Some 30 students participated in the second edition of the 2024 Kenyalang Public Speaking competition last Saturday.

Noella Magdalina Callista Maria from SK Kampung Baru, Arif Asmakhan from SMK Baru and Linvern Paulus Sendys from the Teachers Education Institute (IPG) Rajang Campus emerged winners of the primary school, secondary school and university categories, respectively.

Deviey Sim Bing Bing from SJKC Chung Hua Bintulu 2 secured second place in the primary school category, followed by Amir Hamzah Mohamad Syahmizan from SK Integrasi Al- Amin Bintulu in third place.

For the secondary school category, second and third places went to Fernandez Feliz Jampi from SMK Baru and Dominic John from SMK Asyakirin, respectively.

Wan Irfan Hakim Wan Ismail from Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Campus (UPMKB) took second place in the university category, with Aliyana Hamiezah Abdul Rahman from IPG Rajang Campus placing third.

Arif, a local from Bintulu, said the victory somewhat boosted his enthusiasm to continue learning and improving his knowledge of the Malay language and the art of public speaking.

“I am very grateful to the teachers who have greatly assisted me in training and reviewing the speech script,” he said.

In the university student category, Linvern who had participated in various public speaking competitions nationwide, stood out by wearing traditional Malay attire while delivering his topic ‘Sarawak, Ibu Pertiwiku’.

He expressed gratitude for the success, especially after the tireless efforts and continuous training he underwent for the competition.

The winners of each category took home cash prizes, souvenirs and certificates.

“This programme is able to provide exposure along with educate students and the public about the importance of the art of argumentation and its role in developing a civilised society that aligns with the nation’s aspirations,” said UPMKB Student Management Office chief administrator Mohamad Syukri Mohamad Adnan.

He represented UPMKB campus director Prof Dr Shahrul Razid Sarbini at the event.

Meanwhile, programme director Alya Hafizah Omar said this programme was held to elevate the art of speech and expression of ideas in the public sphere as well as to train the current millennial generation to articulate meaningful ideas to the public.

The programme, in collaboration with the Bintulu District Education Office, was organised by UPMKB students from QKT2101 Argumentation Arts Course (Group 1), first semester of the 2022/2023 session.

Tarikh Input: 04/04/2024 | Kemaskini: 04/04/2024 | lanz