CityU hosts 7th City Cup English Public Speaking Competition to foster students’ multicultural and global perspectives
The final round of the 7th City Cup English Public Speaking Competition was held yesterday at the Ho Yin Convention Centre, Taipa Campus, City University of Macau (CityU). This competition is an important annual English event at the University, attracting nearly 70 students from different majors. After a fierce preliminary round, a total of 12 contestants advanced to the final round. They were divided into two categories according to their major programs, Chinese-medium or English-medium, competing for the champion, first runner-up, second runner-up, and the most popular speaker award. Rector Jun Liu, Dean Lixian Jin of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Director Danny Sha Lei of the General Education Department, also attended the event and provided guidance to the finalists.
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In his speech, Rector Jun Liu extended his encouragement to the contestants and expressed his appreciation for their hard work and excellent performance in the previous rounds. He also hoped that the students would take this competition as an opportunity to enhance their English skills and enthusiasm for language learning, and achieve greater progress. Dean Lixian Jin encouraged all students to give their best performance in the competition and showcase their public speaking skills. She hoped that the City Cup English Public Speaking Competition will continue to grow and collaborate with professional public speaking organizations and other institutions in Macao, allowing students to shine even brighter on the stage.
This year’s competition took “The Pursuit of Happiness” as its theme, with contestants elaborating on their interpretation of happiness, its definition, ways to find happiness, and the relationship between happiness and success. Their speeches reflected creativity, a global vision, their love for the country, as well as CityU’s commitment to international education and its mission of “serving Macao and integrating into the Greater Bay Area.” Each contestant displayed excellent English proficiency and intercultural communication skills.
The organizing committee invited Associate Professor Mark Feng Teng from Macao Polytechnic University, Senior Lecturer Andrew Leong-Muph from University of Saint Joseph, and Postdoctoral Fellow Wu Kan from University of Macau to serve as judges, responsible for scoring and providing comments. Lecturers Jasper Leong Chon and Anna Choi Sin Va from CityU’s General Education Department served as question-and-answer judges, asking questions to each contestant after their speeches.
After two rounds of fierce competition in the theme speech and impromptu speech, the category of Chinese-medium programs was won by Xeon Li Xinyang from the Faculty of Business, with Ofelia Cai Yinci from the Faculty of Data Science as first runner up and Kara Chen Zihan from the Faculty of Finance as second runner up. In the category of English-medium programs, Cecilia Xiao Wenxi from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences took first place, Karlie Li Kaicheng from the Faculty of Business took second place, and Josephine Shao Wenjing from the Faculty of Business took third place. Additionally, Feng Yu from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences received the award for most popular speaker.
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Let's see what the winners have to say!
Champion (Category of Chinese-Medium Programs): Xeon Li Xinyang
First of all, I’m highly honored to win this award and genuinely grateful to the teachers, especially my supervisor Laurinda, and the caring friends of mine who had helped and supported me during this competition. Without them, I wouldn't have achieved all of this. Moreover, I am grateful to my school, the City University of Macau, for giving me this precious opportunity to share my own stories and a chance to talk about the ideas of how to pursue happiness in life with the other candidates. Through this public speech, my English expression was improved as I found out there are still skills that I need to perfect in the future. Ultimately, this competition not only allowed me to shine on the stage and have my own moment but also helped me to gain unforgettably happy memories and priceless friendships. If you are wondering whether you should join or not. Don’t hesitate, and sign up next year!
1st Runner-up (Category of Chinese-Medium Programs): Ofelia Cai Yinci
The City University of Macau is a globally connected institution, where English plays a vital role. As the only student representing the Faculty of Data Science, I feel immensely honored to have the opportunity to learn with such exceptional professors and other contestants. Approaching this competition with a mindset of active participation, I cherish this experience as it has been truly invaluable.
Not only did I have the privilege of collaborating with outstanding professors, but I also had the chance to make new acquaintances and receive encouragement from friends. These aspects have transcended the competition itself, providing me with immense joy and unexpected outcomes. I am grateful to my teachers for their guidance and to my fellow students for their support. Moving forward, I will continue to strive and give my best.
2nd Runner-up (Category of Chinese-Medium Programs): Kara Chen Zihan
“The world never lacks happiness, what is lacking is the eyes to discover happiness.”
I am very happy to have won the third place this time. I am very grateful to CityU for giving me this platform, as well as to my lovely teachers, friends, and all the excellent contestants who have supported me. Even though there are still regrets in this competition, I have also tried my best and learned a lot throughout the whole process. It was really a great encouragement to me, I hope that in the future, I will not forget my original intention, continue to work hard, and do better.
Champion (Category of English-Medium Programs): Cecilia Xiao Wenxi
First of all, I’d like to thank our university and the people who put effort into organizing this competition. It provides a valuable stage where we, students, get to share our thoughts in English publicly. Secondly, I am really grateful that I can get to know all other excellent speakers through this activity. I feel like it isn’t just a competition, but a great opportunity for me to learn things from listening others’ heartfelt speeches about their definitions of happiness. Last but not least, I’d like to say a huge thank you to my supervisor Leo who helped me revise my script, lecturer Jasper who encouraged us to participate in this competition, my friend Nora who was my first audience and has always been very supportive during the whole competition.
I sincerely hope that City Cup could go from strength to strength and see more faces shining on the stage!
1st Runner-up (Category of English-Medium Programs): Karlie Li Kaicheng
It was a huge surprise for me to win the prize. I honestly didn’t expect it because all the contestants did an excellent job and delivered brilliant performances. The competition was tough, and I was extremely nervous that I even forgot what I was supposed to say in my prepared speech. My mind went blank at that moment, but I gave it my all to make the speech sound natural.
During the second round, I was given a topic that required a lot of imagination. I must admit, all the topics were interesting, and the answers from the other contestants were thought-provoking. I learned a great deal from them. When it comes to the pursuit of happiness, I believe that the greatest joy I experienced during this period was meeting new friends and teachers. I am so grateful to my instructor, Jasper Leong, for his incredible patience in guiding me through my speech. It has been a pleasure getting to know new friends through this competition. The experience has brought me immense happiness.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff, teachers, judges, and fellow contestants who made this competition such a special and memorable journey for me. Thank you for the unique experience and the joy it has brought into my life.
2nd Runner-up (Category of English-Medium Programs): Josephine Shao Wenjing
I am so happy to have participated the speech competition which provide me a chance to laid-back and think deeply about what we are seeking for and find the happiness and meaning of my life under the pressure in the fast-paced world. Luckily, in this wonderful journey, I met my brilliant mentor Henry, amazing lecturer Nash and other brilliant participants. It’s not just a competition but a platform to make friends. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity for me to push myself in improving my English ability in writing, expressing and critical thinking. I hope the contest will become better in the future.
Source: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
