Nurul Nadiirah Naquyyah Jusinin, 18, showing her winning speech.
KOTA KINABALU: While some may find history as a dull and dated subject, Nurul Nadiirah Naquyyah Jusinin believes it holds the key to a more peaceful future.
It was this belief that led the 18-year-old Keningau Vocational College (KVC) student to clinch third place in the international Conversation on Conflict speech competition, organised by UK-based organisation Never Such Innocence (NSI), bringing pride to Malaysia.
Her winning piece, titled “To Thwart a War is to Educate the Young”, stood out among thousands of entries submitted from 138 countries worldwide.
The competition invited youths aged nine to 18 to creatively respond to the question: How Can We Prevent Future Wars?
In her stirring speech, Nurul Nadiirah urged young people to see history not as a dull academic requirement, but as a vital mirror reflecting the mistakes of the past.
“History is one of the most important subjects for us to learn, understand, and reflect on. We must acknowledge the peace we enjoy today as the result of sacrifices made by our forefathers. Their struggles must not be forgotten, and their lessons must not be ignored,” she wrote.
A third-year student in the Electrical Technology programme at KVC, Nurul Nadiirah was the only Malaysian to come in at the top three spot.
Participants submitted both written and recorded versions of their original speeches.
“Many wars occur because of propaganda and misleading information. We need to cultivate critical thinking, negotiation, and empathy from a young age.
“Children raised with humane values are more likely to grow into leaders who make wise and peaceful decisions,” she said.
She added: “There are no mischievous children, only unlucky ones. If every child receives quality education grounded in compassion, our world will be a better, safer place.”
The NSI judges were impressed. Trustee and former competition winner Jasleen Singh said: “I thought this speech read well and made a series of very compelling points that were linked together effectively.”
The global competition is part of NSI’s wider effort to engage young people in conversations about conflict, peace, and history.
Students participated across four creative categories, namely poetry, art, song, and speech.
Nurul Nadiirah’s speech highlighted the importance of soft skills such as discussion and negotiation in resolving conflict.
She also called on relevant authorities to invest more in education, especially in areas that explore conflict resolution.
KVC director Lumang Lang praised Nurul’s achievement, saying it reflected the importance of English proficiency and communication skills for vocational students hoping to succeed in the industry.
Her success, he added, aligns with the Education Ministry’s continued efforts to strengthen English across all education streams, including vocational training.
For Nurul Nadiirah, this recognition is only the beginning.
“I am deeply honoured and grateful. I hope my voice represents the many young Malaysians who believe in the power of peace and the promise of education,” she said.
