Celebrating success: (Front row) Goh (centre) and Chin (second from right) with StarROAR 2025 winners and guests at the prize-giving ceremony in Menara Star. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
ALTHOUGH English is not Khoo Xin Er’s first language, she took a leap of faith by showcasing her skills in an Instagram reel.
To her surprise, she was recently named the Upper Secondary champion of The Star’s Reels of Achievers Recognised 2025 (StarROAR 2025) contest.
“Honestly, I did not expect it at all. The most challenging part was speaking in English because my English is not that good,” the 18-year-old told StarEdu.
Open to students aged 13 to 18, StarROAR 2025 – organised as part of The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme – challenged participants to create one-minute reels honouring inspirational individuals featured in The Star newspaper or the Star ePaper from May 1 to June 9. Entries were posted on Instagram with the hashtag #StarROAR2025 and tagged to @starbrats.
The top 26 winners were selected based on content, creativity and video popularity, with 13 from Lower Secondary (Form One to Three) and another 13 from Upper Secondary (Form Four to Six).
Prizes included Touch ‘n Go reloads worth RM300, RM200 and RM150 for the top three winners in each category, with consolation prizes valued at RM50 each. All winners and participants also received digital certificates.
For her reel, Khoo highlighted Kuala Lumpur-born Dr Byron Hamzah, whose work in mental health and advocacy for Semporna’s stateless children deeply inspired her.
“I want to remind people not to overlook any community that feels unheard – everyone’s voice matters,” said the SMK Bandar Tun Hussein Onn (2), Selangor, student.
Meanwhile, Lower Secondary champion Masrotul Umairah Mohd Riduan featured Pahang-born Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, whom she regards as her biggest inspiration.
“She is the role model of humility and hard work. Her story motivates me to never give up,” the 14-year-old SMK (P) Raja Zarina, Selangor, student shared.
She added that although she initially found creating reels challenging, the process soon became enjoyable.
“Overall, the competition taught me that I am more capable and confident than I thought,” she said.
Both champions plan to celebrate by treating their families to a nice meal, while saving the rest for future use.
Nurturing school spirit
StarROAR 2025 not only recognised outstanding students but also celebrated the schools that supported them.
Selangor schools swept the top five spots, with SMK Sungai Kapar Indah leading the pack, followed by Kolej Tingkatan Enam Sri Istana, SMK (P) Raja Zarina, SMK Bandar Tun Hussein Onn (2) and SMK Taman Kosas. They received AEON vouchers worth RM2,000 in total.
To qualify, schools had to purchase at least 100 copies of The Star from May 1 to June 9. The top five schools with the most student entries were then awarded prizes.
SMK Sungai Kapar Indah contest coordinator and Form Six English Language teacher Umavathy Govendan said her school was humbled and overjoyed by their second consecutive win.
The contest, she added, not only sharpened the students’ academic and critical thinking skills but also highlighted the value of teamwork and effective communication.
With the RM600 cash prize, the school plans to buy a smart television to enhance classroom teaching and learning.
“Last year, we used the vouchers to fund a smart TV for one of our classrooms. This year, we hope another class will benefit,” Umavathy shared.
Commending the winners at the award ceremony held at Menara Star in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on Aug 27, Star Media Group (SMG) Print senior general manager Goh Kok Soo said all participants had shown remarkable talent and passion.
“Keep asking questions, keep telling stories, and keep believing in the power of your voice, because you never know whose life your story might change,” he said.
At the event, SMG Content deputy executive editor Christina Chin offered insights into the world of journalism and underscored its relevance in today’s digital age.
The event also celebrated the winners of the StarROAR Junior Reporter Contest, open to undergraduates from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
Also present were UiTM Mass Communications dean Assoc Prof Dr Abd Rasid Abd Rahman, as well as officers from the Selangor State Education Department, and the Hulu Langat and Kuala Selangor District Education Offices.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following english language activities.
1. Who inspires you, and why? Share your answer with the class. at the end, have a vote to decide whose role model story is the most inspiring.
2. Look in today’s newspaper for a photo of an inspiring personality. In pairs, write a short Instagram-style caption about why the person is inspiring, read it aloud, and vote for the catchiest one.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes English language learning in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.
