The first round of this year's "AIA Quest for the Champion Communicator" competition, organised by the Association of International Accountants with The Hong Kong Jockey Club as its Diamond Sponsor, was held in Hong Kong on 22 February. Ten contestants from Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Zhuhai demonstrated their language skills through giving speeches in turn in English, Cantonese and Putonghua on topics covering major cross-border construction project and current affairs subjects.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has always been supportive of activities that enhance the language abilities of Hong Kong people. This is the fourth year the Club has sponsored the contest, which aims to raise the language proficiency of tertiary students in Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China.
Speaking at the event, the Club's Executive Director of Corporate Development Kim Mak observed that "with increasing competition for career and training opportunities, students must be able to present their best qualities with impact and be better equipped to understand and face issues that affect the wider community."
He encouraged students not to be pessimistic under the current global financial turmoil. "The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Over past years, we have always stood with the community and the people of Hong Kong, " he said. "Through our belief in the can-do spirit of this great city, as we demonstrated in preparing for the Olympic equestrian events in record time, and joining hands with the people of Sichuan in reconstruction, we remain committed to the community and optimistic about the future."
At the end of the competition, Mr Mak presented trophies to the top three students who will now contest the final round of competition in Jinan, Shandong Province on 12 April.
