The Pacific and Asian Affairs Council will quiz 72 students today on modern history, ancient religions, geography and current events as part of the first-ever "World Quest" for community colleges on O'ahu.

The fast-paced game is modeled after the one held annually for high school students in Hawai'i and across the nation. Teams of up to four people will have one minute to answer a question from a host of categories. The team with the most correct answers wins.

Beng Poh Yoshikawa, director of International Affairs and Development at Honolulu Community College, said the competition is meant to get people interested in the world around them.

And there are hopes to expand the program to community colleges across the state — and eventually to the general population.

But that could take a couple more years.

"We want our students to be global citizens," Yoshikawa said. "If we promote global understanding, we will be promoting world peace."

The high school version of World Quest debuted in Hawai'i in 2000, and is also sponsored by the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council.

This year, the event was held in February, and top honors went to a team from Mid-Pacific Institute in Manoa. The team went on to secure 16th place in the nationals, of 44 competing schools.

Tandy Awaya, the council's higher education and community relations director, said the organization has long wanted to link up with community colleges to promote "global citizenship."

Those participating in World Quest today include students from Kapi'olani, Honolulu and Leeward community colleges.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.