Macao Polytechnic University – Knowledge, Expertise, Global Vision!

Highlights

The 16^th Macao-wide English Speech Contest and 23^rd “21^st Century” National English Speaking Competition Macao Regional Contest ends successfully

Speech by Professor Roland Sussex on behalf of the judges

Speech by Professor Lin Zi-yu on behalf of the Organising Committee

The 16^th Macao-wide English Speech Contest and 23^rd “21^st Century” National English Speaking Competition Macao Regional Contest took place on Saturday-Sunday, 11^th-12^thNovember 2017.

The Macao-wide English Speech Contest was established in 2002, its purpose being to promote the use of English in Macao in the era of globalisation, to encourage people from all walks of life to learn English, and to promote English language teaching.

The Contest is organised by the Macao Polytechnic Institute, and co-organised by:
Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau
Tertiary Education Services Office
Education and Youth Affairs Bureau
British Council (Hong Kong)
British Council (Hong Kong)
Macao Daily News
The 21st Century of China Daily
The Chinese Educators’ Association of Macau
Macau Catholic Schools Association (Associação das Escolas Catolicas de Macau)
TDM Teledifusão de Macau SA
and the Macao Youth Federation.

Guests of Honour at the awarding ceremony included:

Ms. Cen Jia Yi, Representative of the Director of Culture and Education of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao SAR
Professor Lei Heong Iok, President of Macao Polytechnic Institute
Mr. Vong Iat Hang, Head of Division of Research and Education Reform, Education and Youth Affairs Bureau
Mr. Wong Wa Ian, Acting Head of Training Organisation Division of Civil Service Training Centre, Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau
Mr. Lam Pou Wa, Deputy Chief Editor of Macao Daily News
Mr. Michael Chan, Vice-Director of Macau Catholic Schools Association
Ms. Ieong Pui Ian, Executive Council Member & Minister of Academic Department of the Chinese Educators’ Association of Macau
Mr. José Carlos Matias, Manager of English News Department (TV) of TDM
Dr. Cheang Mio Han, Secretary-General of Macao Polytechnic Institute
Representatives from tertiary institutions in Macao.

Ever since the 4^th Macao-wide English Speech Contest in 2005, the Contest has enjoyed a nationwide affiliation with China Daily's “21^st Century” National English Speaking Competition and, over the years, many winners of the Macao-wide English Speech Contest have advanced to compete in the national English speaking competition. The opportunity to participate in the national competition has been extended to the winners from each of the Lower Primary, Upper Primary, Junior High School and Senior High School categories and up to 3 winners of the College Category. In recent years, the Contest winners have also been sent to join the finals of the CCTV Cup (now the FLTRP Cup) National English Speaking Contest.

We are privileged to hear the young generation express their views on topics that are of vital concern to society, this year the overall theme of the 16^th Macao-wide English Speech Contest being “EDUCATION”. Under this theme, the subtopics for the different categories were: “The Role of Education” (for the College and Open Categories), “How To Foster Creativity” (for the Senior High School Category), “School in the 22^nd Century” (for the Junior High School Category), “If I Could Write a Book...” for the Upper Primary School Category and “Something I Love to Learn” for the Lower Primary School Category. The final round of the Contest included 57 contestants from each category, these having been selected from among 147 contestants who participated in the semifinal round on 22^nd October 2017. They are wonderful examples of the quality of education enjoyed by young people in Macao.

As we all reflect upon our lives and our world, we know that the younger generation will play a leading role in the world of tomorrow. As educators in Macao we aim to encourage the young people not only to acquire more knowledge but also to develop a more global vision. A solid foundation of an all-round education, coupled with excellent language skills and cross-cultural communication skills, can equip our students for a challenging future. It is our sincere hope that the Macao-wide English Speech Contest can encourage our students not only to develop their English skills, but also to think more deeply about Macao and the rest of the world.

Each year, the Macao-wide English Speech Contest has adopted a different theme. Over the years, the contestants have explored various issues of concern to Macao society. We look forward to many future contests and more exciting new topics. Congratulations to all the award winners and contestants! The great efforts of all the contestants and the wholehearted support of their schools, teachers, families and friends are greatly appreciated!

More details about the annual Macao-wide English Speech Contest, including videos of past Contests, can be found on the website: http://speechcontest.ipm.edu.mo