The National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, under the Ministry of Culture, held the 2025 Foreign Students Mandarin Speech Contest today (Nov. 25). After intense deliberation, Wen Keqiao from the United States won first place with the speech “Silence and Frankness.” The top four winners and merit awardees were announced and honored with certificates and cash prizes:
• 1st place: NT$20,000
• 2nd place: NT$16,000
• 3rd place: NT$12,000
• 4th place: NT$8,000
• Merit award: NT$6,000
Director Wang Lan-sheng stated that this contest, now in its 52nd year since its inception in 1973, is the Memorial Hall’s longest-running and most iconic event. It provides a platform for international cultural exchange, allowing students to share life experiences in Mandarin and fostering global connections. This year’s speeches showcased creativity, blending rational and emotional perspectives, and encouraged cross-cultural dialogue.
Deputy Director Chiu Wen-chih noted that the contest welcomed 54 students from 16 countries and 20 universities, promoting Mandarin learning and cultural understanding. Topics included:
• How to Understand Taiwanese Politeness
• My View on AI
• Silence and Frankness
• Cultural Shock in Taiwan
• If I Could Go Back to That Day
Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including degree-seeking students and those studying Mandarin. Stories ranged from Thai students with unique life paths to Japanese and Vietnamese contestants sharing cultural experiences.
After a seven-hour competition, the winners were:
• 1st: Wen Keqiao (USA)
• 2nd: Zhang Kun (USA)
• 3rd: Bei Ting-sheng (USA)
• 4th: Gao Tong-hong (Thailand)
Merit awardees included students from Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, and others.