Set for Friday, jointly hosted by Korea Herald and Australian Embassy in Seoul

Marks fifth anniversary of Korea-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee chairman's award, Herald chairman's award, Australian ambassador's award to be given

"An exchange event highlighting friendship and cooperation beyond a speech contest"

Herald Media Group announced Thursday that it will host the 55th Korea Herald English Speech Contest jointly with the Australian Embassy in Seoul on Friday.

This year's event marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Australia, as well as the fifth anniversary of the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and will be held at the Kyobo Life headquarters building in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

The contest is being co-hosted with the Australian Embassy for the first time this year. This expands its scope beyond a traditional speech competition into an international exchange event highlighting friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The Korea Herald English Speech Contest traces its roots to the first national English oratory contest held in 1953 by The Korean Republic, the predecessor of the Korea Herald. Now in its 55th year, the contest has produced winners of the presidential award, the prime minister's award and the National Assembly speaker's award over the decades. It has contributed to the development of English proficiency, global communication skills and leadership among South Korean youth.

This year's program combines the contest's 55-year tradition with a special session commemorating the 65th anniversary of Korea-Australia relations. It encourages participants to reflect on the significance of bilateral ties and international communication, beyond simply competing in English.

Kindergarten and elementary school students who advanced through preliminary rounds will showcase their English speaking skills in the finals. Following the competition, a special panel discussion on Korea-Australia relations and global communication will be held, along with an awards ceremony. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies from both countries are expected to attend to encourage the participants' efforts and growth. Winners will receive the Herald Media Group chairman's award, the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee chairman's award, and the Australian ambassador's award.

The event is officially sponsored by Tourism Australia, with two round-trip international tickets on Korean Air offered as a special prize for participants.

"This year's contest combines the 55-year tradition of the English speech contest with the meaningful occasion of the 65th anniversary of Korea-Australia relations, giving participants a firsthand experience of the value of English and global communication," a Herald Media Group official said. "With key officials and figures from both countries taking part, we expect this to be an occasion to share in the challenges and growth of our youth as well as the friendship between Korea and Australia."


realbighead@heraldcorp.com