Kindergarten students showed off their oratorical prowess at the semi-final of the 21st Century Cup National English Speaking Competition (Hong Kong Region) 2024 in Hong Kong on Sunday. 

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Hands held tight by their beaming parents, the young students lined up for their turn at the Hong Kong Space Museum to impress the judges for the kindergarten category of the competition organized by China Daily Hong Kong and VDO English, its educational arm. 

A preliminary round had attracted video submissions of some 200 avid young speakers from 50 local schools – a two-fold increase compared to the first edition last year – and 100 of the youngsters made it to the semi-final, gaining their first taste of performing in front of a packed audience.

“This is the first time I saw my child standing on a public stage giving a speech. I loved the fact that he is courageous enough to share his thoughts, however simple they are, and that he can also hear other children sharing theirs," said Janet Chan, mother of contestant Chan Pui-hui. 

"Public speaking is definitely a sometimes underestimated way for children to improve English, to boost self-confidence, and to learn many important people skills.” 

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Twenty finalists were announced and commended on the spot. 

“I have most enjoyed today’s competition,” said Chickita Kwan, an experienced public speaking coach from Toastmasters International who was on the panel of judges. “Their performances are without doubt a convincing testimony of the great English language skills and exceptional talent for public speaking that today’s young children have, and also of a prelude to a final worth anticipating.”

The final for all six categories will take place on May 11 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring top-rate orators from schools throughout Hong Kong, from kindergartens to universities.