Students Integrate and Assert Their Poise with “English In Action” 2025

“English In Action” is an annual language practice series organized by the Faculty of Foreign Languages’ Youth Union – Student Association. It serves as an inspiring and academically rich playground for students from universities and English clubs in Ho Chi Minh City who love English and wish to demonstrate their knowledge, poise, and confidence in using the foreign language in public.

Is the English Major Becoming Oversaturated?

Opening the series of events, the talkshow “English Major: Hot or Not?” led by ThS. Huỳnh Phước Hải — a lecturer from the HUFLIT Faculty of Foreign Languages — provided a frank perspective on studying and careers for English-major students. Not only did it analyze causes and consequences, the program also suggested potential pathways in the field, helping learners shape a clear development route, leverage their language advantage, and equip essential skills in the era of integration. The talkshow not only dispelled doubts but also bolstered belief in those choosing English as their professional journey.

At the talkshow, ThS. Huỳnh Phước Hải expressed: “The English major is not falling into saturation but is transforming toward increasingly fierce competition.” Accordingly, to adapt to this strong shift, students need to “go beyond” ordinary language competence: alongside English ability, they must train soft skills, flexible thinking, and equip themselves with interdisciplinary knowledge. More importantly, forming a correct viewpoint of the labor market will help learners build a clear career path, set realistic expectations, and prepare a sturdy baggage for the future.

HUFLIT Students Affirm Themselves by Mindset and Poise

The English debate contest “Spark The Sparkle” comprises three rounds: Preliminary, Semi-final, and Final, using cumulative scoring to comprehensively assess the development and continuous effort of competing teams. Specifically, the Preliminary round accounts for 20%, the Semi-final 30%, and the Final decides 50% of the total score. The format without direct elimination after each round gives teams opportunities to break through, demonstrate their poise, and maintain ambition till the very end. Each round is not only a challenge but also a step for contestants to hone thinking, skills, and adaptability in a professional competition environment.

The Preliminary round, “The Carbon Ore: Beginning of Radiance,” kicked off energetically with participation from HUFLIT students and many youth from English clubs across Ho Chi Minh City. With the theme “From nobody to somebody,” teams narrated their journeys of rising from difficulty, asserting their self worth through English presentations. Each share was a spark of inspiration, marking the promising start of those “carbon pieces” awaiting polishing.

Entering the Semi-final round, titled “Heat and Pressure: The Trial of Resilience,” the teams faced higher challenges when executing community projects under the theme “English for Every Voice” and presenting in English before the Judging Panel. From idea to action, HUFLIT students not only propagated language value but also demonstrated the ability to use English to connect, share, and bring positive impact to the community. The invisible pressure of time, rebuttal, and dialogue forced teams to grow quickly, like diamonds refined in fire.

Some highlights at the Semi-final round of the English debate contest “Spark The Sparkle”

The Grand Final night, “Forming and Reshape: Flashy to Glory,” burst with emotion with the competition of the Top 5 outstanding teams across two exciting parts: opening performance and debate.

In the opening performance, teams embodied characters from Vietnam’s folk tale treasury—such as Tấm Cám, Thạch Sanh, Sọ Dừa…—and performed entirely in English.

Each performance was a creative fusion between tradition and modernity, where English was not just a communication tool, but a cultural bridge guiding the audience through familiar messages with fresh, witty, and deep lenses.

After the performances, the teams officially entered the academic debate arena with 5 intense debate matches. Each argument was meticulously crafted, every rebuttal sharp, each twist in the scenario strategic, making the room fall silent in suspense, then erupt in admiration for the command of language, independent thinking, and poise of these global citizen students.

Based on the teams’ outstanding performances, the Judges selected worthy positions for the “blazing warriors”:

• First Prize: Team ISEC – Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH);

• Second Prize: Team THE KINGBACK – HUFLIT;

• Third Prize: Team ETERNAL SPARK – HUFLIT;

• Consolation Prize: Team THE SASSY SPEAKER – Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) & Team THE FOURCE – HUFLIT;

• Most Impressive Project Prize: Team THE FOURCE – HUFLIT;

• Best Skit Prize: Team THE KINGBACK – HUFLIT

From cheerful laughter on stage acting to persuasive debates, “English In Action 2025” opened up an engaging way to learn a foreign language: it’s not grammar or vocabulary that builds poise, but how you use language to connect, persuade, and spread your value.

What began as a practice playground has now become a respected academic brand, a place to kindle passion and nurture young orators. This year’s series concludes, but the journey of exploration and self-improvement remains wide open for those passionate about English.