60th Anniversary Commemorative English Speaking Contest for Korea-Canada Diplomatic Relations

This contest is hosted by the non-profit organization AMMC in Vancouver, Canada, in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Canada in 2023.

For Applicants Residing in Canada

The contest is a collaboration between St. Mark's College and Corpus Christi College, Catholic universities in Vancouver. It is a trusted contest supported by the Canadian Federal Senate, the Honorary Consul of Korea in Canada, and Vancouver JoongAng Daily.

The top winner of this contest will be invited to attend the Han-Canada diplomatic relations 60th anniversary event at the InterContinental Hotel in Gangnam on September 9th, 2023, and given a speech opportunity (round trip airfare included).

Participants

  • Preschool

  • Elementary School

  • Middle School

  • High School

Eligibility

Canadian residents attending regular schools, special schools (schools for the visually impaired, developmentally disabled, etc.), or homeschooling. If a school or homeschooling cannot distinguish between elementary, middle, and high school, the participant's category will be determined by their birth year.

The contest consists of preliminary and final rounds, and those who achieve high scores in the preliminary rounds will automatically advance to the final round without additional registration.

Final round participants are expected to participate offline, but if there are special circumstances (e.g. long distance), they may be evaluated through online or preliminary round videos (to be announced later).

Registration fee:

  • $50 for all participants

  • $25 for individuals with proof of developmental disability

Topics

High School

  • The impact of economic inequality on global peace

  • The role of nonviolent resistance in achieving peace

  • The importance of addressing climate change in promoting global peace

  • The role of youth in promoting peace and conflict resolution

  • The impact of technology on global peace and security

  • The role of the media in promoting peace and addressing conflict

Middle School

  • The importance of kindness and empathy in promoting global peace

  • The role of teamwork in achieving global peace

  • The importance of protecting the environment for global peace

  • The role of children in promoting peace and tolerance

  • The importance of forgiveness in promoting global peace

  • The role of education in promoting global peace

Elementary Gr 4-7

  • How to handle conflicts with friends in a peaceful way

  • The impact of bullying on friends and how to prevent it

  • The benefits of having friends from different cultures

Elementary Gr 1-3

  • Why is it important to be friendly to other people?

  • How protecting the environment is important

  • How to get along with friends whose languages are different

Kindergarten

  • Introducing my Best Friend

  • Introducing my Family

  • Talking about my fun vacation

  • Talking about my dream

Presentation Time & Evaluation Criteria

The contest will be judged by English teachers and professors from Korea and Canada's well-known academies, as well as professors from St. Mark's College and Corpus Christi College and the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Participants should present their written work according to the topic and time allotted, and must finish within the designated time. Presentations are memorized, and any deviation from the written content or exceeding the allotted time may result in a deduction of points.

  • Preschool/Elementary School (Gr.1-3): 1 minute and 30 seconds

  • Elementary School (Gr.4-7)/Middle School: 2 minutes

  • High School: 2 minutes and 30 seconds

  1. Providing Data based on the topic and persuasiveness

  2. Accuracy of pronunciation, natural expression, and intonation

  3. Emotional processing

  4. Confidence

  5. Attitude (Gesture)

Evaluation Criteria

It is important to have your own expression with the same topic.

No matter how good the manuscript is, it ultimately requires a specialness that can attract attention to oneself when speaking in front of someone.

A comfortable sound size and intonation that are not too loud or small for the listener.

Tools can be used if necessary (such as photos).

Tips

Important Dates

  • Application deadline: Saturday June 3

  • Announcement of successful candidates: Saturday June 10

  • Final competition: Saturday June 17, 2PM or later (Vancouver time)

Detailed information will be announced on the website and individually notified to the finalists

The final competition will be conducted both online and offline.

Note On Selecting Winners

  • If there is a tie among the winners, the participant with the younger age will be given priority.

  • If there is a tie among the winners, participants in the international section (including those who have experience living abroad and international schools) residing in Korea will be given priority over participants currently residing in Canada.

  • Presentation order (only for the final) is determined in alphabetical order by the last name or by distinguishing between online and offline participants. Korean and English names must be provided together when applying.

    • Example: Park Mun Soo

Prizes and Special Awards

The top scorer among the gold medal winners will receive a cash prize of $300 Canadian dollars, a certificate of commendation from a Canadian federal senator, an invitation to the 60th anniversary event of HANKASU, a complimentary ticket worth $200, and a special award. If the top scorer is a Canadian resident, a plane ticket will be provided.

  • Gold medal in each category:

    • $300 Canadian dollars and a certificate of commendation from a Canadian federal senator

  • Silver medal in each category:

    • $150 and a certificate of commendation from the President of St. Marks

  • Bronze medal in each category:

    • A certificate of commendation from the Korean Honorary Consul General in Canada

  • Encouragement Award:

    • A certificate of commendation and a bronze medal from the Vancouver Central Daily News, or a description of the presentation content by the highest scorer

  • Ambrose Special Award:

    • Decided by the Board of Directors

The Vancouver Central Daily News will announce the list of winners and the winning article.

  • Consulting opportunities provided by JM Education

  • Volunteering opportunities for all events hosted by AMMC

  • 50% reduction in application fees for the HANKASU 60th Anniversary International Music Competition hosted by AMMC

Notes and Application

To prevent omissions of participants, the name of the participant and the name on the transfer must be the same for e-transfer. If not, please contact the organizers.

AMMC may use the participant's photos, voice, recorded video, etc. for promotion purposes, etc.

Dates and other information are subject to change due to unforeseeable events.