Tiong (fourth left) presents the Championship Cup to Lu while Lau (third right) and members of SM Wong Nai Siong board of management look on.
SIBU: The inaugural public speaking competition for Chinese Independent Secondary Schools will be staged at Wisma Du Zhong on July 25.
So far, 33 students from nine schools in the state have confirmed participation. The event is coordinated by Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools (Suapcs), Sibu Division in collaboration with SM Wong Nai Siong.
Association president Temenggong Vincent Lau Lee Ming, who is also SM Wong Nai Siong management board chairman, told a press conference yesterday that the purpose of the competition was to encourage students to master English, Chinese and Bahasa Malaysia.
The competition is divided into three categories, namely Mandarin, English and Bahasa Malaysia and participants must take part in all three categories.
“This is really important because one of the aims of Chinese independent secondary schools is for students to be able to handle three languages.
“For Chinese schools, we want them to know the mother tongue. At the same time, we want them to be able to speak English because it is an international language, and Bahasa Malaysia as it is our national language,” he explained. Lau said for the English and Bahasa Malaysia categories, competitors may prepare and speak on topics of their choice, but in Mandarin they must speak extempore.
“In the Mandarin category, topic is by casting of lots 30 minutes before they speak,” he explained.
There are individual and team categories, with a team comprising four speakers. The winning team will bag RM2,000 plus a challenge trophy and certificates. Second, third and fourth winning teams will each take home a trophy and certificates. For the individual category, the champion will received RM400 and will also get a trophy and a certificate.
The second, third and fourth winners will bag RM300, RM200, and RM100 respectively plus a trophy and a certificate each. The two outstanding speakers will be awarded RM50 plus a trophy and a certificate each.
Also present at the press conference were Sibu Municipal Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King and SM Wong Nai Siong principal Lu Yew Hiuung.