The English Talent Contest 2025 (Year 7) was an outstanding success story that resonated deeply with everyone involved. Held at Van Hien University, an environment that encouraged both competition and creativity, this year's event brought together outstanding students from Van Hien University and nine other universities and colleges across Ho Chi Minh City.
The contestants competed in two main rounds: Debate and Situational Response. The Debate round was a highlight of the event, with teams engaging in ‘intellectual battles’ entirely in English on current and global topics. These topics included:
1. Governments should prioritize economic growth over environmental protection. Do you agree or disagree?
2. Artificial intelligence (AI) will do more good than harm to human society. Do you agree or disagree?
3. University students should be required to do community service before graduation.
4. Remote work should become the standard for all non-essential jobs. Do you agree or disagree?
5. Social media platforms should be banned for individuals under 18. Do you agree or disagree?
Demonstrating impressive language competence, sharp critical thinking and persuasive presentation skills, the contestants delivered engaging debates and showcased their individual strengths. Each section was a vivid demonstration of their talent, thorough preparation and deep academic passion.
Besides that, in the Situational Response round, contestants were further challenged to demonstrate their flexibility and fluency through scenario-based challenges related to study, work, and international cultural communication, posed by the panel of judges. More than just a test of competence, it was a showcase of heart, humor, and human connection.
Winners were selected based on their mastery of language, clarity of thought, presentation strength, and the professionalism they brought to the stage. The top performers left a lasting impression with their intellectual strength, confident stage presence, and deep engagement with the issues.
The results are as follows:
First Prize: Postma David Minh Luan – Van Hien University
Second Prize: Nguyen Thi Kim Thoa – University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University HCMC
Third Prize: Tran Duy Nhat Tien – Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education
Fourth Prize:
- Nguyen Hoang Le Vi – Van Hien University
- Vo Vu Phuong Thanh – Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH)
Consolation Prizes:
• Nguyen Tran Tuyet Trinh – Van Hien University
• Vu Thi Thuy Linh – Saigon International University (SIU)
• Huynh Gia Hy – University of Economics and Finance (UEF)
• Dang Minh Nhut – Van Hien University
• Nguyen Hoang Ky Anh – Nguyen Tat Thanh University
The event wrapped up not only with a profound professional impression but also marked a meaningful journey of integration and growth for students. It stood out as a well-regarded competition, uniting knowledge, determination, and creativity. Through the contest, students not only cultivated and developed their English proficiency but also had the opportunity to refine their academic, communication and international integration skills, gradually realizing the image of a generation of global citizens with aspirations to reach further.
A visual recap of key moments from the competition.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, President of Van Hien University, delivering the opening speech
Dr. Le Si Hai presenting flowers to this year's panel of judges
Participants competing in the Debate Round
Dr. Le Thanh Hoa presenting small gifts to lucky audience participants of the mini-game
A moment of victory for Postma David Minh Luan - this year’s champion!
Nguyen Thi Kim Thoa shines as this year’s runner-up
Tran Duy Nhat Tien - this year’s Third Prize winner
Vo Vu Phuong Thanh and Nguyen Hoang Le Vi, fourth-prize winners of this year's contest
Consolation prize winners: Nguyen Tran Tuyet Trinh, Vu Thi Thuy Linh, Huynh Gia Hy, Dang Minh Nhut and Nguyen Hoang Ky Anh
All contestants, judges and lecturers
A special moment with the audience, contestants, judges, organizers, and lecturers
Congratulations to the Faculty of Foreign Languages for successfully creating an enriching academic contest for students to become global citizens, proficient in English and well-rounded in various skills in this era of integration.