(KPL) The six winners of the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest 2025 were announced last Sunday at the Lao-Japan Budo Center in Vientiane, where Japanese language learners from the Lao PDR delivered impressive speeches to a supportive audience of teachers, friends, and families.

The winners were Ms. Nilanda Somphutaveep, Ms. Lia Yang, Ms. Angkham Vonglachit, Ms. Vilatda Phiakham, Mr. Soulideth Khammany, and Ms. Khueangern Chanlivong.

In the three-minute speech category, Ms. Nilanda Somphutaveep claimed first place for her speech titled “Try with Confidence.” Ms. Lia Yang took second place for her speech, “Education of Hmong Women,” and Ms. Angkham Vonglachit secured third for her speech, “Change Yourself.”

In the one-minute speech category, Ms. Vilatda Phiakham was named the winner for her speech, “My Diary.” Mr. Soulideth Khammany was awarded second place for “My Dream,” and Ms. Khueangern Chanlivong received third for her speech, “My Memories.”

The contest, organized by the Embassy of Japan and the Japanese Language Institute in the Lao PDR, was held in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Sports.

Dignitaries attending the event included Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Daravone Kittiphan, Ponmek Dalaloy, former President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association, and Phonekeo Chanthamaly, Director of the Lao-Japan Human Resource Development Institute at the National University of Laos.

Since its launch in 2004, the Japanese Speech Contest has provided a platform for Japanese learners to showcase their language skills and public speaking abilities, encouraging further development of communication skills.

This year’s contest included 17 participants in the reading section, 14 in the one-minute speech section, and 9 in the three-minute speech section, selected from a pool of 137 applicants. The competition was organized by the Japan Embassy and various Japanese language institutes in the Lao PDR.

Ambassador Tsutomu Koizumi of Japan to the Lao PDR delivered a message of encouragement to the contestants, expressing his appreciation for everyone involved in enhancing the quality of Japanese language education in Laos. “The Embassy of Japan is pleased to support all students in their study of Japanese, as well as those who assist them in their learning,” he said.

The judging panel assessed participants based on language proficiency, knowledge, and communication skills. The contest continues to play a crucial role in fostering future leaders who serve as cultural bridges between Japan and the Lao PDR. Many past participants, including former winners, have gone on to study in Japan or pursue careers with Japanese companies. The contest remains an important event for promoting mutual understanding and increasing interest in the Japanese language in Laos, and is expected to continue in the years ahead.

KPL