Writing contest to give youths a voice

Soon: There will be five rounds with different themes from now until December.

THE Penang government is organising a column-writing competition for those who wish to demonstrate their creativity in writing and expressing their thoughts on current issues.

State youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the competition was open to those aged between 15 and 30 from Penang or staying in the state with no limit on entries.

He said there would be five rounds with different themes from now until December.

The first round is themed ‘Youth for Future: Malaysia Prihatin’ to mark National Day and Malaysia Day this year.

“The competition is a platform for youths to voice their views and be actively involved in the development of society, state and nation.

“It will enhance their writing skill which is an effective communication tool, ” he said during a press conference at Komtar.

Soon said participants could scan the QR code on the poster or on the Facebook page of Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) which is the co-organiser.

“The first round will be from now until Sept 11, and youths should grab this opportunity to give their views on building a

progressive society in sync with the Penang2030 vision.”

The three best entries in each category – Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Tamil – will win RM200 cash each.

The winning essays, short stories or poems will be published on the official webpage of the sponsors.

Also present at the press conference were PYDC director Lee Wai Seang and general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling, Ayer Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Machang Bubok assemblymen Lee Khai Loon who are PYDC board members.