Fanta opens free ‘study rooms’ to power Hong Kong DSE candidates

As the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (DSE) gets underway, Fanta has partnered with university student membership network Y.X Community to launch the “Fanta study room” programme, offering DSE candidates dedicated spaces to study and unwind.

The brand has also teamed up with local education centre Defining Education (凝皓教育), where several renowned tutors will share exam preparation tips. In addition, Fanta will distribute over 60,000 cans of Fanta free of charge at Hong Kong Youth Association Youth Spaces, as well as near DSE examination venues, schools and libraries across the city, alongside a range of DSE-themed offers to cheer on candidates.

In conversation with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, a spokesperson from The Coca-Cola Company said by providing "fuel" through Fanta and snack pairings, the brand seeks to support Gen Z students facing peak academic pressure, burnout, and isolation. "The ultimate goal is to drive Fanta’s target to be the top-of-mind beverage for teens by turning stressful revision into a joyful, connected experience."

From 10 April, for three consecutive Fridays, limited-time “Fanta Study Rooms” will be available in Hung Hom and Causeway Bay. These spaces will be open free of charge during designated hours to all student members of Y.X University Student Apartment Y83 for both study and relaxation.

The “Fanta Study Room” concept extends beyond physical spaces to an online component. Popular Defining Education tutor YY Lam and his team will appear exclusively on Fanta’s social media channels to share preparation tips and test-taking strategies for the three core DSE subjects: Chinese, English and Mathematics.

The initiative aims to help students boost their confidence and tackle the public exams in peak condition. From now until 30 April 2026, Defining Education students can also redeem a free frozen can of Fanta at any of its seven branches.

On-site, the “Fanta study rooms” will offer free Fanta, 珍珍 potato chips and limited-edition Fanta DSE support cards for candidates. The cards—“Top Scholar Card,” “Reincarnation of the God of Literature Card” and “Passing the Exam with Flying Colours Card”—each carry auspicious messages designed to encourage students and ensure a comfortable, refreshing break.

The venues are equipped with free basic Wi-Fi, individual charging stations and restrooms. The “Fanta Study Room” at the Y83 student apartment in Hung Hom also features Nintendo Switch and PS5 game consoles so students can relax between study sessions. Senior students will be on hand to chat with candidates, share their own exam experiences and answer questions.

In addition, mobile Fanta DSE support stations will pop up outside designated public libraries citywide, distributing support packs that include free cans of Fanta. Students only need to like the official Fanta Hong Kong Instagram account at the station to receive a can.

To further support DSE candidates, Fanta has partnered with major retailers to roll out a series of limited-time student offers across cinemas, 7-Eleven, Circle K, HKTVmall, Citistore and Indo Market.

The 360-degree strategy aims to position Fanta and snacks as the ultimate combo partner for DSE candidates and support them from offline to online, ensuring the brand remains present in the digital spaces where students seek study tips and mood-boosting content.

“DSE season is an incredibly high-pressure period for Hong Kong teens. Our goal was to support them wherever they are by partnering with tutoring schools, student dorms, and major retailers. We have strengthened Fanta as the ultimate ‘Study buddy’ at every critical touchpoint along with snack pairings. Fanta is right there beside every candidate, supporting them during the whole DSE exam period by turning a stressful journey into a joyful, connected experience," said Sally Cheng, senior marketing director, Coca-Cola China.

Local brands have a long track record of backing DSE candidates. Last year, 7-Eleven Hong Kong launched a campaign to support students through this key milestone, offering quiet companionship during the tense run-up to results day. The “7-Eleven we’re here for you” (放心我在) campaign introduced a special DSE Cheer Zone on social media for the first time, enabling students to chat and connect in real time on the eve of results day, easing anxiety and sharing messages of encouragement and support.

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