The “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition (Hong Kong Region) drew a record number of participants this year, with 12 students set to represent the special administrative region in the national English-speaking contest.

Judges are listening to contestant's speech carefully.

The regional final was held at the Peninsula Hong Kong on Sunday, organized by China Daily Hong Kong and its education brand VDO English- an one-stop shop platform dedicated to making English learning engaging and fun.

Contestants are in the waiting room. 

Aiden Connor Teng from South Island School and Charlotte Tan Shi-le from Diocesan Girls’ School won the top prizes in the junior and senior secondary school categories, respectively.

Li Lin-mo from Fukien Secondary School Affiliated School and Wong Ka-hin from S.K.H. St. Peter’s Primary School were the winners in the junior and senior primary school categories. The top prize in the university category went to Sherie Ma Hiu -chun from the University of Hong Kong.

The five students, together with 7 other winners, will represent Hong Kong in the National Grand Final to be held this year, one that marks the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to the motherland, to compete with the regional champions from more than 200 divisions nationwide.

“The 21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition has been a part of my student life and has helped me to become a better human being,” said Ma. She has taken part in the competition for the fourth year in the senior secondary level category.

The panel of judges for the Hong Kong regional finals of the "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition pose for a photo at Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong, on June 19, 2022.

Ma said she feels better connected to her peers by expressing their views on national and world issues.

Cheung Hei-ching from Hoi Ping Chamber of Commerce Secondary School, who finished second in the senior secondary school category, said she’s glad to have the chance to share her thoughts with other people and let the world hear her voice. 

“Although the competition is challenging, it’s a precious opportunity for me to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone,” she said.

This year’s Hong Kong competition saw a record number of participants, attracting more than 1,000 students from universities, as well as primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong.

The panel of judges comprised professionals from various institutions, including the Education Bureau, the English Speaking Union Hong Kong, the Hong Kong United Youth Association, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and Hong Kong Toastmasters Club.

Winner List of 2022 ‘21st Century Cup’ National English Speaking Competition (Hong Kong Region):