The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest 2026 Concludes Successfully

The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest 2026 Concludes Successfully

With winners from Hong Kong International School and Diocesan Boys' School

In the era of globalisation, exceptional communication skills and a cross-cultural perspective have become essential traits for future leaders. The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest 2026, organised by The HKFYG Leadership Institute, attracted over 1,000 students from 120 schools.

The Grand Finals and Awards Ceremony concluded successfully on 11 April 2026. Cecilia HONG from Hong Kong International School and Andrew James MAN from Diocesan Boys' School emerged as champions in the Junior and Senior Divisions, respectively. Andrew Man has earned the honour of representing Hong Kong at the International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) in London later this year.

Andrew MAN credited his family and peers as his primary motivation, noting that without their support, he might not have ventured into English public speaking. Cecilia HONG saw the contest as an invaluable opportunity to hone her English public speaking skills. She thanked judges for their guidance and teachers and family for their unwavering support.

This year’s Contest featured the debut of the "Greater Bay Area (GBA) Invitational Challenge” pilot scheme, which drew more than 60 students from the GBA to foster linguistic and cultural exchange between youth from both regions. The Junior and Senior championships of the "GBA Invitational Challenge" were also claimed by the respective Hong Kong champions. Further recognition included, the Best Progress Award went to LAU Yeuk Nam Natalie from ECF Saint Too Canaan College and Lexie WONG from St. Paul's Secondary School, highlighting their dedication to self-improvement throughout the Contest.

As HSU Siu-man, Executive Director of the HKFYG, stated, “Speaking in English is not only a skill, but a bridge to the world which enables young people to forge new friendships and grow in confidence as they see the world anew.” She extended her gratitude to the co-organiser, the English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong), for its longstanding collaboration and to the 17 supporting organisations, teachers, parents, and volunteers, whose continued support helped nurture courageous and visionary future leaders.

Legislative Councillor Prof Alex FAN Hoi-kit, the Guest of Honour at the Grand Finals remarked, that as the world’s only bilingual Common Law jurisdiction, English plays a pivotal role in Hong Kong's education system and legal proceedings. He noted that as Hong Kong seizes opportunities in the GBA and Northern Metropolis, proficiency in English is not just a tool but a “golden thread" connecting us to the international community. He encouraged students to propose innovative solutions to social problems through their speeches.

The adjudicating panel at the Grand Finals included: Mrs Margaret LEUNG, Chairperson of the English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong); Dr Allen HO, Director of the English Language Teaching Unit of the Chinese University of Hong Kong; Emily TSANG, Editor of Young Post & Posties of South China Morning Post; Ms Andrea HALES, Director English of the British Council Hong Kong; Ms Angel WONG, Council Member of Hong Kong Bar Association and Ms Clara SHEK, Council Member of the HKFYG. Mr Leonard SIM, Consul (Political) of the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore in Hong Kong, served as the Question Master, challenging contestants with real-time questions to test their spontaneity.

The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest 2026 is organised by The HKFYG Leadership Institute and co-organised by the English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong). After three rigorous rounds of judging, a total of twelve students from the Junior and Senior Divisions advanced to the Final Round. At this stage, each contestant delivered a three-minute speech on a designated topic, followed by a spontaneous Q&A session. The Junior Division explored “What I wish people knew,” while the Senior Division reflected on Thich Nhat Hanh’s saying, “You are not an individual. You are a continuation.”

About The HKFYG Leadership Institute

The HKFYG Leadership Institute is dedicated to creating a new generation of leaders, with over 200,000 having been trained since 2000. Located at the revitalised historic Former Fanling Magistracy, the Institute combines the heritage of a graceful colonial building with immersive and interactive technology. It also provides training for young people from senior primary schools to tertiary institutions and for those in the workplace in four main themes, namely Resilient Leadership, Service Leadership, Sustainable Leadership and Communicative and Collaborative Leadership. Through our meticulously designed curriculum, young leaders are empowered to take up leadership roles and make wonders locally, nationally, and globally. For details, please visit leadershipinstitute.hk.

—End—

For media enquiries, please contact:

Awardees of The HKFYG English Public Speaking Contest 2026

Junior Division

Senior Division

Best Progress Award

Audience Favourite Award