The Asia Institute teamed up with Kyung Hee Cyber University to hold an English language speech contest for students in elementary school, middle school and high school. The students delivered speeches entirely in English in front of a board of three judges on diverse topics ranging from Korean culture and international relations to climate change and social responsibility. The contest is part of a larger effort by Asia Institute to effectively draw young people into public debate and inculcate the skills of debate, rhetoric and systematic critical thinking about serious contemporary issues.
Director Emanuel Pastreich speaks to students about the leadership role they can play today.
Vice President Ahn Byung-Jin of Kyung Hee Cyber University, a noted political commentator and public intellectual, spoke to students about the importance of public engagement. 
Professor Lee Noshin, Chairman of the Asia Institute, spoke about the key points for a successful presentation. 
Students involved were from elementary school, middle school and high school. The presentations were spirited and remarkably effective. 
Judges and students pose together.