“Speak to Inspire, Vietnam” was launched by NPX Point Avenue, in partnership with Netflix, a global streaming entertainment service, and the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi on 10 January 2022.

The competition consists of three stages, across three competing categories, including speech, storytelling and debate. It aims to raise greater awareness of sustainability and spur meaningful conversations on topics such as environmental protection and climate change. 

The competition attracted the participation of more than 700 student speakers of diverse backgrounds from 60 provinces nationwide to share their experiences and discuss ways to foster greater community engagement to build a more sustainable future. As many as 66 contestants were shortlisted for the Final Showcase, culminating in the crowning of the Top 15 Speakers, Storytellers, and Debaters.

Aimed at raising awareness and spurring meaningful conversations on sustainability topics such as environmental conservation and climate change, “Speak to Inspire, Vietnam” brought together over 700

“I joined this public speaking competition because I see it as my responsibility, and those of my classmates’ and peers’, to engage in important issues that affect us both locally and globally,” Nguyen Phuoc Nguyen – Youth Storytelling category participant.

“Climate change is not just found on television news, Netflix documentaries, and social media. It is real and everywhere. This is a rallying point for youth leaders to engage, collaborate, and inspire others to work towards a greener planet,” Nguyen added.

Prior to the Final Showcase, the 66 finalists underwent a three-day intensive training at Yen Tu, where they got a chance to learn and interact with over a dozen public speaking and sustainability experts from the U.S., South Korea, and Vietnam, to sharpen their public speaking skills and enhance their understanding of sustainability efforts globally.

The finalists also drafted a “sustainability manifesto”, promising to contribute the knowledge and skills gained to sustainability efforts in their communities.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper said: “I applaud our colleagues at Netflix and Point Avenue for their vision in creating this wonderful opportunity for Vietnamese youth to deepen their knowledge of sustainability. This competition took many months of planning, and it is great to see it come to fruition just prior to Earth Day. Congratulations to the students who made it to the final round of this competition. It hasn’t been easy, but your hard work has paid off.”

Ms. Moon Nguyet Phillips, Director of Public Policy, Southeast Asia at Netflix, said: “It has been remarkable to follow the journey of over 700 young and inspiring students across Vietnam, who have lent their voices to many thoughtful debates and meaningful conversations on topics of sustainability.”

“As we celebrate the winners of this public speaking competition today, we also celebrate the next generation of changemakers for a more sustainable Vietnam. We appreciate the great partnership of NPX Point Avenue and the US Embassy of Hanoi, and look forward to more opportunities where Netflix, as part of the entertainment industry, can contribute to sustainable solutions in the community”.

“It’s been truly inspiring for us to witness the high levels of engagement from Vietnamese youths on the topic of climate change and sustainability. Congratulations to all the winners and contestants. We encourage you to continue honing your public speaking knowledge and skills, but more importantly, we urge you to continue working collaboratively towards your shared ideas on sustainability to create meaningful change,” said Mr. Tommy Nguyen, Co-Founder and COO, NPX Point Avenue.

Top 15 champions:

PV