Source: School of Foreign Languages
Written by: School of Foreign Languages
Translated by: Ye Siting, Zheng Lei
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

On December 7, 2013, the 19th China Daily “21st Century Coca-Cola Cup” National English Speaking Competition Regional Final (Guangdong) was held in School of Foreign Languages (FLS) Building, Sun Yat-sen University. The event was organized by FLS, and co-sponsored by China Daily and Coca-Cola. Ms. Luo Jiahui, a freshman from Department of English at FLS was awarded the first runner-up in recognition of her excellent performance in the competition.

The panel of judges consisted of renowned English education experts from Guangdong Foreign Language Association, Sun Yat-sen University, Jinan University, South China Agricultural University, and Foreign Affairs Office of Guangzhou Municipal Government.

The event began with the address by Professor Chang Chenguang, Dean of FLS. The competition consisted of two sessions, prepared speech and impromptu speech. In the prepared session, 25 contestants delivered high-quality speeches of varied styles on the topic of “University as I see it.” All put forward their unique interpretation of “University”. In the impromptu session, contestants impressed the judges with their excellent command of language proficiency, cultural accomplishment and instant reaction.

Mr. Zeng Qingkai, Vice President of 21st Century English newspaper and Ms. Jenny Lewis, Foreign Instructor at FLS, commented on the contestants’ performance with beneficial suggestions.

Finally, Ms. Zhu Jing from South China Business College at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies triumphed over others contestants, Ms. Luo Jiahui from Sun Yat-sen University was awarded the first runner-up, Mr. Li Haozhuo from South China University of Technology was named the second runner-up, and Ms. Lin Meiling from South China Normal University won the fourth place. They will represent Guangdong students to participate in the national semi-final and final.

According to China Daily, evolving through 18 years since its setup in 1996, the National English Speaking Competition has been an arena of international reputation for China's most elite English speakers, many of whom later became the country's top interpreters, renowned anchorpersons and journalists. Contestants representing China on the international competition also hold a strong record of winning prizes against foreign peers over the years.