KUCHING: Kelab Toastmasters Utama Bandar Kuching’s annual speech contest proved to be a remarkable platform to display contestants’ public speaking prowess.
The event saw outstanding communication skills in action, with contestants demonstrating eloquence, confidence, and the power to inspire through speech.
“This year’s competition took place on Feb 20 and was conducted online via Zoom, allowing greater accessibility for participants and audience members, especially those outside Kuching,” Utama Toastmasters said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb25)
The event featured three main contests: the International Speech Contest, the Evaluation Contest, and the Table Topics (Impromptu Speech) Contest.
In the International Speech Contest, the top honour went to Datuk Dr. Lau Pang Heng, followed by Stanley Gona Chee Khiong and Muhammad Haady Gordon.
In the Evaluation Contest, Stanley Gona Chee Khiong claimed first place, followed by Datuk Dr Lau Pang Heng and Rosmawati Priman.
“Meanwhile, the Table Topics Contest saw Datuk Dr Lau Pang Heng once again taking first place, with Stanley Gona Chee Khiong coming in second and Muhammad Haady Gordon securing third place,”it said.
Contest Chair and Vice President of Education of Utama Toastmasters Club, Amanda Lee, presented trophies to the top three winners in each category.
The top two winners from each category will now go on to represent Utama Toastmasters Club at the area contest scheduled for March 23.
“Speech contests are a cornerstone of the Toastmasters educational programme,” said Lee.
“They provide a valuable opportunity for members to gain speaking experience while offering an inspiring learning experience for both Toastmasters and the public by witnessing accomplished speakers in action,” she added.
