UOW Malaysia Debate Association organised their annual English event to enhance students’ soft skills by promoting involvement in competitions such as Public Speaking, Essay Writing and Spelling Bee. The theme set out this year was ‘Eyes Of Youth’ with the aim of tapping into the perspective of this generation on their views of a better future. All four of our students, Yong Kai Seng, Amos Wong Shi Yi, Goh Wen Cyn, and Teh Kian Ee, competed in the Public Speaking Competition for the High School Category and were chosen as the top ten finalists, and Yong Kai Seng and Teh Kian Ee were awarded the Champion and 1st runner-up respectively!
For the prelim round, the students had to deliver a pre-recorded prepared speech of their own originality and ideas within 4 - 6 minutes from one of the themes : Well being , Education, Technology and Social Issues.
The prepared & impromptu speech rounds for the finals were held physically at the UOW Malaysia, Glenmarie Campus on 24th June 2023, Saturday. For the competition finals, students had a minimum of 6 minutes and a maximum of 7 minutes to deliver their prepared speech. Meanwhile, for the impromptu speech, students were required to deliver their speech between 4 to 5 minutes.
All four students went through an intensive training for three days in preparation for the finals and the trainers were Ms Evon, Ms Lava and Ms Bainun Sabri (external trainer). During the session, the students received constructive comments, which enhanced their speech delivery and confidence.
On the competition day, all four students delivered their prepared speech very well and they were selected to compete in the Impromptu round with the topics: “The joys of playing team sport and lessons they teach, The impacts of technology on modern relationships, What human quality we need more of and why and Discipline over motivation. ”It was a great challenge but our students gave it their all, and Yong Kai Seng was crowned Champion and Teh Kian Ee was named First Runner-up. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the trainers, Ms Evon, Ms Lava, and Ms Bainun Sabri, for their time in coaching the students before the competition day.
Again, we congratulate our school representatives on their achievement and look forward to their constant effort in self-improvement.
The Champion :
Yong Kai Seng ( S3 Wellington )
“Life is weird” that was the topic for my speech, and also the reflection of this whole journey. Never would I have imagined myself standing on the pedestal of a public speaking event, conveying my emotions, delivering my perspectives and injecting humours of my own originality. Everyone has their own stories, and I’m honoured to be able to tell my own this time. Life really is weird no matter how you look at it, up till now I still struggle to comprehend the unthinkable reality of actually winning the tournament when Rafflesias and Tapirs were elements I used to describe life. None of this would have been possible, let alone thinkable without the help of the teachers from ELC, trainers and even supporters along the way. Thus, I credit the success to every one of them and my biggest thanks goes out to them as well.
1st Runner-up :
Teh Kian Ee ( S2 Adelaide )
If getting into the finals was out of the blue, winning first runner-up was an absolute bombshell, especially because of how we only got a few days of training and had to adapt our styles very quickly. Still, the teachers from ELC and trainers were a massive help and we definitely could not have done it without them, so massive thank you. The joy of standing on a stage and sharing a story, persuading an audience or just “yammering on” about whatever you like, is something special that only public speaking can bring. As such, I would encourage anyone who is interested in taking a shot at public speaking.
Top 10 Finalists :
Goh Wen Cyn ( S3 Washington )
Something interesting was that the whole journey wasn’t under my expectations. I did not plan for any active participation in Senior Three and was trying to focus on studies. I did register for the competition, but something irresponsible is that I forgot about it. Thank you to the teachers that gave me a second chance and something even grateful is the organiser actually extended the deadline of video submission. Everything happened so well. Instead, it was a lesson, a learning experience, a memorable journey and also an appreciated friendship for me. A big thank you to the school who paid the registration fee for us, ELC who prepared training for us and also everyone who stands by my side. Everything enlightened my Senior Three journey in Hin Hua High School.
Top 10 Finalists :
Amos Wong Shi Yi ( S1 Canberrav )
This was, without a shadow of doubt, a humbling experience, and I thank God for it. I haven’t completely gotten over the fact that I blew my shot, and I think I will have to learn that aiming for prizes shouldn't get in the way of enjoying the moment, and that I have a lot to work on. At the same time, this was a refreshing challenge, and I have much to learn. I appreciate all the trainers, teachers and participants for their teachings and advice. You guys were amazing. Hope to be better in the future.
《兴华月报》2023年8月号
https://www.hinhua.edu.my/ebook/2308hinhuamonthly/mobile/index.html
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