The English-Speaking Union (Hong Kong) was established in Hong Kong in December 2001 as an independent, non-profit, educational charity whose mission is to promote local and international friendship and cooperation by encouraging the wider use of the English language. The ESU is an international organisation whose branches are independent, non-political, educational entities operating in over fift
y countries, including, for example, China, Malaysia, Australia, India, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The common purpose of all ESU members is to create international understanding and human achievement through the widening use of English as the language of the "global village". For millions of people, English is the key to personal achievement in the arts, business, politics and technology. The language has never been more needed, its uses more varied, its contribution to international friendship and cooperation more vital. The Union's response is to work through people-to-people exchanges, scholarships, speaking and debating competitions, conferences, and national and international programmes, all made possible by the generosity and interest of its members worldwide. While maintaining its international perspective, ESU (HK) derives its aims and objectives by focusing on the unique situation in Hong Kong. WHAT WE DO
PROMOTE English in international public speaking competitions and through debating. (In 2009, an ESU Debate Squad from London offered programmes in senior classes in over eighty Hong Kong secondary schools). PROVIDE a forum for Distinguished Speakers on a variety of topics. ENCOURAGE the enjoyment and constructive use of English through educational programmes.
