The University of Saint Joseph Macao Held “The 4th Macao-wide English Poetry Writing and Recital Contest”
The University of Saint Joseph Macao Held “The 4th Macao-wide English Poetry Writing and Recital Contest”
21
May
21/05/2025
This year’s contest, themed “Mini me in a wide wide world,” attracted an an outstanding 670 submissions from 56 schools and universities across Macao.
The University of Saint Joseph Macao (USJ) hosted “The 4th Macao-wide English Poetry Writing and Recital Contest” on the 17th of May 2025 at the Ilha Verde Campus, Auditório Centenário de Fátima. Sponsored by Jolly Kingdom (Macao), this annual event promotes English literacy and creativity through the art of poetry among local youth. It is open to all public and private primary, secondary and tertiary students in the Macao region.
This year’s contest, themed “Mini me in a wide wide world,” attracted an an outstanding 670 submissions from 56 schools and universities across Macao. After a multi-step selection process, 55 original poems were chosen for the final recitation round, representing 20 entries from the primary school category, 20 from secondary schools, and 15 from universities. To check for originality of each submission, all entries were screened using advanced AI-detection tools, reflecting the growing importance of authenticity in the digital age.
Finalists were invited to memorise and recite their poems before a distinguished panel of judges. Cash prizes were awarded to the winner, first runner-up, and second runner-up in each category, recognising outstanding talent and effort. Reflecting on the event, Professor Duncan Miers, Director of the English Language Centre at USJ remarked, “Whether the contestants won or not, each of the finalists could take great satisfaction for their achievements.” This sentiment was beautifully echoed by one young poet who shared: “I, a young poet, write to the sky without care. Stars greet my gaze, chiming my harmony with their perfect rhyme”.
The University of Saint Joseph congratulates all participants who took part for their creativity, and extends its welcoming to even more creative voices in the 5th Macao-wide English Poetry Writing and Recital Contest, which has the theme – “Splish, splash, a bit of this and a bit of that”: celebration of diversity.
This year’s panel of judges consisted of Dr. Keith Morrison, Emeritus Professor at USJ; Mr. Jeremy Philips, Lecturer at Macao University of Tourism; Ms. Laurinda Pereira, Lecturer at City University of Macao; Ms. Carmen Lei, Class Adviser at Sacred Heart Canossian College; Dr Alexandre Lebel past winner of the university category of the Macao-wide English Poetry Writing and Recital Contest; Dr Eric Kong, Principal Lecturer at the English Language Centre (ELC) of USJ; Prof. Geoff Churchill, Senior Lecturer at ELC; Mr Jack Ieong, Lecturer at ELC.
Special guests in attendance included Ms Tam Sio Wa, Head of the Division of Tertiary Educational Cooperation and Exchange at the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEDJ); and Ms Lena Hun from Jolly Kingdom Macau, sponsor of the 4th Macao-wide English Poetry Writing and Recital Contest.
The winners of “The 4th Macao-wide English Poetry Writing and Recital Contest” are:
Elementary Category
- Champion: Hong Hoi Tong (Colégio Diocesano de São José 5)
- First Runner-Up: Hoi Cheong U (Colégio Dom Bosco Yuet Wah)
- Second Runner-Up: ZHANG CHI SAM (Pui Ching Middle School)
Secondary Category
- Champion: Vera Win Naygye Maung (Sacred Heart Canossian College, English Section)
- First Runner-Up: SHELDON, HOI UN SON (Pui Ching Middle School (Coloane Campus))
- Second Runner-Up: Jang I Ieng (Hou Kong Middle School）
University Category
- Champion: John Christian Escoto Añover (University of Saint Joseph)
- First Runner-Up: Leong Ian Teng (University of Macau)
- Second Runner-Up: Chao Pak Hou (University of Macau)
(Elementary Category – Finalists)
(Elementary Category – Winners)
(Secondary Category – Finalists)
(Secondary Category – Winners)
(University Category – Finalists)
(University Category – Winners)
