First English-language public speaking competition themed on sustainability in Vietnam

Tailored to Vietnamese students aged between 11-24, "Speak to Inspire, Vietnam" is an English-language public speaking competition that aims to raise awareness of sustainability among the local community and to spur meaningful conversations on topics such as environmental conservation and climate change.

With population growth, urbanisation, and global warming threatening sustainability, "Speak to Inspire, Vietnam" provides a forum for Vietnamese youth to discuss and enhance their understanding of sustainability and global issues.

The competition consists of three stages, across three competing categories, including Speech, Storytelling, and Debate. To apply, students from junior, senior, and university levels will need to submit a 5-minute video in which they can choose to present, tell a story, or debate a sustainability topic via the website speak2inspire-asia.com between the application window from January 10 to February 9, 2022.

The submitted videos will be judged based on content, strategy, and style by a panel of national and international experts to determine the top 100 speakers to advance to the second round. Finalists will be invited to partake in a hands-on intensive training camp, led by international subject matter experts, and a final showcase.

The competition officially kicks off on January 10 with a total award of up to $87,000

Victoria Furniss, vice president of Global Public Policy at Netflix said, “We are very excited to partner with the US Embassy Hanoi and NPX Point Avenue to bring Speak to Inspire, Vietnam to the country and raise greater awareness for sustainability.”

“Netflix is at the start of a crucial journey in Southeast Asia to listen and learn about sustainability priorities in the region,” said Furniss.

“Through this partnership, I’m confident that Speak to Inspire, Vietnam will spur more meaningful conversations on topics such as environmental protection and climate change among the local community, and especially among the youth. I look forward to gaining new and insightful perspectives from our participants.”

Victoria Furniss, vice president of Global Public Policy at Netflix spoke at the launching ceremony of the competition

“The initiative will prepare young leaders to tackle serious issues of climate change and sustainability. In recent years, the US government has invested millions of dollars for local communities through regional environmental programmes such as the Mekong-US partnership. We are proud to work with our partners to secure a brighter future for the next generation,” said Holly Lindquist Thomas, chief of the Environment, Science, Technology and Health Section at the US Embassy.

“Ideas inspire progress and move the world. NPX Point Avenue’s mission is to empower tomorrow’s leaders to transform the world through wisdom, integrity, and compassion,” said Tommy Nguyen, COO of NPX Point Avenue. “Through Speak to Inspire, Vietnam, and in collaboration with Netflix and the US Embassy Hanoi, we aim to raise awareness of sustainability among the local community and help Vietnamese youth hone the art of communication as they share their passion before small and large audiences.”