Using language to celebrate Chinese culture, and communication to showcase the confidence and character of young learners, Harrow Hengqin students took to the stage at the 3rd AISL Harrow Huasheng Championships. Eleven students, guided by Harrow’s value of Fellowship, expressed their passion through recitation and speech, supporting one another throughout the journey.
About the AISL Harrow
Huasheng Championships
The AISL Harrow Huasheng Championships are a flagship language platform created by the AISL. Centred on the theme “Voices Across the Greater Bay Area, Dialogues for the Future”, the event brings together students from across AISL campuses to learn, exchange ideas and grow together. The competition includes three categories: recitation, speech and summit forum. Through these activities, students develop language skills, critical thinking and confidence in communication, while embracing Harrow’s commitment to collaboration and lifelong learning.
Harrow Hengqin Delegation
This year, 11 students from different year groups represented Harrow Hengqin. Nine students competed in recitation and speech events, working closely together in preparation by refining scripts, sharing techniques and encouraging one another.
Two students were also selected for the summit forum, where they discussed global issues relevant to young people.
Cantonese Recitation
Group A Champion: Sofia G4
Mandarin Recitation
Group A Runner-up: Ana G3
Mandarin Recitation
Group A Third Place: Harper G4
Mandarin Recitation
Group B Third Place: Jenny G6
Mandarin Speech Third Place:
Charles G7
Cantonese Speech Fourth Place: Andrew G8
Summit Forum Gold Award:
Derrick G9
Summit Forum Gold Award:
Lydia G7
Mandarin Speech,
Best International Perspective Award :
Catherina G9
Mandarin Speech, Judges' Special Award :
Alieen G8
Mandarin Recitation Group B,
Best Pronunciation Award :
Evan G5
Group Award:
Gold Award for Recitation Masters Group
Highlights from the Performances
On stage, our students spoke with confidence and sincerity, sharing emotion, reflection and personal stories through their performances.
True growth does not come from shining alone. It comes from bravely sharing your light to illuminate others. This reminds me of Grandpa Jin Bo’s beautiful poem “Friendship”:
Friendship is like a ray of sunshine,
Lighting the dark corners of your heart;
Friendship is like a spring breeze,
Blowing away the clouds of your worries.
What is Atule’er Village? Outsiders call it a cliff village, while the grandmothers there say it is the place closest to heaven. It is a village, a community, a path towards a better life.
Look, spring has come, and the mountain flowers are blooming—so simple, so pure. Each petal tells the story and myth of Atule’er.
As Wang Guozhen wrote:
How can I thank you
When I come to you?
I intended to gather a breeze of spring,
But you gave me the whole spring.
How can I thank you
When I come to you?
I intended to hold a handful of waves,
But you gave me the entire ocean.
How can I thank you
When I come to you?
I intended to pick a red leaf,
But you gave me a whole forest of maples.
How can I thank you
When I come to you?
I intended to kiss a snowflake,
But you gave me a silver world.
What is fellowship? Einstein once said: “The meaning of life is to put yourself in others’ shoes, to share their worries and their joys.” True fellowship is reaching out your hand when someone is in need.
Sofia G4
Cantonese Recitation
Some say life is a long road with no end.
Along the way, some walk fast, some slow; our steps never match. Sometimes the sun shines, sometimes storms fall, clouds block the sky, and the path ahead seems unclear. But I have always believed that no one walks this road alone.
You may have experienced being caught in a downpour without an umbrella, helpless, when someone silently offers you theirs. What you receive is not just an umbrella—it is quiet kindness.
I still remember my first day at Harrow Hengqin, feeling nervous and excited. Standing at the classroom door, my palms were slightly sweaty, my heart beating like a drum. I kept thinking: what if no one wants to be my friend?
During the first class meeting, a curly-haired student who spoke Cantonese came up to me and asked with a smile, “Would you like to be my friend?” I was surprised—never had a stranger approached me so warmly and broken my anxiety. From that moment, we became good friends.
One can walk fast alone, but a group travels farther. I once studied alone for a term and did well in exams, yet isolated myself from others. Later, I studied with friends—testing each other, correcting each other’s work. No matter the results, someone would pat my shoulder and say, “Come on, lunch time.” That warmth has become my motivation and strength to keep moving forward.
There are many stories of fellowship, some shared with those nearby, others across great distances. This January, our school launched the “Warm Winter Charity” project to build a bridge of support with children of the same age in Hunan’s mountainous regions.
When I saw the children’s small but specific wishes, I decided to help make one come true. I was paired with a girl named Lili. Using my New Year’s money, I carefully selected winter clothes, study supplies, and a badminton racket for her. I also drew a card filled with encouragement and blessings. I packed everything into a box, which travelled over 1,600 kilometres to reach her hands.
Andrew G8
Cantonese Speech
Mencius said: “Those who love others will be loved; those who respect others will be respected.” This expresses the simplest principle of human reciprocity: how you treat others is how they will treat you. Aristotle also said: “The virtue of a friend is our consolation.” It is not just friends—on everyone’s path of growth, there are times of helplessness when we need help, and moments when we can reach out and become a light for someone else.
The Power of Recitation and Speech
At Harrow Hengqin, recitation and speech are far more than public speaking exercises. They are an important part of Chinese language education and personal development.
Recitation allows students to engage deeply with literature, strengthening language skills while developing cultural understanding and emotional expression.
Speech encourages critical thinking, confidence and clear communication. From overcoming nerves to presenting ideas with composure, each experience helps students grow into thoughtful and capable young leaders.
Moving Forward with Confidence
At the 3rd AISL Huasheng Cup, Harrow Hengqin students demonstrated confidence, thoughtfulness and teamwork through recitation, speech and discussion. We congratulate all participants on their excellent achievements and look forward to seeing them continue to grow through language, culture and collaboration.
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