The 18th English Radio Drama Competition
The 18th English Radio Drama Competition for Schools
Registration for the 18th English Radio Drama Competition for Schools is already open and will remain accessible through January 16, 2026. To register and participate, simply fill out the online registration form or download the paper version, then email it to drama@mysmartabc.com or send it by fax at +852 2851 8422. There is no participation charge!
* Please read the following details first. Once registered, it represents that you and all participants have read and agreed to the terms and conditions.
Would you like your students to write the play script of a radio programme, showcase their talents and perform a creative English Radio Drama LIVE in front of audience?
We are extremely proud to write to you and invite your school to participate in our 18th English Radio Drama Competition for Schools. Last year, over 500 teams participated in our Radio Drama Competition. We were overwhelmed by the positive responses from the participating schools. This year, we are extremely excited to inform you that the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) continues to sponsor our Radio Drama Competition, six years in a row! We also had to thank all the students that participated in last year's competition!
Through this competition, your students will experience the magic of sound and the creativity of their voices. Students can learn and enjoy the fun of script-writing and acting; they can also develop team spirit, improve English language skills and build their confidence in expressing themselves in English. It will certainly be a marvelous learning experience for them.
ELIGIBILITY TO ENTER:
Students attending full-time schools in Hong Kong or Macau are eligible to enter the competition.
Students can form a team of no more than 5 members and submit a 5-minute play script of a radio drama
program with the above theme. Teams will represent their school, and each school can have more than
one team to participate. Each team can only submit one entry for the competition. Teams entering the
second phase of the competition will be asked to record their radio drama program in mp3 format and
submit to us before the deadline.
| Level | Grade |
|---|---|
| Primary School Division | P.1 to P.6 |
| Secondary School Division | S.1 to S.6 |
To provide students with greater opportunities to express their creativity and share their perspectives on significant issues, this year's radio drama competition includes themes such as “Chinese History and Culture”, "Personal Growth and Career Planning," "Information Technology and Social Development," "Sustainability and Life Attitude," and "Positive Values". Each theme includes a topic that allows participants to explore their creative focus.
Participating teams can choose from the following themes for this year's radio drama competition:
| No. | Theme | Topic | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chinese History and Culture | State of Etiquette and Righteousness | For centuries, Chinese culture has been celebrated as a "State of Etiquette and Righteousness," where manners and moral integrity are seen as the foundation of personal character and the harmony of families and society. Etiquette might be a simple greeting or an act of humility, while righteousness could be the courage to uphold justice or show kindness to others. In today’s world, how do we understand and practice these traditional values? How have they shaped your life and growth? Through your radio drama, share your unique reflections and insights on the essence of being a part of this "State of Etiquette and Righteousness. |
| 2 | Personal Growth and Career Prospects | Our Persona | At different stages of life, we all create a “persona” – a version of ourselves that we present to family, friends, teachers, or even on social media. Sometimes, this persona reflects who we truly are; other times, it is shaped by the expectations of others. But what happens when the persona we project conflicts with our authentic self? Have you ever tried to maintain a certain persona, only to feel lost in the process? Or, how have you broken free from the constraints of a persona to discover your true self? Through your radio drama, explore and reflect on the journey of "Our Persona. |
| 3 | Information Technology and Social Development | Algorithms 100 Years from Now | Imagine a world 100 years from now, where algorithms have permeated every facet of life—education, work, emotions, and decision-making. Do these algorithms make life more convenient and efficient, or do they strip humanity of autonomy, creating dependence and control? Are algorithms merely neutral lines of code, or do they conceal biases and risks that shape society in unseen ways? In this future world, how would you confront these challenges? How can humanity strike a balance between technology and human values? Through your radio drama, envision and reflect on “Algorithms 100 Years from Now,” exploring the delicate balance between technology and society. |
| 4 | Sustainability and Life | Act Now! | When it comes to tackling environmental issues or promoting sustainable development, ideas and discussions often abound, but real change begins with action. Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving energy, participating in community greening projects, or adopting a more sustainable lifestyle, even the smallest step can make a significant impact. Have you ever taken action to contribute to environmental protection or sustainability? How did these actions affect you or those around you? Through your radio drama, share your understanding and experience of “Act Now!” inspiring others to begin with small, meaningful steps to safeguard the planet’s future. |
| 5 | Positive Values | The Power of Unity | Whether it’s in a family, school, or community, there are moments when we must come together and collaborate. In times of difficulty or challenge, the power of unity can create extraordinary miracles. It might be a group striving toward a shared goal, or a small act of teamwork solving a big problem. Unity teaches us to support one another and bring out the best in everyone. Have you ever witnessed or been part of an inspiring act of unity? How did this strength change you or the world around you? Through your radio drama, share your reflections on “The Power of Unity,” inspiring others to believe in the value of working together. |
| January 16, 2026 (Fri) | Deadline of application |
| February 25, 2026 (Wed) | Phase 1- Script submission deadline * Please email your scripts to drama@mysmartabc.com or fax to 2851 8422 |
| March 16, 2026 (Wed) | Phase 2 - Announcement of the 30 semifinalists (15 teams from each level) * The lists will be announced on www.MySmartABC.com/Drama |
| Late March, 2026 (TBD) | Workshop on Script Writing and Voice Training for the semifinalists |
| Late March, 2026 (TBD) | Parent-Child Workshop on Performance Arts (conducted in Cantonese) |
| April 17, 2026 (Fri) | Phase 2- Deadline of the radio drama submission
* Submit a 5-minute radio drama in MP3 format with the script online * Please email your audio file to drama@mysmartabc.com |
| April 29, 2026 (Wed) | Announcement of the finalists * 5 teams from each division will perform their radio drama live for a panel of adjudicators and audience * The lists will be announced on www.MySmartABC.com/Drama Phase 3- Vote for the most popular drama online (April 30 - May 7) * The radio dramas will be uploaded to the website allowing the public to vote for the “Most Popular Performance Award” till May 7, 2026 (Thursday) at 12:00 noon at www.MySmartABC.com/Drama |
| Late May, 2026 (TBD) | Final Competition and Prize Giving Ceremony |
PRIZES FOR EACH LEVEL:
Gold Award with HK$2,000 Smart's Shopping Mall Coupon
Silver Award with HK$1,500 Smart's Shopping Mall Coupon
Bronze Award with HK$1,000 Smart's Shopping Mall Coupon
Merit Award
Best Performer Award
Best Script Award
Most Popular Performance Award
Judging Criteria
|
Phase 1 (Play script for a 5-minute radio drama) Content30% Expressiveness30% Creativity20% Grammar20% |
 |
Phase 2 (5-minute radio drama in mp3 format) Content40% Use of Articulation20% Voice Projection20% Expressiveness20% |
|
Phase 3 (Live Performance) Content20% Use of Articulation20% Voice Projection20% Expressiveness20% Teamwork & |
- Each team shall not submit more than one script.
- Each team must consist of no more than 5 students. Members of a team must be of the same level as listed.
- Any entries with obscene, violent, malicious or discriminatory elements or involving publicity of or advocating any persons or groups and illegal and unlawful act shall be disqualified.
- Play scripts must be of original content, and materials taken from pre-existing scripts by writers who are not part of the team are prohibited. Entrants who fail to comply will be disqualified.
- Entrants will be solely responsible for the content and any violations of copyright as a result of posting it.
- Entries will not be returned to the contestants.
- The organizer has the right to use, broadcast, share or re-use all entries of the competition.
- Participation in the competition will constitute the participants' consent to the organiser's use of the participants' names, likeness, voices, opinions, photos, scripts, audio, video, performance and information for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide; or authorisation for other parties to use and edit the above materials for educational purposes or publicity, without further payment or notification.
- The organizer shall own the intellectual property rights of all entries.
- Extra certificates will not be given to any replacement members of a team.
- The decision of the adjudicators regarding the competition results shall be final. Entrants shall have no right to raise objections. The organiser reserves the right to make final decisions on all aspects of the competition.
