The College of International Education (CIE), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) recently hosted its eighth annual English Public Speaking Contest on 29 May 2026, showcasing the talent and eloquence of participants from Hong Kong local secondary schools. The Grand Final of the contest featured a diverse group of 12 speakers, selected from a pool of 130 participants representing 70 secondary schools, as they competed for six awards: Champion, 1st Runner-Up, 2nd Runner-Up, two Merits, and an Audience Award for Best Speaker. After delivering powerful and engaging performances, Ms. Wong Sum Yau Bethany from Heep Yunn School emerged as the deserving recipient of the coveted Champion Award.
The aim of the CIE English Public Speaking Contest is to enhance students’ public speaking techniques and proficiency in English communication. The Grand Final panel of judges included Professor Edmond Law from The Education University of Hong Kong, Mr. Bosco Ng, CEO and Founder of WEDO GLOBAL, and Ms. Olivia Wong, Lecturer at HKBU CIE. Finalists were tasked with delivering a 3-minute speech on the topic of “Intelligence”, followed by a 2-minute impromptu speech in response to a random question. Contestants covered a wide range of topics in their speeches, such as technological advancements, artificial intelligence, emotional depth, and personal growth. They also exhibited strong impromptu speaking skills, revealing their agility of thought, spontaneity, and genuine feelings.
While complimenting the excellent performances of the contestants, the panel praised the high calibre of the presentations and offered practical advice that converged on two core principles: the power of personal storytelling and vocal mastery. The judges highlighted personal narratives as vital for grounding complex ideas, making speeches simple, memorable, and relatable. They also emphasized that true impact stems from understanding one's voice, noting that vocal confidence and deliberate volume control far outweigh merely being loud. Individually, Professor Law challenged finalists to maintain intellectual depth by critically applying theories to real life. Mr. Ng offered tactical advice on spatial mechanics, urging speakers to utilize eye contact, physical staging, and strategic pauses to command the room. Finally, Ms. Wong recontextualized performance anxiety, encouraging contestants to embrace nervousness as a natural energy that helps their irreplaceable, authentic personalities shine.
