【Macau News Agency】Local students awarded in English essay competition themed on inclusiveness, diversity

Some 60 students have been honoured for their essays centred around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an awards ceremony held on Saturday at the Macao Science Centre. The second edition of the Macao-Wide English Essay Competition, organised by the Macau Speech Professionals Association, attracted 1,050 students from 46 local schools and educational institutions.

Under the overarching theme “An Inclusive World,” students were tasked with expressing their perspectives on how inclusiveness relates to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, considering the 17 SDGs outlined in the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” which was adopted by all 193 member states of the United Nations.

Sandy Leong, Vice President of the Macau Professional Speaking Association and Chair of the Macao-Wide English Essay Competition, told Macau News Agency that the organiser hopes this initiative “will encourage more discussions within the community about reducing inequalities and finding ways to achieve the global goals.”

The theme for the second edition of the Macao-Wide English Essay Competition, “An Inclusive World,” aligns with the commitment made by UN member states to ensure “no one will be left behind” during the adoption of the 2030 Agenda, added Sandy Leong.

Through this event, the organisers aim to “cultivate critical thinking on global affairs, enhance writing skills and confidence in English communication”, as well as “embrace the voices of student stakeholders in society and encourage the Macau community to collaborate towards a more sustainable future.”

Zhang Lin Xin, a University of Macau student, emerged as the first prize winner in the College Category with the essay titled “The Silence is Speaking,” while Sio Ka Wun from Macau Anglican College was distinguished with the top prize in the High School Category for the essay “Toppling the Paywall.”

In the Middle School Category, Lao Ho Wai, a student at Pui Ching Middle School, secured the top award with the essay “An Inclusive World.”

The youngest first prize winner was Ng Weng Lam from Santa Rosa de Lima English Secondary School, who wrote the essay “Our Planet, our Home” in the Upper Primary Category.

The “Empowerment Award” and “Best Achievement Award” were won by Premier School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School and Pui Ching Middle School respectively.