HONG KONG – Young contestants rendered impressive performances at the "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition 2025 (Hong Kong Region) in the city on Saturday.

Hundreds of talented students from across Hong Kong’s 18 districts gathered at St. Paul's Convent School in Wan Chai district and PLK Tong Nai Kan Junior Secondary College in Sham Shui Po district for the second round of the district contests.

Participants delivered impassioned speeches, demonstrating their linguistic proficiency as well as their critical thinking and creativity.

University-level contestants competed in the semifinal round at YO PLACE in Sheung Wan.

Following evaluations by expert judges, the top performers from each district contest will advance to the semifinals on April 12.

The grand finale, featuring the most outstanding finalists from all categories, is scheduled to take place on May 10.

Organized by China Daily and VDO English, an educational arm of China Daily Hong Kong, the competition has been widely acclaimed as one of the most prominent rallying points for English public-speaking enthusiasts in the territory.

China Daily's Edmond Tang took the photos.