Think Essay Prize 2025 Shortlist Announced

The shortlisted candidates will win a year’s free subscription to Think, our philosophy publication designed to be accessible to all.

The judging panel has selected the following candidates for the shortlist:

• Teo Hui Sian, Raffles Institution
• Vanessa Lau, St. Paul’s Girls’ School
• Kan Zhang, BASIS International School Park Lane Harbour
• Laiba Majeed, Delhi Public School Mathura Road
• Seher Verma, School of The Arts

Comments from the shortlisted candidates

Being shortlisted feels like a recognition of my thoughts and writing skills, and it encourages me to keep writing. It’s an acknowledgment that my voice matters and that I can contribute meaningfully to important conversations. – Laiba Majeed

Being shortlisted again this year means a lot to me because it shows how the prize consistently values creative approaches. I believe this aspect of the prize is crucial for nurturing young philosophy students, as it is from such approaches that most new, original, and fun ideas arise. – Kan Zhang, shortlisted for the second year in a row

This competition enabled me to engage seriously with a question that didn’t have a straightforward answer. To be shortlisted is an honour but more than that, it’s a reminder that rigorous, independent thinking is worth pursuing. – Seher Verma

It’s important that there’s an opportunity to really delve into specific areas of philosophy that students aren’t traditionally exposed to in classrooms. – Anonymous

Having the platform to discuss and examine one of the most pressing issues of our time, free speech, has been an amazing experience. Throughout this process, I have been able to grow as a writer and develop stronger analytical skills. – Vanessa Lau

Comments from our judging panel

All showed a real passion for philosophy, which was very heartening to see! – Shyane Siriwardena

It was clear that a lot of thought and research had gone into preparing the essays, and it wasn’t easy to choose among them. Many of the essays were highly original, demonstrating a refreshing, unique, and idiosyncratic take on a well-worn philosophical question. – Mojo Blyth Piper

They were very well structured, with very clear and robust line of thought. I wish to share with all young girls and boys whose essays I had the privilege to read, keep doing what you are doing. – Rouzbeh Ghirizadeh

I was extremely impressed with the high quality of the essays across the board. What was especially nice to see was many of the submissions drawing on their own experiences, beliefs or cultural context shape their philosophical views in creative ways. – Lea Salje

About the Think Essay Prize