The “Champions of Change” English Speech Contest, organized by Tra Vinh University’s Foreign Languages Department, provided a platform for high school and university students in Tra Vinh and Vinh Long provinces to showcase their English speaking and teamwork skills.
The School of Southern Khmer Language – Culture – Arts and Humanity (SLASKA) at Tra Vinh University hosted the final round of the “Champions of Change” English Speech Contest on April 21st, 2024. This first-of-its-kind competition brought together 12 outstanding teams from high schools across Tra Vinh and Vinh Long provinces and Tra Vinh University students.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Phuong Nam, SLASKA’s Vice President, emphasized the contest’s role in nurturing students’ passion for English and honing their communication skills, which are valuable assets in academic pursuits and future careers.
The preliminary round, which started in March, attracted 26 teams, with nearly 80 students tackling thought-provoking topics like Passion, Education, Social Media, Sustainable Development, and Idols.
Dr. Huynh Ngọc Tai, Head of the Foreign Languages Department, highlighted the contest’s focus on teamwork alongside English presentation skills, crucial abilities for success in academic and professional settings.
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The final round features a competition between 12 teams of students from Tra Vinh University, Tra Vinh Pedagogical Practice High School, Long Khanh High School (Duyen Hai), Tra Vinh Ethnic Boarding High School, Nguyen Thien Thanh Specialized High School, Cau Ke High School, Pham Thai Buong High School, and Tan Quoi High School (Vinh Long).
The 12 teams draw lots in the final round to form 6 pairs for the first round. Each pair has 3 minutes to present on a topic assigned by the judging panel. After the presentations, the pairs have 5 minutes to debate that topic. At the end of round 1, the 6 winning teams are divided into 3 new pairs to debate new topics.
The final round features a reputable judging panel of experts in English research and teaching, including Prof. Dr Tumis Savas, Academic Advisor of the Foreign Languages Department; Ms Leslie Elisa S.Cobilla, lecturer at Southern Leyte State University, Philippines; Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Nam, Vice Rector of SLASKA; Dr Nguyen Huy Thong, Vice Director of the International Training Institute; and Dr Huynh Ngoc Tai, Head of Foreign Languages Department.
A distinguished panel of experts in English research and teaching, including professors from Tra Vinh University and international institutions, judged the competition.
Students like Nguyen Anh Thu from Tan Quoi High School (Vinh Long) expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from peers and showcase their English debating skills on relevant social issues.
The Nguyen Thien Thanh Specialized High School (Tra Vinh) team secured a well-deserved first-place victory. The organizers also awarded prizes for second, third, and fourth places and encouragement awards for participating teams.
By YP
VĐ-MN
