NIBONG TEBAL: What started as simple public speaking practice in pre-school has taken eight-year-old twins Anjhanah and Anjhanie Rameswaran to the global stage as young speakers.
The pupils of SJK (T) Permatang Tinggi in Simpang Ampat here clinched the silver award in the seven-to-eight years old category at The Speech of Asia 2026 Chengdu International Grand Finals.
They also secured a Top 10 Popularity Award through public voting.
In the competition held from March 19 to 22, each of them received a trophy, certificate and a cash voucher of 250 yuan (RM145).
The twins were among more than 150 participants from 22 countries including China, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Germany and Indonesia.
They competed in the Speech/Group Performance category in English with a presentation titled “Two Police Officers, One Mission”, where judging focused on delivery, confidence, clarity, expression and stage presence.
The duo had earlier qualified for the international stage after winning gold at the Malaysian preliminary round of The Speech of Asia 2026 held at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre in Petaling Jaya on Feb 14 and 15.
They were coached by their school headmaster Sathivelo Arivanandam and teacher Sri Priya Velloo, and also trained under a private speaking programme.
Their mother Thenamutha Muniandy said it was a meaningful milestone for the twins, who have been involved in public speaking since preschool.
“I am incredibly proud of my daughters for their courage and hard work. At such a young age, they stepped onto an international stage with confidence, discipline and heart.
“Public speaking for kids is not easy but they showed resilience, teamwork and a strong willingness to learn. This achievement is not only about awards, but about their growth and the beautiful potential they carry,” she said.
She added that the trip to China was funded by the family.
The twins plan to continue pursuing opportunities in public speaking and stage performances.
