SOTY 22/23: Putonghua second runner-up explains why Hong Kong students should learn Mandarin
- Tam Wang-fung began learning the language at age 3 and triumphed over native speakers at nationwide dubbing competition in Beijing
- Ying Wa College student says Mandarin opens up more opportunities in the Greater Bay Area
Tam Wang-fung, a Form 6 Hong Kong student at Ying Wa College is promoting learning Mandarin. Photo: Tyrone SiuTam Wang-fung, a Form Six student at Ying Wa College in Hong Kong, vividly recalled his first trip to Beijing for a dubbing competition five years ago.
During this memorable visit, Tam was captivated by the sights and sounds of iconic places like Tiananmen Square, which he had previously only read about in books. He was particularly awestruck by the extensive sporting facilities, including ones used in the Olympics – a rarity in his home city of Hong Kong.
The trip opened his eyes to how valuable it was to know Mandarin.
“The [competition] was truly enjoyable, and I realised that people from various parts of China had gathered in Beijing to participate. I came to see that Mandarin was not merely a language but an expression of art,” Tam said.
Tam’s Mandarin journey began at the age of three, largely due to encouragement from his parents. He actively took part in Mandarin recitation competitions, and on his visit to Beijing, reminisced about the stories his parents shared about their own childhood and experiences in mainland China, painting a fascinating perspective of the country.
Triumphing over native Mandarin speakers in a nationwide dubbing competition in Beijing was a remarkable feat for Tam. He was further recognised for his linguistic prowess when he was named second runner-up in the Linguist (Putonghua) category at the prestigious Student of the Year Awards, organised by the South China Morning Post and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
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His active participation in Mandarin recitation competitions showcases Tam’s dedication to the language. He also served as president of the Putonghua Club at Ying Wa College, promoting Mandarin within the school. He aimed to equip his fellow students with essential language skills for the future by underlining the importance of Mandarin training for better career prospects and organised a range of engaging activities, such as Mandarin film screenings, riddle-solving sessions and musical events to attract students to the club.
He advocates for his peers to learn Mandarin not just because it is a valuable language skill but because it also promises better opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. He believes in the complementary strengths between Hong Kong and mainland China, emphasising Hong Kong’s international exposure and agility in the pace of work.
He advocates for his peers to learn Mandarin not just because it is a valuable language skill but because it also promises better opportunities in the Greater Bay Area. He believes in the complementary strengths between Hong Kong and mainland China, emphasising Hong Kong’s international exposure and agility in the pace of work.
Currently in Form Six, Tam aspires to pursue higher education in law-related courses at university, with a keen interest in the legal frameworks of Hong Kong and mainland China along with a potential career in education.