Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

The Zhuhai-Hong Kong-Macao Youngster Encouraging Speech Contest concluded on Dec 23 in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province after two months of competition. Nine finalists were present to compete for various trophies.

Not only was this the third time Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai had hosted the speech contest, it was also the first time ever in which Hong Kong and Macao contestants could participate, resulting in more than 500 participants focusing on the theme of what it is to be a "successful young man."

The first place goes to Ren Zhichao from the Organization Department of CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee, who was also granted with an award of 10,000 yuan ($1,529).

Public servants, teachers, university students, and young entrepreneurs made up the bulk of the contestants.

Finalists were screened on their speech proficiency, presentation skills, stage manners and dress style throughout preliminary rounds and quarterfinals.

The final round consisted of contestants speaking for 8 minutes without assistance to an audience of more than 550 spectators. These speeches contained personal experiences and exemplary stories that gave light on the topic of "New Age & Responsibilities of the Youth."

Final of the 2017 Zhuhai-Hong Kong-Macao Youngster Encouraging Speech Contest is held at the Zhuhai Opera House on Dec 23 with nine finalists competing for the first place.

The judging panels that graded these speeches were composed of professional judges, institutional representatives and public speaking media personnel; scores from the former made up 90 percent of the grade, with the latter contributing the rest.

Ren Zhichao from the Organization Department of CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee took first place with Li Zhenwen from Macao's cultural affairs bureau taking second place. Bai Yang from Zhuhai Port Holdings Group finished off at third.

Organizers, judges and finalists pose for a group photo. [Photos courtesy Xiangzhou District Committee of the Communist Youth League of China]

More than 30,000 online notes were delivered via the internet, revealing the most popular speechmaker – Liang Min.

The contest began in October and was sponsored by the Xiangzhou District Committee of the Communist Youth League of China and Guangdong Yonghui Culture Investment.