A new invitational contest at the “21st Century Cup” English Speaking Competition (Hong Kong) showcased the talent of primary and secondary school students from the Chinese mainland who had been among the best in their regional competitions.
The event, co-organized by the 21st Century Education and Media Group and VDO English — the educational arm of China Daily Hong Kong — on May 2, aimed to create a new platform for young students to enhance their English language proficiency and communication skills.
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During the competition, the participants took part in a question-and-answer session focused on trending topics in Hong Kong.
Dominic Chan, a public speaking coach in Hong Kong and the question master, expressed his admiration for the students, saying, “I was really impressed when hearing all those contestants speaking of their newfound knowledge of the city.”
Contestants from the mainland expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to interact with their Hong Kong counterparts.
During the awards ceremony, previous winners of the Hong Kong regional contest led sharing sessions that sparked lively discussions. Participants exchanged views on cultural favorites, including hometown delicacies and book recommendations.
They were encouraged to continue developing their language skills and to represent China’s perspectives on the global stage someday.
The competition extended beyond the stage with a culturally enriching three-day tour of Hong Kong. The itinerary included educational and sightseeing visits, offering participants a deeper understanding of local universities and media houses.
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Ju Haoyang, a student from Suzhou High School in Jiangsu province and the first runner-up in the contest, said, “This experience makes me see the good education resources and wonderful opportunities Hong Kong presents. I definitely will come back and might even study or pursue a career here.”
