The scheme, which was launched in 2011, aims to find highly talented young speakers who have recently taken Cambridge English exams in Asia.

Young students from nine Asian regions – China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam – have to demonstrate their public speaking skills for the chance of winning a scholarship for an MBA in London or a graduate certificate in international business in Australia.

“The competition has been organised as a way of encouraging better speaking skills and acknowledging excellence amongst English learners in Asia. It’s been really popular and hundreds of students have taken part in the regional heats,” said Simon Wright, marketing manager at Cambridge ESOL.

Nine successful candidates will travel to Cambridge in July to take part in the final, where they can win an MBA scholarship either from London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) in London or a place on a Graduate Certificate in International Business programme offered by the University of Tasmania in Australia.

They can win an MBA scholarship from LSBF in London or the University of Tasmania

“We’re involved in a number of other campaigns and initiatives to continue to raise the profile of the tests in Asia and the rest of the world,” said Wright, who pointed out that in 2011, Cambridge ESOL opened 21 new centres in China to increase accessibility to its high level Cambridge English: Advanced test.

“This expansion is part of a wider plan to increase access to the test since it was recognised by Australia’s Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and the UK Border Agency (UKBA) for student visas,” explained Wright.

Next year sees the 100th anniversary of Cambridge ESOL exams and the company is putting plans in place to celebrate its centenary year. Wright said, “We’d be happy for readers of The PIE who have Cambridge English success stories to get in touch.”

Over 3.5 million people globally took Cambridge English exams last year.