The "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition held its eighth Hong Kong regional final on Saturday, with guests at the awards ceremony praising the event for expanding students' global perspectives and reinforcing the special administrative region's reputation as a hub for biliterate and trilingual talents.

Organized by China Daily Hong Kong and its education arm VDO English, this year's competition drew more than 1,500 students from some 300 schools in the SAR.

Following the final on Saturday morning, contestants, parents, teachers, as well as representatives of the education, business and media sectors convened at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre for the awards ceremony in the afternoon.

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 city's 18 districts to showcase their oral English skills. The invitational contest that brought students from the Chinese mainland to the SAR and introduced last year, has been retained this year.

Thirty-five finalists were awarded prizes, including Sham Pui-yan from The University of Hong Kong, who was crowned champion in the university category. Other champions are 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 School, who won in the kindergarten, junior and senior primary school, and junior and senior secondary school categories, respectively.

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin underscored the critical role of communication and public speaking skills in the 21st century, aligning with the competition's theme of "Let the world hear you".

She urged Hong Kong youths to strengthen their language abilities and global competence to amplify their voices as ambassadors sharing the nation and the city's stories on the world stage.

Choi highlighted the competition's alignment with Hong Kong's educational objectives, emphasizing the importance of biliterate and trilingual proficiency, a robust knowledge base, and value education integrating moral, civic, and patriotic learning, noting 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 strategies 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 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, crediting the city's educational strengths.

He noted that this year's competition has further expanded its scale by introducing the new district-level contests in all 18 districts and by hosting the second edition of the mainland invitational contest, fostering exchanges among local students and 300 mainland peers.

Zhou emphasized the event's role in nurturing bilingual and trilingual talents to confidently share Hong Kong's stories globally, solidifying the city's status as an ideal destination for international learners.

Huang Jingrui, spokesperson and press counselor of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR, has participated in the competition for the third consecutive year, having served as a judge for two consecutive years.

He praised the competition's growing caliber, noting that the participants, particularly in the secondary school category, have demonstrated leadership potential and remarkable progress. He commended China Daily for providing an invaluable platform to nurture the younger generation.

Huang highlighted the SAR'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, said she was delighted with 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 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," she said.

The university category champion will represent Hong Kong at the National Grand Final to be hosted on the mainland later this year, while the two champions from the secondary school category will participate in an overseas Model United Nations program, showcasing the talents of Hong Kong students on the international stage.

Other winners will also have the chance 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 the production of youth-focused video programs.

Launched in 1996, the "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition is aimed at enhancing students' English proficiency, cultivating innovative thinking, and expanding 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.