The Fifth Annual Korean Speech Contest 2022: Finals & Winners Announcement
[Image: Mr Yi Changhoon, Ms Cho Young-Ae, Ms Anna Kim, Dr Lucien Brown, Dr Andrew Jackson, Dr Daniel Pieper, Dr Jessica Huynh, MC Kim Tae-Seong, & contestants]
Please join us in congratulating all winners and participants of the Korean Speech contest!
The final round for the Monash Korean Studies 5th Annual Korean Speech Contest was held at Caulfield campus on October 7th, 2022. Contestants presented a 3-5 minute speech on “Life, Korea and Korean in the post-COVID world…”.
The event was a huge success and a memorable night for everyone. All participants did an outstanding job as the content and structure of each speech showcased their ability to express their passion and love for Korea and the culture in Korean.
We would like to extend our thanks to the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Melbourne Mr Yi Changhoon, our judges Ms Cho Young-Ae, Ms Anna Kim and Dr Jessica Huynh, Korean Studies' teaching associates and students, and family members for joining us and supporting all participants at the contest. Participants also received a lovely gift from the Consul-General.
Speech from the Consul-General Mr Yi Changhoon:
“First of all, I was surprised that Monash University opened and has been lecturing Korean studies since 1988. I couldn’t believe that lots of students have been learning Korean language in Melbourne because Korea was a small country in East-Asia which is not located close to Australia. Of course, interests in Korean language and culture have been growing around the world due to the influence of Hallyu idol groups such as BTS and Blackpink. But I’m sure only a few Australians recognize where Korea was in 1988 when Monash University first introduced the education of Korean language.
Dear participants, I believe that the reason to study the Korean language varies between individuals. But I’m sure that it is influenced by multiculturalism in your life. While you are learning Korean, I wish you will also expand your understanding of Korea; to understand why Korean culture is into entertainment such as singing and dancing, and why Korea is the only divided country today. Based on that deep understanding, I hope you will play an important role like a pipe and bridge connecting both countries (Australia and Korea) with a continuous stream of changes and introduce both nation’s culture to each other. I hope everyone will show their Korean skills today and enjoy the event.”
- Mr. Yi Changhoon (이창훈 총영사님), Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Melbourne
JUDGES:
Ms Cho Young-Ae (조영애 선생님) - Principal of Waverley Korean Language School & teacher at Victorian School of Languages
Ms Anna Kim (김수경 선생님) - Victorian School of Languages in Point Cook
Dr Jessica Huynh (제시카 후인 심사위원님) - MUKSRH Korean Studies Researcher
[Image (left to right): Ms Anna Kim, Ms Cho Young-Ae, Dr Jessica Huynh]
CONTESTANTS:
Group 1 candidates (Introductory category)
Shuen Yee (Gillian) Chan, Elvis (Bao Long) Tran, Kimberly Berger, Juan Santiago Ng Limbo, & Sofia Wang
Group 2 candidates (Intermediate category)
Rugmini Pillai, Francis (Bea) Ruelo, & Larissa Carbery
Group 3 candidates (Proficient category)
Angel Xim-Yeng Choong, Priscilla Poernomo, Samantha Lee, Abigail Ik-Wen Yong, Karmanpreet Kaur Sukhija, Nay Chi Lin Le, Emma Chandler, & Favour Emeka
[Image (left to right): Introductory candidates in 1st row, Intermediate candidates in 2nd row, Proficient candidates in 2nd & 3rd row]
CONTEST WINNERS & PRIZES:
1st Prize: AUD$5,000.00
3 x Runners up prizes: AUD$1,000.00 each
Participants were evaluated based on their fluency (how the speech was delivered), accuracy (pronunciation, grammar), use of a wide range of vocabulary, content and relevance of the speech. The following winners did exceptionally well in covering these areas as they presented an outstanding performance and actively engaged with the audience.
1st PRIZE WINNER - Nay Chi Lin Le (Proficient Category)
Nay Chi Lin Le is a 3rd year Biomedical Science student at Monash University.
“I have enjoyed watching Korean dramas and listening to K-pop since I was young.
This led me to take an interest in Korean language and culture.”
Check out Nay Chi's speech here:
Read Nay Chi’s interview with SBS here.
2nd PRIZE WINNER - Francis Bea Ruelo (Intermediate Category)
Francis Bea Ruelo is a VCE student (year 11) at Thomas Carr College.
“I am interested in KPOP and Korean TV shows.”
Check out Francis' speech here:
3rd PRIZE WINNER - Favour Emeka (Proficient Category)
Favour Emeka is a 3rd year Sociology & Criminology student at Warwick University (UK) and currently on an exchange program at Monash University.
“My interest in Korean started 10 years ago at 11 y/o when my sister showed me a clip of a funny Korean program. I started learning the language as a hobby but soon became interested in the country’s history, culture and society.”
Check out Favour's speech here:
4th PRIZE WINNER - Kimberly Berger (Introductory Category)
Kimberly Berger is a 1st year Biomedical Science student at Monash University.
“Although my original interest in the Korean language began with the entertainment industry (music/film), I’ve since grown to love the language itself. I especially appreciate the linguistics behind the grammar.”
Check out Kimberly's speech here:
Congratulations again to our winners!!
Watch the full contest event here:
Read the article by Melbourne Journal (멜번저널) here.