Sisters clinch silver medals at international speech competition


Family affair: (From left) Darlinia, Kumuthemalar, Mevishka and Dr Puvaneswaran. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Sisters P. Mevishka Isha and P. Darlinia Isha clinched silver medals at a recent international speech competition, with one of them now aiming to take a shot at an online audition for America’s Got Talent.

Mevishka, nine, and Darlinia, eight, both from SJK(T) Permatang Tinggi, won their medals at the World Championship International Grand Finals 2026, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 23 to 26.

Mevishka won silver in the age group 9-10 category, while Darlinia took silver in the 7-8 category.

Their achievements came on the heels of Darlinia finishing first runner-up in the 6-8 age category, while Mevishka was third runner-up in the 9-11 category at the Kids Got Talent Malaysia 2026 storytelling competition in Kuala Lumpur on May 23.

The achievement earned Darlinia an opportunity to participate in an online audition for America’s Got Talent Season 21 later this year.

Their mother S. Kumuthemalar, 38, said the family is now exploring ways to make Darlinia’s performance stand out.

“We want her to represent Malaysia well and make the most of this opportunity.

“Whether she wins or not is in the hands of the judges, but our hope is for her to give it her all and leave a lasting impression,” said the private tutor.

Mevishka said she is determined to support her younger sister every step of the way.

“It’s her moment to shine and I’ll be cheering her on and helping her prepare,” she said.

Their father, Dr VP Puvaneswaran, 44, said the family’s commitment was tested as the Kids Got Talent finals in Kuala Lumpur and the international competition in Bangkok were held within days of each other.

“It was exhausting but we did not want them to miss the opportunity to represent Malaysia,” he said.

Kumuthemalar attributed her daughters’ success to a reading habit nurtured from an early age.

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