The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest 2024

Imagine the possibilities when your voice is heard. Picture the potential when you embrace courage. The extraordinary champions of The HKFYG’s English Public Speaking Contest 2024 have shown us that perseverance holds the key to triumph in English communication and leadership.

Out of 1,500 talented individuals from 190 schools, Ting Tsz Woon and Benjamin Calvin Wu from Diocesan Boys’ School emerged as champions in the junior and senior divisions, respectively.

After three rigorous rounds of judging, a total of 10 students from the junior and senior divisions advanced to the final round. This stage demanded a 3-minute speech on a designated topic, followed by an impromptu Q&A session. The junior division pondered whether “happiness can enhance children’s well-being,” while the senior division was invited to share their thoughts on whether “happiness encompasses the courage to embrace criticism.” Additionally, the judges challenged participants with real-time questions to test their spontaneity.

With unwavering determination and resilience, Benjamin Calvin Wu secured the senior division championship on his third attempt. He acknowledged the invaluable lessons and growth each competition provided, honing his speech skills along the way. “Crafting an exceptional speech is undeniably the most daunting aspect as every participant was given the same topic” he shared. The key, he emphasised, was finding a way to stand out. The senior division champion will represent Hong Kong in The International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) in London.

Ting Tsz Woon, the junior division champion, achieved triumph on his first attempt. Driven by a passion for studying English and a love for English shows and literature, his victory was no coincidence. He humbly attributed his success to learning from his peers and seeking advice, which continuously fueled his improvement.

Hsu Siu-man, the Executive Director of the HKFYG, expressed her delight as this year marked the 21st anniversary of the competition. She commended the active participation and fervent engagement of all the participants in English public speaking. Hsu Siu-man extended her gratitude to the English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong) for their continued co-organisation of the competition and thanked the 11 supporting organisations, teachers, parents, and volunteers for their unwavering support. She hoped that English public speaking training would persist in nurturing English talents, enabling students to express their perspectives with clarity and confidence, assume the role of guiding and influencing others through their speeches, and ultimately become future leaders.

Ms Andrea HALES, the Director English of British Council Hong Kong was the Question Master in the Q&A session testing contestants’ ability to be spontaneous.

Leading the panel of judges in the final round was CM Chan, the President of The Law Society of Hong Kong. Accompanying him were Margaret Leung, the Chairman of English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong); Jennifer Ma, Council Member of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups; Dr Jose Lai, the Director of English Language Teaching Unit at The Chinese University of Hong Kong; and Emily Tsang, the Editor of Young Post at South China Morning Post.

For more details, please visit:leadershipinstitute.hk。

Awardees

Junior Division

 Senior Division