RELATIONS between nations are too important to be left to governments alone.
Given the theme, Gelson Eng (pic) will represent Malaysia at the 42nd English-Speaking Union (ESU) International Public Speaking Competition in London, United Kingdom, from May 8 to 12.
The Monash University Malaysia student booked a spot in the world final after having emerged champion at the ESU-Taylor’s Public Speaking Competition held on March 19.
For his achievement, he bagged a cash award of RM1,500 and a flight ticket to London, where he would vie for the top prize with other national finalists aged 16 to 20.
In a press release, Eng expressed surprise, elation and pride at being chosen to represent Malaysia at the largest public speaking competition in the world promoting oracy, international cultural exchange and friendships.
On why he had taken part in the competition, he said he felt “very connected” to the theme and that he had long taken an interest in international relations, besides being a strong advocate for youth expression and participation in global issues.
As this would be his first trip to London, Eng said he looked forward to visiting one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
The national competition drew the participation of 150 students, who vied with each other starting from the preliminary round.
Similar to the world final, participants at the national final were judged on: expression and delivery, reasoning and evidence, organisation and prioritisation, and listening and response.
Multimedia University, Melaka, student Joel Jeshurun took home the second prize, while SM Sains Tuanku Jaafar, Negri Sembilan, student Lisa Kamilia Mohd Salleh won third place.
ESU Malaysia chairman Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Tuanku Ja’afar, who was also the chief judge at the final, expressed hope that Eng would win the top prize in London.
In her speech, Taylor’s College campus director Josephine Tan said the theme for this year’s competition serves as a powerful reminder that the responsibility to foster understanding and cooperation among nations does not solely rest with the governments.
“Through the art of public speaking, we empower our youth to become ambassadors of change in the global community,” she said.
She added that she hoped all stakeholders “equip our youth with the tools and mindset to become the driving force behind positive international relations, built on the pillars of mutual respect and empathy”.
The competition was organised by ESU Malaysia and Taylor’s College with the support of Orbix Education Group, Malaysian Institute for Debate and Public Speaking (MIDP) and Malaysian English Language Teaching Association (Melta).
