Positioned as an "International Elite Competition" for English and talent, Speak Up 2026 has broadened its scope after six seasons exclusively for Vietnamese students. This year's competition features two categories: Super Juniors (8-11 years old) and Smart Teens (12-15 years old). The program aims to develop English proficiency, critical thinking, and the ability to express viewpoints.
The competition structures its rounds to combine English presentations with talent showcases across various fields, including: arts, sports, technology, and storytelling. This approach provides students with opportunities to hone their presentation and critical thinking skills, command the stage, and demonstrate individual strengths.
A representative from ILA Vietnam, the competition's organizer, stated that the program's goal is not merely to find students with strong English skills. It also seeks to create an environment where participants learn to form their own opinions, speak up, articulate thoughts in English, listen to different perspectives, and inspire the community.
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Final debate round 2025. Photo: ILA |
Final debate round 2025. Photo: ILA
The organizers anticipate that the inclusion of international participants will not only expand the competition's scale but also foster a more diverse environment for different perspectives, experiences, and forms of expression.
Each participant brings a unique story, viewpoint, and expression from their national culture to the competition. Through each round, they have the chance to present their opinions, showcase their talents, and engage with different ways of thinking from their international peers.
Differences in cultural backgrounds and experiences place students in situations that demand clear and persuasive English for listening, adapting, and debating. This also serves as an opportunity for them to practice using English in a multicultural setting, moving beyond a sole focus on linguistic knowledge.
This year, participants will also have the chance to receive mentorship from experts associated with universities such as Harvard, Yale, and Cornell. Dancesport Queen Khanh Thi and dancesport master Phan Hien will also serve as mentors, sharing their experience on talent performance, stage presence, and competition psychology.
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Talent performance at Speak Up 2025 finals. Photo: ILA |
Talent performance at Speak Up 2025 finals. Photo: ILA
Speak Up 2026 comprises three rounds, with requirements specifically designed for the two age groups.
The preliminary round, "The Borderless Voice", runs from 25/8 to 4/10. Participants register online and submit a video, up to 6 minutes long, featuring an English presentation and a talent performance.
The top 60 participants will advance to the semi-finals, "The World Star", scheduled for 21-22/11 in Ho Chi Minh City. International participants will join online. Presentation topics will revolve around practical issues related to society, technology, and the future, combined with a themed talent performance.
The finals, "The Global Champion", are slated for 9/1/2027 in Ho Chi Minh City. Eight participants, four from each category, will compete to determine the two champions of the season.
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Champions of two categories in 2025. Photo: ILA |
Champions of two categories in 2025. Photo: ILA
According to the organizers, the total value of prizes and funding for Speak Up 2026 exceeds 1 billion VND. The Smart Teens champion will receive a summer study trip to the UK, while the Super Juniors champion will be awarded a summer study program in Singapore and Malaysia.
Second, third, and "Rising Star" prize winners will receive technology devices, domestic summer study programs, and English scholarships from ILA.
Beyond competition results, the program aims to help parents observe their children's abilities beyond academic scores, such as presentation skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking confidence.
Yen Chi
Registration for Speak Up 2026 for students aged 8–15 in Vietnam and the region is open until 4/10/2026. For detailed information and registration, please visit here.
