At just 11 years old, Soopia Chang has become the first Australian to claim victory at the World Korean Speech Final in Vietnam, beating over 1,000 entrants from 24 countries. Her powerful speech on preserving Korean heritage earned her the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award and built a cultural bridge between Korea and Australia.
Representing Korean Australians, Soopia delivered a speech that resonated deeply with judges and audiences alike. Her topic? The resilience of the Korean people in restoring their heritage and language. ‘I wanted to have a deeper connection with my language, culture, and history,’ Soopia explained when asked what inspired her to enter the competition.
Her speech stood out for its clarity and emotional depth. I think it was the best speech because it had a deep meaning throughout and was expressed clearly and passionately, which helped it resonate in the audience’s mind, she said.
Winning the Prime Minister’s Award was a moment of pride and reflection for Soopia. ‘I felt honoured receiving the award as I felt proud of the hard work I’ve done throughout the experience. I believe that I set a bridge between Korea and Australia as I represented Australia with my speech,’ she shared. She was quick to acknowledge the support behind her success: ‘This couldn’t have happened without the Santa Sabina teachers and students supporting me throughout my journey.’
Soopia’s achievement is more than a personal victory – it’s a celebration of cultural connection and perseverance. Her story reminds us that age is no barrier to making an impact on the world stage.
