The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, established in 1883 by the Royal Commonwealth Society. For over 140 years, it has provided a global platform for young people to explore their creativity, ideas, and aspirations. The competition encourages critical thinking, global awareness, and the development of written expression, inspiring future leaders, thinkers, and writers across the Commonwealth.

 

Over its long history, the QCEC has nurtured young writers who have gone on to achieve remarkable success across diverse fields. Notable alumni and former entrants include:

 

• Lee Hsien Loong, Singapore - Winner circa 1967. Prime Minister of Singapore (2004-2024), widely recognised for his leadership in economic development and global diplomacy.

 

• Elspeth Huxley (née Grant), Winner 1924, 1st Prize, Class A, UK (based in Kenya). Renowned English writer, journalist, and government adviser, best known for her semi-autobiographical books about childhood in colonial Kenya, including The Flame Trees of Thika.

 

• Mei Fong, Malaysia - Winner 1989. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, renowned for reporting on China for The Wall Street Journal and her book One Child: The Story of China’s Most Radical Experiment. She met Queen Elizabeth II during the monarch’s visit to Malaysia, an experience she describes as transformative.

 

• Kavita Ramdas, India - Winner 1979/80, 1st Prize, Class A. Global advocate for gender equality and justice, and leader in philanthropy and civil society.

 

• Robin Rhodes Millhouse, QC (1929 - 2017) – Winner 1945-1947, 2nd Prize, Class B, Australia. Served as the 39th Attorney-General of South Australia, the first Australian Democrats parliamentarian, Chief Justice of Kiribati and Nauru, and judge of the High Court of Tuvalu.

 

• C.G. Weeramantry, Sri Lanka - Former entrant. Justice of the International Court of Justice (1991-2000), Vice-President of the ICJ (1997-2000), and Judge of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka (1967–1972). Emeritus Professor at Monash University.

 

• Dr. Stephen Gichuhi, Kenya - Winner 1982, aged 15. Leading ophthalmologist and public health expert, known for research on eye cancer related to HIV and for promoting evidence-based medicine in Africa. Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Nairobi.

 

• Anoushka Sabnis, India - Two-time Gold Award winner (2018 & 2020). Published author, international speaker at events including the Jaipur Literature Festival and Women Economic Forum, and recipient of the Young Leader Award for entrepreneurship and innovation.
   

• Hiya Chowdhury, India - 2017 Senior Runner-up. Children’s short story writer and literary contributor, who has also served as a Final Panel Judge for the QCEC.

 

• Peter Van Tu Nguyen, Hong Kong - Former entrant. Queen’s Counsel and Crown Prosecutor of Hong Kong (1994–1997), later served as a judge in the Court of First Instance (1997–2008).

 

• Satinder Bindra, Canada - Former entrant. Director of Communications at the Commonwealth Secretariat, distinguished journalist and media executive.

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• Amalie Howard, Trinidad and Tobago - Winner 1989. Author and contributor to Caribbean literature.

 

• Chew Chia Shao Wei, Singapore - Winner 2009, 1st Prize, Class A. Author, Harvard graduate, and Brahm Centre employee.

 

• Obiajunwa Wali, Nigeria - Former entrant. Literary critic, theorist, and historian, best known for his 1963 essay The Dead End of African Literature, which influenced postcolonial literary discourse.