Mohd Redzwan delivers his speech on ‘National Language Catalyst of Unity Among Races’.
KUCHING: Azia Farzana Badduwie of Tun Abdul Razak Teacher Education Institute beat five other contestants with her speech on ‘Unity Catalyst to Shape Malaysia Nation’ to emerge the champion of a speech competition Thursday evening.
Organised by Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) in collaboration with Teacher Education Institute Batu Lintang Campus, the competition was held at DBKU Auditorium Bukit Siol in Jalan Semariang here.
The competition themed ‘Unity’ was organised in conjunction with the Kuching Festival which begins today (Aug 1) to make the celebration merrier.
In second place is Mohd Redzwan Abdul Majid and in third place is Mohd Nor Ariffin Yusrizal, both from Teacher Education Institute Batu Lintang Campus.
The top three winners received cash prize of RM1,000, RM700, RM500 respectively including a trophy and a certificate each.
DBKU deputy director Kartina Zamhari representing DBKU director Dr Saadiah Abdul Samat presented the prizes to the winners.
“Obviously this programme is one of the important initiatives in our efforts to make unity a culture among Kuching folk and Malaysians in general,” she said in reading Saadiah’s speech.
As Kuching City celebrates its 27th anniversary today, Kartina said this year’s celebration marked a significant milestone for Kuching with a new status as the ‘City of Unity’.
“The declaration of Kuching as City of Unity is one of its kind recognition in which the state capital is honoured to receive from the 1Malaysia Foundation.
“Choosing Kuching City as the City of Unity is based on a study conducted by 1Malaysia Foundation; that Kuching has met all the strict criteria listed in the justifications especially in terms of cultural diversity, mutual understanding and
true harmony,” she said.
Saadiah said unity among people of diverse races was a core factor to ensure a harmonious nation.
“We are lucky to be able to live in peace and harmony because Sarawakians have long upheld the values of tolerance, respect and compassion towards one another.
“The mutual understanding must be maintained so there will be no feeling of doubt and hesitation that could jeopardise our spirit of neighbourliness,” she added.
The objectives of the competition were to allow contestants to build their confidence in public speaking besides broadening their general knowledge as well as current issues within and outside the country.
More importantly, the competition could help students to hone critical thinking skills, patriotism and their well-being.
The competition was opened to all undergraduate students in public and private higher learning institutions.