History and Development

In 1999, through the initiative of former CLTASA President Ms Esther Soong and members of the CLTASA Committee, the inaugural South Australian Chinese Outstanding Student Award was established.

Originally created for primary school students learning Chinese as a second language, the awards program gradually expanded over the following two decades to recognise second-language learners from primary to senior secondary levels across South Australia.

The formation of the 2022–2023 CLTASA Committee, led by President Mingxia Wei, marked another important stage in the development of the awards. At the ceremony held at Seymour College on 2 December 2022, awards were presented not only to outstanding Second Language learners but also, for the first time, to Background Language (Heritage) and First Language learners.

The ceremony also recognised winners of the South Australian Chinese Language Video Competition. In 2022, the competition was expanded from its traditional Second Language category to include Background Language (Heritage) learners. In early 2023, it was further expanded to include First Language learners.

As the number of students from Chinese, Southeast Asian and other culturally diverse backgrounds continues to grow, Chinese language education is no longer confined to the second-language classroom. In response, these reforms have created a more inclusive and equitable awards program for students from primary to senior secondary levels, including those attending community language schools. This development reflects CLTASA’s ongoing commitment to multiculturalism and educational equity while strengthening connections between schools, families and communities.

Who Can Participate in the Ceremony?

Each year, students, families, teachers, school leaders, invited guests and community representatives come together to celebrate through award presentations, speeches and, where applicable, student performances.

All South Australian public, independent, Catholic and community schools offering Chinese language programs are warmly encouraged to participate in the annual ceremony.

Ceremony Registration

All award recipients and invited attendees—including students, parents, teachers, school staff and leaders, sponsors, presenters, VIPs and performing groups—must register through the official booking link before attending the ceremony.

Information about registration deadlines, venue arrangements, photography and media consent, and other annual requirements is available under Awards Ceremony Details by Year.

Photography and Media Consent

Photography and video recording may take place during the ceremony. By registering for, signing in to or attending the event, participants and guests acknowledge that:

• CLTASA and its partner schools may photograph or video-record attendees during the event; and

• photographs, video recordings and student-created works may be used by CLTASA and its affiliated organisations for promotional, display and publication purposes, including printed materials, websites, digital publications and social media.

Teachers and schools are responsible for obtaining any required parent or guardian consent before students or other participants under the age of 18 attend or participate in the event. The CLTASA Photography and Media Consent Form may be used where written consent is required.

Download the CLTASA Photography and Media Consent Form here.

Permission Form prepared by Mingxia Wei.