On November 17, 2025, XJTU students excelled at the Grand Final of the 30th "21st Century Cup" National English Speaking Competition, with Liu Ziyan (Computer Science) securing a first prize, and Li Feiyi (ACCA) and Wang Feiran (Artificial Intelligence) winning second prizes. SFS faculty members Zhang Jingjie and Qian Xi were awarded the title of "Outstanding Coaches."
Established in 1996, the "21st Century Cup" serves as the exclusive Chinese qualifier for the International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC). It is officially recognized by China's Ministry of Education as a top-tier academic competition, aimed at enhancing young Chinese people's ability to tell China's stories, facilitating global dialogue, and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
Guided by China Daily and organized by 21st Century, this year's competition has attracted over 200,000 contestants from nearly 2,000 schools across 33 regions since its launch in February 2025. Following rigorous school and provincial level selections, 350 finalists advanced to the national stage. The final rounds tested contestants through high-pressure formats, including "1-on-1 knockout" impromptu speeches and a comprehensive second round featuring prepared speeches, impromptu sessions, and Q&A. Centered on the theme "Living within and beyond the 21st century", XJTU contestants engaged in deep dialogues regarding the synergy between modern youth and the digital wave of AI. The judging panel evaluated participants based on three dimensions: depth of thought, language proficiency, and overall delivery. The XJTU team stood out for their agile thinking, strong national identity, and sense of social responsibility.
Supported by XJTU's Practical Education Center, Department of Academic Affairs, and SFS, the contestants received systematic, one-on-one training that comprehensively enhanced their practical language proficiency and critical thinking abilities. Looking ahead, SFS will further deepen its integrated model of "Curriculum Development, Technological Empowerment, and Competitive Practice", building a multi-dimensional, diverse, and robust language learning support system for all XJTU students. SFS will continue to cultivate well-rounded talents equipped with exceptional global competence and cross-cultural communication skills.
