Contestants from across the region showcase talent and confidence in a competition that promotes biliteracy, cultural exchange, and global engagement
The eighth Hong Kong regional final of the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition saw 35 award-winners on May 10, selected from over 1,500 budding orators. Dignitaries praised the event’s role in nurturing globally-minded talent, and strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a premier hub for biliterate and trilingual education.
Co-organized by China Daily Hong Kong Edition and its educational platform, VDO English, this year’s competition attracted more than 1,500 participants from nearly 300 schools across the special administrative region.
The morning’s captivating final was followed by the awards ceremony in the afternoon at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the finalists were joined by parents, educators and leaders from the business and media sectors to celebrate their achievements.
READ MORE: New star orators born as over 1,500 HK students vie for honors
The competition featured six categories, ranging from kindergarten to university students. A notable highlight this year was the introduction of district-level contests, providing a broader platform for participants from all of the SAR’s 18 districts to showcase their oral English skills. The invitational contest, which brought students from the Chinese mainland to the city — launched last year — was retained.
Thirty-five finalists received prizes. Sham Pui-yan from the University of Hong Kong was crowned champion in the university category. Winners in the kindergarten, junior and senior primary school, and junior and senior secondary school categories were, respectively: Ng Skya Kelsie from Victoria Nursery (Harbour Heights) Kindergarten; Ng Sze-nok from Marymount Primary School; Amelia Ku Yin-wai from Harrow International School Hong Kong; Lam Man-huen from the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups Lee Shau Kee College; and Dinlasan Hugh Clive Dela Cruz from Salesian English School.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin underscored the critical role of communication and public speaking skills, aligning with the competition’s theme, “Let the world hear you.”
She urged Hong Kong youths to strengthen their language abilities and global competence to effectively share the stories of the nation and the city on the international stage.
Choi highlighted the competition’s alignment with Hong Kong’s educational goals, emphasizing the importance of biliterate and trilingual proficiency, a robust knowledge base, and value education integrating moral, civic, and patriotic learning. She also acknowledged the event’s unique role in fostering cross-cultural exchanges among Hong Kong and mainland students on global issues.
The education chief encouraged students to engage with national initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area’s technological advancements, stressing their potential to unlock personal and professional opportunities.
In his welcoming remarks, Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group and editor-in-chief of China Daily Hong Kong, praised Hong Kong students’ consistent excellence at the national level, attributing their success to the city’s strong educational foundation.
He mentioned the competition’s expansion this year, including new district-level contests in all 18 districts and the second mainland invitational contest, fostering exchanges among local students and 300 mainland peers.
Zhou emphasized the event’s role in nurturing biliterate and trilingual talents capable of confidently sharing Hong Kong’s stories globally, thereby solidifying the city’s status as an international educational hub.
A two-time judge of the contest, Huang Jingrui, spokesperson and press counselor of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, praised the competition’s growing caliber. He noted that participants, particularly in the secondary school category, have demonstrated leadership potential and remarkable progress.
Huang commended China Daily for providing an invaluable platform to cultivate young talent.
He highlighted the city’s unique role as a biliterate and trilingual language region, stressing the enduring importance of English proficiency for young talents to narrate compelling stories of the nation and Hong Kong.
Alice Mak Mei-kuen, secretary for home and youth affairs, expressed her delight at the marked improvement in the skills of the contestants, hailing the competition as a vital platform to showcase Hong Kong youths’ talents, particularly their mastery of English, to both local and global audiences.
She said it is vital to collaborate with stakeholders across society to provide diverse opportunities for young people to hone and exhibit their abilities. “By amplifying these platforms, we ensure the world recognizes the excellence of Hong Kong’s youth in language and communication.”
Newly crowned university category champion Sham — a three-time participant — reflected on her journey from junior secondary to university level, describing the competition as “a way to express myself and learn from other students who’re also really spectacular, and not just to compete”.
Throughout her participation, Sham refined her confidence and adaptability, driven by the belief that “every stage teaches something new”. This mindset fuels her dedication to growth and her joy of intellectual exchange. “That’s why I keep coming back,” she said.
Setting her sights on the National Grand Final, to be hosted on the mainland in October, Sham voiced enthusiasm for connecting with top talents nationwide.
The mother of kindergarten category contestant Anissa Tsui Yeuk-yu expressed pride in her five-year-old daughter’s ability to speak English “confidently and gracefully” on such a prestigious stage.
She believes it is entirely normal for a young child to feel nervous stepping onto the stage for the first time, emphasizing the importance of parental support and encouragement. “I’ve seen significant progress in my daughter. Throughout this journey, she has gained confidence and can now express herself happily and confidently,” she said.
Besides Sham, who will represent Hong Kong at the National Grand Final, the two champions from the secondary school category will participate in an overseas Model United Nations program, showcasing Hong Kong students’ talents on the world stage.
Other winners will have the opportunity to join exchange tours, engaging with contestants from across the country and observing the National Grand Final.
Outstanding participants will be selected as anchors and junior reporters for China Daily Hong Kong Edition, contributing to its youth-focused video programs.
ALSO READ: The budding orators
Launched in 1996, the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition aims to enhance students’ English proficiency, cultivate innovative thinking, and expand global perspectives.
Nationwide, the competition attracts an average of one million participants annually. The Hong Kong regional contest, introduced in 2017, has engaged over 20,000 students from 500 schools to date.
"21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition (Hong Kong Region) Awardees List 2025
Champions
Kindergarten Category: NG Skya Kelsie, Victoria Nursery (Harbour Heights)
Junior Primary Category: NG Sze Nok, Marymount Primary School
Senior Primary Category: KU Yin Wai Amelia, Harrow International School Hong Kong
Junior Secondary Category: LAM Man Huen, HKFYG Lee Shau Kee College
Senior Secondary Category: Dinlasan Hugh Clive Dela Cruz, Salesian English School
University Category: SHAM Pui Yan, The University of Hong Kong
1st Runners-Up
Kindergarten Category: TSE Tin Yuet Katelyn, Canadian International School of Hong Kong
Junior Primary Category: YIU Wing Audrey, St. Paul's Co-educational College Primary School
Senior Primary Category: FONG Nga Man, Po Leung Kuk Castar Primary School; LU Chuyi Madelyn, Hong Kong International School
Junior Secondary Category: LEUNG Sen Fung Katie, St. Stephen's College
Senior Secondary Category: TANG Jayden, Ying Wa College
University Category: CHAN Ka Lo Carol, The University of Hong Kong
2nd Runners-Up
Kindergarten Category: CHAN Evelyne, Christ Church Kindergarten
Junior Primary Category: CHUNG Oi Yau, Maryknoll Convent School (Primary Section)
Senior Primary Category: WONG Sum Yau Mikaela, St. Paul's Convent School (Primary Section)
Junior Secondary Category: KAN Wing Yu, St. Stephen's College
Senior Secondary Category: CHENG Yue Yuet, S.K.H. Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School
University Category: SO Chun Hei, Hong Kong Baptist University
Special Awards: Best Impromptu Speaker
Junior Secondary Category: TANG Hayden Tak Huen, St. Stephen's College
Senior Secondary Category: WANG Yutong, Diocesan Girls’ School
University Category: JI Youyou, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Special Awards: Best Manner Speaker
Junior Secondary Category: YAN Si Yu, Diocesan Girls' School
Senior Secondary Category: LEE Man Ka, Belilios Public School
University Category: WANG Zixuan Sherry, Lingnan University
Kindergarten Special Awards
Most Creative Award: WU Pok, Kentville Kindergarten; LAU Wan Yin Martina, St. Paul's Day Nursery
Most Promising Award: LAM Hinson, Good Health Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten (Tsing Yi South); HO Ming Hei, The True Light School of Hong Kong Primary and Kindergarten Section
Most Appealing Award: YIP Yui Ching, Heep Yunn School Private Kindergarten; POON Hin Lun Nathaniel, Causeway Bay Victoria Kindergarten & International Nursery
Best Manner Award: CHAN Wing Shun, St. Paul's Kindergarten; TAM Sin Wan Sharon, TWGHs Liu Yan Tak Memorial Kindergarten
Best Stage Performance Award: LIU Liren, Po Leung Kuk Tam Au-yeung Siu Fong Memorial Kindergarten; WONG Nga Yin, Good Hope Primary School cum Kindergarten
Contact the writers at stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com
