Over the past year, members of the CUHK United College Toastmasters Club (UCTMC) have actively participated in a wide range of special meetings and events, gaining valuable hands‑on experience while continuously developing their public speaking and leadership skills. Through meaningful engagement, practical learning opportunities, and interactions with fellow members, they broadened their horizons and built greater confidence. Their enthusiasm and commitment reflect UCTMC’s vibrant learning culture and strong sense of community.

UCTMC members also achieved outstanding results in recent Toastmasters Area and Division Contests. Five representatives from the Club competed against highly experienced speakers from community clubs, many of whom had years of public speaking experience. Despite the intense competition, two UCTMC members successfully secured top‑three placements in their respective categories. At the Area H2 Contest, Club President Alan H K Lam was awarded Second Runner‑up in the Evaluation Speech Contest, while new member Sanna Y H Ho earned Second Runner‑up in the Table Topics Contest. Advancing to the Division H Contest, Alan once again demonstrated his excellence by achieving third place in the Evaluation Speech Contest. These remarkable achievements highlight the strong speaking abilities, dedication, and high standards consistently cultivated within UCTMC.

Beyond competitions, UCTMC has remained committed to fostering cultural exchange through active collaboration with other organisations. This included joint events with the Malayalam Academy Hong Kong and the Kairali Youth Impact Gavel Club of Hong Kong. During these joint meetings, participants delivered inspiring speeches that encouraged cross‑cultural dialogue and showcased diverse speaking styles. In addition, UCTMC members volunteered as facilitators for the Youth Impact Conference and regular Gavel Club meetings, contributing their skills to the wider Toastmasters community. Following the Mid‑Autumn Festival, UCTMC also joined other Area H2 Toastmasters Clubs for a collaborative social gathering, where members enjoyed watching—and in some cases competing in—a lively Tall Tales Contest, alongside karaoke, table tennis, and board games in a warm and joyful atmosphere.

In May 2026, President Alan H K Lam, Vice President of Education Emma K Y Chan, and Vice President of Public Relations Vianne Y K Lai represented UCTMC at the District 89 Conference held at the Zhuhai Renaissance Hotel. Alan was selected as one of the conference emcees, giving him the opportunity to apply his hosting and public speaking skills on a major stage outside Hong Kong. During the Opening Ceremony, Emma proudly presented the Club’s banner on stage. UCTMC was further honoured during the Hall of Fame session, where it was officially recognised as a Select Distinguished Club, affirming the Club’s outstanding achievements over the past year.

UCTMC also continues to bring creativity into its regular meetings. In January 2026, one of the regular meetings was transformed into a special session held at the Si Yuan Amenities Centre. In addition to the usual speech segments, members enjoyed a buffet dinner generously sponsored by the College, allowing learning and social interaction to blend seamlessly in a relaxed setting.

To celebrate the Club’s growth and to strengthen bonds among members, end‑of‑term parties were organised by a team led by the Sergeant at Arms, Alonso S C Ng. Held at i‑Lounge, these gatherings were filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and memorable moments that further reinforced the strong sense of camaraderie within UCTMC.

Looking ahead, UCTMC will launch the ‘Voices of Hope’ programme in the summer of 2026. This meaningful initiative aims to empower children with cancer and their family members through public speaking and communication training. Supported by Mediclover and the CUHK Shaw College Toastmasters Club, and organised in partnership with the Children’s Cancer Foundation, the programme seeks to bring hope, confidence, and encouragement through the power of voice.

With its diverse opportunities and thoughtfully designed activities, UCTMC offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience for its members. This is clearly reflected in member feedback, with the Club achieving an exceptional average satisfaction rating of 4.95 out of 5—a strong testament to its quality, inclusiveness, and impact.