JOHOR BARU: Two students have beaten about 270 competitors from 34 countries to emerge as champions in their respective categories at an international English competition in Istanbul, Turkiye.
For Isabel Lim Yu Tong, 15, winning the gold medal in the Grade 9 category at the International Joey of English Competition Global Finals 2026 was especially meaningful as she nearly pulled out of the competition following an appendix surgery.
“My family and school coordinator advised me to rest, but I decided to go ahead because otherwise, I would have regretted it.
“I went on to score 105 out of 106 marks to finish in the top spot in my category,” said the SMK (P) Temenggong Ibrahim student from Batu Pahat.
Lim said she was glad that her hard work and sacrifice had paid off, adding that the competition also helped her build confidence in English and communication skills, as well as teaching her how to handle pressure.
Although she speaks Mandarin with her family at home, she often seeks opportunities to use English both in and outside of school.
“I love getting lost in books authored by Rick Riordan. I also enjoy taking part in debate and public speaking, where I speak on topics such as gender equality and children’s rights to give a voice to vulnerable groups,” she said.
Meanwhile, Year Two pupil Aisya Azzahra Muhammad Amirul Izzat of SK Pasir Gudang 3 surprised her family by emerging as champion in the Grade 2 category with an overall score of 76 out of 85.
Her father, Muhammad Amirul Izzat Roszaki, 34, said Aisya Azzahra has always enjoyed taking part in competitions in subjects including Bahasa Melayu, English and Mathematics since kindergarten.
“In August, she finished as a finalist in the world finals of the Eurasian Spelling Bee in Ipoh, and now she is preparing to participate in the Bahasa Melayu, English and Arithmetic Masters on Oct 10 in Penang, ” he said.
Muhammad Amirul Izzat, a teacher, said his only daughter also sharpened her English skills through reading, particularly the Happy Dragon educational children’s comic book series.
“We have set up a room at home as a mini library to support her interest in reading.
“She is also an avid chess player and represents Malaysia in various competitions, and I believe these activities have helped her develop focus and concentration.”
