Published: 21:14, May 9, 2026 | Updated: 21:57, May 9, 2026
HK's young orators celebrated
By Wang Zhan in Hong Kong
Champions from all six groups pose for a photo at the awards ceremony of the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region) at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on May 9, 2026. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

The 2026 “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition (Hong Kong Region) held its grand final in the district contests on Saturday, followed by an awards ceremony in recognition of the splendid performance of the winners and participants alike.

Organized by China Daily, co-organized by VDO English, China Daily Hong Kong's education arm, the event concluded with the champions in each group crowned at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

ALSO READ: ‘Tell good stories’ message for HK’s young orators as champions crowned

About 400 guests from various sectors of society, participating students and their families gathered to witness the talent of Hong Kong’s new generation of young English orators.

China Daily’s Edmond Tang and Andy Chong were there to capture the event.

Hong Kong’s Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin delivers a keynote speech during the 21st Century Cup National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region) at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on May 9, 2026. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group and editor-in-chief of China Daily Hong Kong, addresses the award ceremony of the 21st Century Cup National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on May 9, 2026. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
From fourth left, Wang Jian, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Commissioner‘s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR; Christine Choi Yuk-lin, secretary for education; Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group and editor-in-chief of China Daily Hong Kong; and Alice Mak Mei-kuen, secretary for home and youth affairs, pose for a group photo at the awards ceremony of the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region).  (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Second from left, Wang Jian, director-general of the Department of International Organizations and Conferences of the Commissioner‘s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR; Sun Shangwu, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR; Zhou Li, deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily Group and editor-in-chief of China Daily Hong Kong, applaud at the award ceremony of the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region). (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
The champion in the kindergarten category speaks at the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region). (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
The winner in the junior primary group in action at the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026. (Hong Kong Region). (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
The champion in the secondary primary group delivers a speech at the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region). (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
The winner of the junior secondary group delivers a speech during the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region). (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
The champion of the senior secondary group shows the skill at the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region). (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
The university group champion speaks at the “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition 2026 (Hong Kong Region). (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
Participants and guests for the 21st Century Cup National English Speaking Competition 2026 pose for a group photo during the award ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)