Speech competition targets 3,500 entries

Ngwe (left) with the competition publicity poster.

The national-level Rukun Negara Speech Competition for the Melaka Governor’s Trophy aims to attract about 3,500 participants with cash prizes exceeding RM33,000.

Melaka health, human resources and unity committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem said the competition featured five categories – public, primary schools, secondary schools, higher education institutions (IPT) and non-Malays.

He said registration for the speech competition and submission of video entries was open until July 26.

“The first round of the competition will take place from Aug 5 to 9, while the semi-finals will be held from Aug 19 to 23, followed by the finals at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh on Sept 12.

“We are targetting participation to reach 3,500. Last year, we received 3,041 entries and entered Malaysia Book of Records for the ‘Largest Number of Participants in a Speech Competition’ category,” he told Bernama in Melaka.

Also present was Tun Perak Institute (ITP) chief executive officer Assoc Prof Dr Mohamad Ainuddin Iskandar Lee Abdullah.

Ngwe said the National Unity Ministry also offered a special award, the Unity Minister’s Trophy for Best Speaker.

He said the competition, which was jointly organised by the Melaka Governor’s office and the state government through ITP, also offered two other special awards – Best Presentation and Special Jury Award.

“Five participants from each category will be selected for the final stage, and in addition to cash prizes, winners will also receive trophies, books and participation certificates.

“Each category will have five winners, inclusive of two consolation prize winners,” he added.

Ngwe said the speech competition was aimed at providing exposure to the community and the younger generation to better understand the meaning of Rukun Negara (National Principles) as the foundation of unity and the identity of the Malaysian family, as well as to instil and enhance the understanding of the principles.