The Japanese Speech Contest in Tokyo where the very best from ASEAN countries will be competing. Fifteen young people will try their very best as the only one very best will be selected to represent Myanmar at the Japanese Speech Contest in Tokyo. In today's Ceremony, grand prizes will be awarded to those who stood first, second and third positions. An additional Fighting Spirit Prize will be also awarded.Moreover, all 15 participants may have a chance to participate in an Exhange program to  visit Japan. Those who stood first, second and third prizes at the 13th Translation Contest held in February 2018, will be also awarded today. A total of 62 contestants parfticipate at the primary round of the contest. Among them, ten contestants were selected for the second round and from the ten finalists - first, second and third contestants were selected. They will be awarded with grand prizes at this ceremony. Another prize awarding section will be to 3 contestants who share the honor of first, second, and third positions at the Story Transaltion Contest. A total of 121 contestants participate at the primary round and the top ten qualified as finalist.From them 3 contestants were chosen to share the top honors.The president of MAJA would like to express my gratitude to His Excellency, the Japanese Ambassador of Japan for this kind presence at this occasion. At the same time, the president would like to praise the members of MAJA and the JapanFoundation for their hard work in the selection process of the finalists for participation at this event. He would also like to thank Mr. Kunio NEGISHI from the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Myanmar (JCCM), Mr. Taichi MUTOH from the Yangon Japanese Association, Mr. Atsufumi OBA from the Japan Myanmar Association (JMA), Mr.Koji SATO from the Japan Foundation, Mr. Toshimichi KOGA from the Embassy of Japan, Professor Si Si Shein and Dr. Thin Aye Aye Ko from MAJA, and Mr. Naoki SATO from the Japan Foundation for their roles as judges. As the saying goes in Japanese " ichinen no kei wa gantan ni ari" "The sum of the year is on New Year's day" - Meaining " Preparation and planning are the foundations of success".  All the participants are well prepared and ready to achieve success. The president of MAJA wishes all the contestants the very best of luck.