04 In seasonal competitions, Participants are allowed to submit an unlimited number of applications. Each application should indicate a single category and one major within that category. If a Participant intends to apply for multiple majors within the same category, separate applications must be submitted for each major. Similarly, if a Participant desires to apply for multiple categories using the same or different majors, separate applications must be submitted for each category. Participants can submit multiple applications for the same major within a category, provided that each application specifies a distinct musical piece. The duration of each music piece should be calculated individually for each application, ensuring it does not surpass the specified time limit for that category.
1.05 Each application is considered separately and is subject to an application fee.
1.06 In seasonal competitions, each application is limited to one musical major. Any additional majors must be submitted through separate applications.
1.07 Some categories in seasonal competitions may allow you to submit one application for multiple pieces. In such categories, it is mandatory that all pieces are included in a single video submission.
1.08 All Participants in the seasonal competitions will receive an official digital certificate suitable for printing. Only Prize/Award winners are eligible to request a paper certificate and winner trophy, both available at an additional cost.
1.09 The competition results and decisions are final and non-negotiable. The judgments and opinions of the judging panel are strictly confidential and will not be published. Neither you nor your parent/guardian, if you are under 18, nor any representative, should engage in any communication regarding the competition's decisions with any member of the Jury Panel. Initiating such communication, directly or indirectly, may result in sanctions, including potential disqualification from the competition or being barred from future participation.
1.10 In seasonal competitions, each Participant’s performance or work will be assessed by one or a panel of adjudicators, which may vary. The adjudicator(s) will provide a final score that determines the competition outcome. The Participant's final score is calculated by dividing their total score by the number of adjudicators assigned for scoring them. Participants will be ranked and awarded based on these final scores. There are no set limitations on the number of award recipients for each tier.
1.11 Seasonal competitions may also grant exceptional awards based on recommendations from the judging panel.
1.12 The composition of the judging panel for seasonal competitions may change based on the specific requirements of the event. Special guest adjudicators may be invited to assess performances or works.
1.13 Following the result date, we will promptly publish the names of award winners on our website. Within one month of result publication, we will send the winners an official e-certificate and the adjudicators' feedback using the contact information provided during submission.
1.14 We retain the right to decline any application that does not align with the competition requirements or may have adverse effects on our reputation.
​
2. General Conditions for Competitions and Online Events
2.01 The application fee is non-refundable.
2.02 Videos must be submitted before the deadline. If you intend to change the video, you must send a clear email request with a single video link before the application deadline. Vague instructions, indecisiveness, or misleading information may lead to application rejection.
2.03 Instrumentalists other than pianists can submit their performances with or without accompaniment. If the video includes accompaniment, the accompanist will not be evaluated.
2.04 The competition video must feature the exact pieces specified for the chosen category. Submitting a lengthy video and requesting to use only a part of it for the competition is not permitted and may result in application rejection.
2.05 Judgments for the professional standard will be based solely on the materials received. Personal circumstances or additional achievements of a Participant should not be disclosed to the judging panel and will not factor into the assessment. Evaluations and comments will focus solely on the quality of the Participant's performance.
2.06 In order to maintain the fairness of the competitions, it is strictly forbidden to contact any jury member through any means regarding any topic related to the competitions at any stage during the competition period. Any Participant, parent, or legal guardian (if the Participant is under 18) who attempts, or on whose behalf an attempt is made, to communicate with a Jury member during any phase of the competition may face penalties such as disqualification and prohibition from future participation. This rule is in place to ensure that jury members can assess performances without external influences or pressures.
2.07 If the application fee is declined or charged back, the application will be considered canceled, and any previously submitted applications will be automatically withdrawn.
2.08 By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you authorize us to utilize the personal information provided in the application form for the purpose of promoting the competitions, showcasing the award winners, and other similar marketing activities. Your personal information may be published on our websites, social media platforms, digital or hardcopy publications, among other channels.
2.09 Any Participant, or their parent/legal guardian if the Participant is under 18, who does not consent to the use of their personal information as described above must notify us within a reasonable period before the competitions' closing date.
2.10 Competition winners may be requested to participate in publicity activities. All winners are expected to engage in promotional activities related to the competition without compensation.
2.11 You will retain ownership of all intellectual property rights (including copyright) in your submission. However, by submitting your entry, you, or your parents or legal guardian if you are under 18, agree to grant us a license to use it for the relevant competition and event, as well as for any other purposes connected to the competitions and events.
2.12 This license will remain valid for the duration of the relevant intellectual property rights and will include the rights for us to:
(i) edit or modify your submission (including resizing, adjusting colors, and adding elements such as text);
​
(ii) adapt or incorporate it into other materials;
​
(iii) sub-license it to third parties or companies within our group for the purposes outlined in clause 2.13;
​
(iv)republish it (or any modified versions as described above) on any media worldwide.
2.13 You, or your parent or legal guardian if you are under 18, affirm the following about your submission:
(i) It is your own original creation and does not violate any third party's intellectual property rights (e.g., by including a company's trademark without authorization).
(ii) It is not defamatory, offensive, threatening, discriminatory, distasteful, pornographic, or illegal.
(iii) It can be submitted to us and utilized without violating any contractual obligations to any individual.
(iv) It does not include any confidential or commercially sensitive information.
2.14 If your submission includes photographs or video images of individuals, you must inform them of your intention to use the material for the relevant competition and event, and obtain their consent.
2.15 We may request evidence of such consent and retain the right to disqualify the submission if you fail to provide it or if doubts arise regarding its sufficiency.
2.16 By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you grant us permission to utilize your intellectual property for promoting the competitions, showcasing the award winners, and other related marketing activities. Your intellectual property may be featured on our websites, social media platforms, digital or printed publications, among other mediums.
2.17 Any Participant, or their parent/legal guardian if the Participant is under 18, who does not wish for their intellectual property to be used as described above must notify us within a reasonable timeframe before the competition's closing date.
2.18 You are not entitled to any fees for granting the license, and you cannot terminate it unless we provide written agreement.
2.19 We reserve the right to modify the terms periodically. If you, or your parents or legal guardian if you are under 18, continue to use the Website (or any part thereof) after such changes, your continued use will signify acceptance of the alterations. It is your responsibility, or your parents or legal guardian's responsibility if you are under 18, to regularly check for any modifications to the terms. If you, or your parents or legal guardian if you are under 18, do not agree to any changes, you must promptly cease using the Website.
2.20 While this agreement does not limit our liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence or fraud, we are not legally responsible to entrants or winners for unforeseeable losses at the time of entry to the relevant event or losses caused by a third party.
2.21 We may retain all competition information of award winners for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in 2.08. In cases where a Participant damages our brand reputation, violates these Terms and Conditions leading to distress for competition staff, adjudicators, or other Participants, or incurs debts to us (refer to 3.06 for further details), we reserve the right to remove all promotional information of the Participant, delete the scores and awards from our competition records and history.
2.22 The rules, regulations, awards, and judging panel may be modified without prior notice. The organizer retains the authority to make conclusive decisions regarding any alterations.
3. Prizes and Free Gifts
3.01 The winner is responsible for any costs or expenses associated with claiming or using the prize beyond those explicitly stated as included.
3.02 Additional terms and conditions may apply to the prize, set by the supplier or other organizations linked to the competition and event.
3.03 We are not liable for any damage or loss of a prize caused by you or a third party. If a prize is damaged or fails to be delivered, we are not obligated to provide a replacement. For cash awards, we are not responsible for bank transaction fees.
3.04 All physical prizes and free gifts are non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and no cash alternatives will be provided.
3.05 It is your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the delivery address provided and that someone is available to receive the goods. If a prize is returned due to the courier's decision, an inaccurate address provided by you, or unsuccessful delivery for any reason, you will be responsible for redelivery costs.
3.06 You are responsible for ensuring successful payment of the prize. If your bank charges back the payment, you must repay within three months of the chargeback date. Failure to do so gives us the right to remove all promotional information about you, and cancel your scores and awards from our records and history.
4. Trophy Order and other Paid Physical Items
4.01 We will dispatch the goods you have ordered to the delivery address provided at the time of your order. It is your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the delivery address and to ensure someone is available to receive and sign for the goods from the delivery service. If a delivery is returned due to the courier's decision, an inaccurate address provided by you, or if the postal service fails to complete the delivery for any reason, you will be responsible for the redelivery costs.
4.02 All orders are shipped using a registered courier. We are not liable for any delays once the goods are in the possession of the courier. Unforeseen issues affecting the carrier may impact delivery times, and under such circumstances, we do not provide compensation. If an item is not delivered within the standard shipping timeframe, we can assist in contacting the courier for a thorough investigation. If the courier confirms the loss of the item, you will have the option to have it resent or receive a refund.
4.03 Once the goods are delivered to the specified address provided during your order, you assume responsibility for them. The risk associated with the goods transfers to you or a third party you have designated upon taking possession of the goods.
4.04 We do not guarantee that the materials on our website are suitable or available for use outside of Hong Kong China. Accessing the website from territories where its content is illegal is prohibited. If you choose to access our site from locations beyond Hong Kong China, you do so at your own discretion and are responsible for compliance with local laws.
4.05 Returns and exchanges are not accepted for customized physical item orders (e.g., items personalized with names). It is crucial to provide accurate information when placing such orders, as amendments are not possible once the order has been confirmed.
4.06 When ordering products for delivery outside Hong Kong China, you may be subject to import duties and taxes upon the package's arrival at the designated destination. Any additional charges for customs clearance are your responsibility. Customs regulations vary between countries, so it is advisable to contact your local customs office for further details.
4.07 If you are unable to receive the products for reasons other than those attributed to the Hong Kong courier, we are not obligated to arrange a redelivery or provide a refund.
​
5. Competition Records
5.01 In our ongoing commitment to competition excellence and the maintenance of their integrity, enjoyment, and safety, we reserve the absolute discretion to modify, relocate, delete, or revoke any or all competition records, wholly or partially, at any time, with or without prior notice to you, releasing us from any resulting liabilities. Periodically, we may adjust the presentation format of records (e.g., updating the minimum competition wins required for website listings). We explicitly disclaim any perceived or implied value, financial or otherwise, associated with data stored on servers under our control, including any award histories linked to you.
5.02 To request the removal of any competition award history or record related to you, please contact us in writing.
6. Responsibility
The participant, the participant's parents, or the participant's guardian collectively take responsibility to ensure the truthfulness and accuracy of all information, documents, and video recordings submitted to the Hong Kong Universal Musicians League, and understand the consequences of providing any false information, documents, or video recordings."
​
How to Reach Us
Should you have any inquiries regarding these Terms and Conditions or need to get in touch with us, kindly send an email to info@hkuml.com.