Hong Kong, (October 8, 2025) – SCMP Learn, the education division of the South China Morning Post, is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural storytelling competition STANCE. The initiative showcases storytelling in the English language as an essential skill for the next generation thriving in a global city.
The competition offers a unique platform for secondary school students in Hong Kong and beyond to sharpen their critical thinking, English storytelling, public speaking and writing skills while expressing their perspectives on issues shaping today’s world. By championing the power of storytelling, STANCE equips students with the ability to communicate confidently, engage meaningfully with international audiences and contribute to the city’s continued growth as a vibrant, globally connected metropolis that nurtures articulate, self-assured and dynamic young community leaders.
Open to all secondary school students in Hong Kong and beyond, STANCE challenges participants to submit an original written entry and, for shortlisted finalists, to deliver their ideas live on stage. Winners will receive cash prizes of up to HK$5,000 and they will be featured in Young Post, Hong Kong’s iconic youth media, and gain exclusive learning opportunities. Participants can choose from seven competition themes covering technology, social issues and inclusion, arts and culture, and more.
The competition will take place in two phases:
(1) Phase 1: Take a STANCE!
Students submit an original written piece on one of the themes via the official competition website by October 24, 2025. Entries will be assessed by a judging panel of senior SCMP editors and university academics based on news value, originality, logical and analytical thinking*. Ten entries per category will be shortlisted as finalists.
(2) Phase 2: Grand Finale Showcase
Taking place on January 17, 2026 at JC Cube, Tai Kwun, finalists will present their ideas live on stage in Hong Kong. Their live performances will be evaluated by a panel of senior SCMP editors, university academics and renowned storytellers, including actress and influencer Grace Chan and professional storytelling coach Gary Lo. Lo said, ‘Storytelling is about connecting facts with emotions. What sets STANCE apart is how it equips students to present well-reasoned ideas in a way that truly resonates with others.’
“We are thrilled to launch STANCE as a new platform that encourages and empowers the next generation to engage with the world around them,” said Tammy Tam, Editor-in-Chief of the South China Morning Post. “By blending critical thinking, English storytelling and writing skills, we hope to nurture confident young leaders who can shape tomorrow’s conversations.”
Applications are now open until October 24, 2025. Students are encouraged to take a STANCE and showcase their views via this exciting and unique platform. For more information, including detailed guidelines and submission instructions, please visit scmplearnevents.com/stance.
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For press enquiries or more information, please email: [email protected]
Competition Schedule
|
Date |
Event |
|
October 24, 2025, 11:59pm |
Phase 1 – Submission Deadline |
|
December 2025 |
Announcement of shortlisted participants |
|
January 17, 2026 |
Phase 2 – Grand Finale Showcase and Award Ceremony, Tai Kwun JC Cube |
Please refer to the STANCE official website for the latest information: scmplearnevents.com/stance
Phase 1 – Take a STANCE!
Submit a written piece expressing a personal viewpoint on one of seven designated themes, supported by research and structured storytelling.
- Deadline: October 24, 2025 (Friday), 11:59pm
- Submission: bit.ly/scmpstanceapplication
*Visit our official website and FAQ page for full guidelines
Phase 2 – Grand Finale Showcase
Top 10 finalists from each category will present their stories in an 8-10 minute speech, followed by a live Q&A session with a panel of expert judges and influential storytellers.
- Event Date: January 17, 2026 (Saturday)
- Event Venue: JC Cube, Tai Kwun
About SCMP Learn
SCMP Learn is an education-focused solution from The South China Morning Post, designed for educators, teachers and parents dedicated to nurturing the next generation’s English proficiency, critical thinking, leadership and other essential future-ready skills. Take learning beyond the classroom and unlock new possibilities with SCMP Learn.
For more information, please visit: https://www.scmplearn.com
