From Multi-Dimensional Thinking To Debating Confidence: 15 Teams Advance To The Finals Of Youth Speech & Debate Challenge 2026

The Preliminary Round of Youth Speech & Debate Challenge 2026 has officially concluded after more than two months, attracting over 450 secondary and high school students from five Vinschool campuses across Southern Vietnam.

Through more than 220 submitted presentation videos, contestants demonstrated multi-perspective approaches to global issues connected to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Beyond simply expressing opinions, many students showed strong reasoning skills and clear solution-oriented thinking. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the Organizing Committee selected the top 15 outstanding teams representing the five Southern Vinschool campuses to advance to the Final Round.

Ms. Hoàng Thị Huyền Diệu, Head of the Organizing Committee and Vice Principal of Vinschool Grand Park Secondary School – Standard Programme, shared:
“Many presentations reflected serious preparation, with logical argument structures and clearly developed ideas. Students also made effective use of various presentation formats such as visuals, videos, and storytelling, making their speeches more coherent and persuasive. In the next round, with a shorter preparation time, we hope to see contestants demonstrate even stronger quick-thinking skills, flexibility in processing information, and confidence in owning their presentations.”

Entering the Final Round, teams will draw topics live and have limited preparation time before presenting and engaging in debate. This challenge requires contestants not only to master argument structure, but also to communicate clearly and defend their viewpoints with confidence under pressure.

The Final Round will take place on May 9. Stay tuned and cheer on the finalists as they enter the last stage of the journey — a platform where young speakers shine through confidence, critical thinking, and personal voice.

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Youth Speech & Debate Challenge 2026 is an English public speaking and debating competition for Southern Vinsers in Grades 6–11, as well as lower and upper secondary students across Ho Chi Minh City. Designed as an in-depth academic forum, the competition provides students with opportunities to strengthen research thinking, analytical skills, and debating ability through topics linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this experience, students gradually broaden their perspectives, form independent viewpoints, develop social responsibility, and build confidence in discussing issues that matter to the wider community.

In the Preliminary Round, contestants selected one question from a grade-level topic bank and built evidence-based arguments to present through a recorded speech video. Finalists will draw questions by topic, deliver live presentations, and participate in debates before the Judging Panel to compete for prizes worth a total of up to VND 50 million.