A senior secondary category contestant in the Hong Kong regional finals of the "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition delivers his speech at The Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong, on June 19, 2022. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)
The “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition (Hong Kong Region) drew a record number of participants in the regional finals on Sunday, with 12 students set to represent the special administrative region in the national English-speaking contest.
The regional contest was organized by China Daily and VDO English — an online English learning platform developed by China Daily.
Aiden Connor Teng from South Island School and Charlotte Tan Shi-le from Diocesan Girls’ School won the top prizes in the junior and senior secondary school categories, respectively
Aiden Connor Teng from South Island School and Charlotte Tan Shi-le from Diocesan Girls’ School won the top prizes in the junior and senior secondary school categories, respectively.
Li Lin-mo from Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School and Wong Ka-hin from S.K.H. St. Peter’s Primary School were the winners in the junior and senior primary school categories. The top prize in the university category went to Sherie Ma Hiu-chun from the University of Hong Kong.
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The five students, along with 7 other winners, will represent Hong Kong in the National Grand Final to be held this year — the 25th anniversary of the HKSAR — competing with regional champions from more than 200 divisions nationwide.
“The China Daily English Public Speaking Competition has been a part of my student life and has helped me to become a better human being,” said Ma. She has taken part in the competition for the fourth year from the senior secondary level.
Ma said she feels better connected to her peers by expressing their views on national and world issues.
The panel of judges for the Hong Kong regional finals of the "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition pose for a photo at The Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong, on June 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
Cheung Hei-ching from Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School, who finished second in the senior secondary school category, said she’s glad to have the chance to share her thoughts with other people and let the world hear her voice. ‘Although the competition is challenging, it’s a precious opportunity for me to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone,” she said.
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This year’s competition saw a record number of participants, attracting more than 1,000 students from universities, as well as primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong.
The panel of judges comprised professionals from various institutions, including the Education Bureau, the English Speaking Union Hong Kong, the Hong Kong United Youth Association, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and Hong Kong Toastmasters Club.
Senior primary school category contestants in the Hong Kong regional finals of the "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition pose for a group photo at The Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong, on June 19, 2022. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)
suzihan@chinadailyhk.com