On the morning of March 17th, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the City Union of Friendship Organizations, and the Japanese Business Association in Vietnam - Hai Phong branch collaborated to host the Grand Finale of the Japanese Speech Contest in Hai Phong City. This marked the 8th edition of the contest in 2024.
Present at the commencement of the culminating phase of the competition was Vice Chairman Le Khac Nam of the City People's Committee, Second Secretary Sinsuke Yonemori of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, as well as representatives from various pertinent departments, branches, and units.
Addressing the commencement of the Final Round of the Contest, Vice Chairman Le Khac Nam of the City People's Committee emphasized the paramount role of Japan as a key player in economic, trade, investment, tourism, and labor relations in Hai Phong. The substantial contributions of Japan's major economic corporations have been instrumental in this partnership. Over the years, the Japanese language has been integrated into the curricula of numerous high schools in Hai Phong city, garnering enthusiastic reception from students. Proficiency in Japanese has become indispensable for many students seeking to pursue higher education or engage in cultural exchange programs in the picturesque region of Phu Tang.
In the spirit of fostering friendship, the 8th Japanese Speech Contest is being held to deepen mutual understanding between the two nations, thereby cultivating a well-prepared younger generation equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote peace on a global scale. The Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee envisions that beyond the confines of this competition, the initiative to learn Japanese will shine as a beacon of intellectual curiosity, thereby enriching the pool of human resources and talents, and ultimately strengthening the amicable ties between Hai Phong and various regions in Japan.
The competition garnered the involvement of numerous participants from various sectors such as businesses, foreign language institutions, as well as high schools and middle schools within the city. Following the initial round, the Organizing Committee handpicked 10 outstanding contenders to advance to the Final Round. During this stage, the 10 contestants were divided into two groups, each taking their turn to deliver presentations showcasing their perspectives and insights on the realms of collaboration and cultural interchange between Vietnam and Japan. Furthermore, they engaged in direct dialogue with the panel of judges to bring the examination to a close.