USTC: First USTC English Speaking Contest kicks off
On the evening of November 19, the first annual of USTC “Huanyu Cup” English Public Speaking Contest was successfully held at the East Campus of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). The event was jointly supported by Office of International Cooperation and other departments of USTC, in a bid to fulfill the fundamental requirement of developing students with high moral values and international horizon, as well as encourage students to tell China’s stories.
Deputy principal, DU Jiangfeng attended the contest and delivered a speech. Teacher representatives and faculty in charge from contestants’ colleges have participated as well. Judges consist of QU Kun, director of Office of International Cooperation, Prof. HU Anlin of Hefei University of Technology, Dr. Murray Wayne Sherk, a foreign linguist of English Practice Center and ZHANG Manjun, chief of English Practice Center.
At the beginning, DU Jiangfeng pointed out that the theme “My Country and I” is consistent with context of the times. The year 2021 marks the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). In the past ten decades, the Party led the Chinese people embarked on the journey of making the fulfillment of the Second Centenary Goal. The University is featured by red heritages and dare to be pioneers, as a result, USTC students are expected to develop into the ones with patriotism and sense of responsibility.
Currently, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, international exchanges are restricted to some extent. In response to the University’s efforts to foster an atmosphere of internationalism, various activities have been organized and the platform for communication between Chinese and foreign students is under formation. As is hoped that, through this contest, students’ comprehensive quality and ability to tell China’s stories can be enhanced, and they are also expected to continue self-improvement efforts and get well-prepared for the international communication in the post-pandemic era.
After the first and second rounds of competition, contestants from ten schools including several Institutes competed with each other. They expressed heartfelt patriotism by sharing real experiences and stories around them in fluent English. Considering each contestant’s on-site interaction and overall quality, judges gave strict scoring and made their immediate comments. In the spirit of equity and justice, finally, LIANG Zhiyuan, School of Engineering Science, QU Shang, School of the Gifted Young, and ZHANG Huijuan, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory won the first, second and third prize, respectively. Deputy principal DU Jiangfeng and other school leaders awarded cups and certificates to the prize winners.
Besides, “Excellent Organization” prize was granted to School of the Gifted Young, School of Engineering Science, School of Earth and Space Sciences, National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, and Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The first annual of USTC English Public Speaking Contest was organized in an effort to build a mutual learning and communication platform for all Chinese and foreign students in USTC. In the principle of selecting or recommending a undergraduate and a postgraduate from each school and Institute, the contest sets first, second and final rounds of competition. Looking forward, the English Public Speaking Contest, aimed by “USTC characteristics, Global Vision, and Patriotism”, will become an importance stage for telling China’s story and showcasing students’ good quality.