How the competition has evolved over the years

1995: Huang Qing, then deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily, conceived the idea of holding a national English speaking competition in China. Preparation for the competition began soon afterward. March 1996: The first China Daily “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition took place. Twenty-two competitors from 22 universities and colleges participated. Liu Xin from Nanjing University, the champion, took part in the International Public Speaking Competition in London and stood out among 37 competitors from 27 countries, winning the championship. March 2000: Top universities in Hong Kong and Macao sent students to participate in the competition. March 2002: The first “21st Century Cup” English Speaking Competition for primary and high school students took place. April 2006: The 11th “21st Century Star of Macao Cup” National English Speaking Competition invited contestants from Japan, South Korea and Thailand to attend the event. June 2013: The organizing committee established the 21st Century Youth Public Welfare initiative, to address the competition’s humanitarian concerns. It also served as a powerful platform for publicity in 21st Century’s brand-building process. May 2014: The “21st Century Cup” National English Speaking Competition established its “Think & Share” initiative, which invited senior managers from corporations onto college campuses. March 2017: The 22nd “21st Century Cup Coca-Cola Cup” National English Speaking Competition was held in Nanjing. Chen Qiyu from Tsinghua University took the championship title. The organizing committee launched the China Daily 21st Century National Kids English Competition.