Public speaking competition calling for participants

THE 43rd International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC) is inviting Malaysian youths to showcase their flair for the English language.

IPSC, the largest public speaking competition in the world, brings together students aged 16 to 20 from more than 50 countries.

The English Speaking Union (ESU) of Malaysia will once again be organising the national-level public speaking competition in collaboration with Taylor’s College and Orbix Education Group.

The annual competition will be held online for the preliminary and semi-final rounds while the finals will be held live at the Taylor’s College Lakeside Campus in Subang on April 20.

The theme for the preliminary round speech is: “A Great Leader Can Change the World in an Instant”. The winner of the national-level competition will represent the country at the international finals in London, the United Kingdom, from May 13 to 17.

The theme for the national and international finals is: “There is Nothing Either Good or Bad but Thinking Makes It So”.

The winner will receive RM1,500 and a flight ticket to the UK to compete in the world finals, with his or her school or educational institution to be awarded a prize of RM500.

The second- and third-prize winners will receive RM1,000 and RM500, respectively.

All national finalists will take home a certificate of merit and RM250 each.

Participants will be judged on expression and delivery; reasoning and evidence; and organisation and prioritisation.

Additionally, listening and response will be part of the judging criteria in the finals.

To assist the participants, an online workshop offering tips on public speaking will be held on March 9 (2.30pm) via Zoom. Participants will receive an ecertificate of attendance.

English, said ESU Malaysia chairman Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar, is a global language so it’s very important to be able to communicate in the language.

“We run public speaking and essay writing competitions to encourage students to speak and write well as both are equally important in communication,” she said in a press release.

Its campus director Josephine Tan said Taylor’s College believes that education must help students pursue their passion and purpose, and make an impact on communities and industries.

“This is why we are committed to promoting youth leadership and development in collaboration with our longstanding partner, ESU Malaysia.

“Throughout our partnership, our core mission has been to empower young individuals by equipping them with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.

“We are proud to see these young individuals cultivating a strong sense of self-awareness, resilience and adaptability,“ she said.

For competition details, email [e-mail].