HELCA 2026

About the Competition

Message in a bottle is a recorded speaking competition in which participants craft a creative 'message in a bottle' video using Japanese, French, German, or Spanish to connect with people beyond geographical and cultural boundaries.

Participants need to imagine that their bottle will be drifted across oceans and discovered by an unknown person.

Objectives

Encourage authentic use of foreign language skills.
Build confidence and creativity in spoken communication.
Foster intercultural understanding and appreciation of linguistic diversity.
Promote meaningful communication beyond borders.

Languages & Categories

Participation

Individual Entry

Eligibility

Undergraduate students only

Supported Languages

Japanese
French
German
Spanish

Proficiency Levels

Level I & Level II

Japanese- based on Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
- Level I: N3 - N5
- Level II: N1 - N2
French, German, Spanish- based on Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- Level I: A1 - A2
- Level II: B1 - B2

Registration & Submission

Registration

(for Team Manager only)

Period: 3 Aug – 6 Sept 2026
(extended until 13 Sept 2026)

Link: https://bit.ly/HELCA2026-Register

Submission

(for Team Manager only)

Period: 28 Sept – 13 Oct 2026

Link: https://bit.ly/HELCA2026-Submit

How to Participate

Read the General Competition Guidelines
For each entry, choose one language and category (Level I or II) to participate in.
Team Manager needs to register for the competition via the Google Form link provided (see Registration & Submission above).
Develop an imaginative 'message in a bottle' centred on a theme of “Vision of Unity” designed to share a personal dream for a world that transcends geographical and cultural divides.
Record the message as a single video lasting between 45 to 90 seconds only.
Ensure that the participant is clearly identifiable on camera for the entire duration of the recording.
Ensure that the video is clear and must not contain any editing that alters the original voice of the participant.
Record the video in landscape format and upload it to YouTube.
Name the video in this format: HELCA 2026 Message in a Bottle - [Language Category, Level Category] (University Name).
For example: HELCA 2026 Message in a Bottle - Japanese, Level 1 (UM).
Configure the YouTube video visibility setting as Public or Unlisted to ensure accessibility for evaluation.
Team Manager needs to submit the YouTube video link via the provided Google Form (see Registration & Submission above). Along with the video link, submit the following:
1. The script of the speech.
2. English translation of the script.
3. If relevant, a declaration of AI usage, specifying the intent and extent of its application.
If the entry is selected as a winner, the participant is required to provide their video with English subtitles to ensure clarity for the international audience during the HELCA 2026 closing ceremony project showcase.

Judging Criteria

Meaning and Explanation
- Clarity, accuracy, and depth in explaining the meaning and underlying ideas of the video message.
Relevance to Theme
- Effectiveness in connecting the video message to the theme, “Vision of Unity”.
Language Accuracy
- Clarity, fluency, pronunciation, and accuracy of language use.
Creativity of Performance
- Quality of the ideas presented, ability to offer fresh, compelling, and original perspectives, creative expression that improve aesthetic quality, preservation of video's authenticity.
Time Management
- Adherence to the required performance duration of 45 to 90 seconds.

Message in a Bottle