From Nov. 13–17, 2025, more than 30 young speakers representing over 20 countries gathered in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, for the 7th China Daily Belt and Road Youth English Speaking Competition (BRESC) Global Final — a vibrant stage for dialogue, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment.
Under the theme “Overcoming Bias in the Digital Age,” this year’s global final was designed not just as a contest of oratorical skill but as a bridge among cultures, fostering mutual understanding and global citizenship among youth from across the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries.
Celebrating Youth Voices
The competition spotlighted exceptional young talent and their global perspectives. Cambodian contestant Lam Lykeo was crowned champion for her thoughtful delivery and insightful reflections on cultural understanding. “My expectation was to meet new people, learn about their cultures, and share ideas, not just compete,” Lam said, noting that competitions like this “truly bring people together,” broaden horizons, and foster understanding for a better society.
Charu Acharya of Nepal secured the first runner-up spot, representing winners from regional rounds in Southeast Asia, including the MicUp! English Speaking Competition. Acharya emphasized the personal significance of being able to communicate on such a large global stage and the joy of having her efforts recognized.
More Than a Competition
The BRESC experience extended far beyond the stage. Contestants took part in a curated cultural itinerary in Hangzhou, including visits to cutting-edge tech sites like the Future Sci-Tech City Exhibition Hall and BrainCo, where participants learned how advanced technologies like AI are being used to solve real-world problems. At historic sites like the Liangzhu Museum and Archaeological Site Park, students connected with China’s 5,000-year cultural legacy, viewing history not as distant past but as a living foundation for mutual understanding.
Participants described how the cultural experiences reshaped their views — from seeing China as a blend of modernization and tradition to forming genuine friendships with peers from around the world.
Shaping Global Perspectives
Experts involved in the final noted significant growth in the participants’ critical thinking and intercultural communication skills. Yang Ling, director at the Student Competition Guidance Center of Nanjing Normal University, highlighted how young speakers effectively engaged with complex, internationally relevant topics — enriching dialogue by offering diverse lenses shaped by their own global experiences.
The event also ran alongside the 30th “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition grand final, featuring over 400 top Chinese speakers in intense competition — further emphasizing the value of English as a tool for international connection and mutual understanding.
A Platform for Global Youth Exchange
Since its inception in 2019, the Belt and Road Youth English Speaking Competition has grown into a premier international youth event, engaging more than 10,000 contestants from 51 countries and regions and serving as a dynamic platform for young people to connect, learn, and grow.
The competition was launched through a partnership between VDO English, the educational arm of China Daily Hong Kong, and RVIPS — the publishing and event arm of The RVi Group — with regional competitions such as the Southeast Asian segment and the associated MicUp! English Speaking Competition celebrating top linguistic talent and amplifying youth voices on a global stage.
Beyond the Trophy
As delegates departed Hangzhou, they left not just with awards, but with renewed commitments to fostering understanding across borders — embodying the BRI’s vision of connection, collaboration, and shared progress.
Source: https://www.chinadailyhk.com/hk/article/624075#Speaking-contest-boosts-cross-cultural-dialogue-2025-11-21