KUCHING: AZAM Sarawak is strengthening the readiness of young speakers for international-level Toastmasters competitions through the organisation of the AZAM Young Souls (AYS) Toastmasters Club Competition.
The half-day event served as a structured platform to assess participants’ confidence, public speaking skills and leadership potential following a series of progressive training and development programmes undertaken by members of the AYS Toastmasters Club.
Participants were evaluated on speech delivery, critical thinking, idea organisation, spontaneous communication, as well as their ability to give and receive professional evaluations, reflecting the core competencies required of competitive and confident young leaders.
AZAM Sarawak Community Development manager Yaana Singkie, who officiated the event on behalf of its chief executive officer, said the competition was designed as a learning and self-assessment process rather than merely a contest.
“The AZAM Young Souls Toastmasters Club Competition provides a structured space for youths to test their self-confidence, sharpen communication skills and build the courage to express ideas. This process is essential in shaping disciplined, confident individuals who are capable of leading effectively.”
The event also underscored continued collaboration between AZAM Sarawak and Toastmasters International, with the presence of District 87 Area D1 director Ann Lee Chin Chin and Area D2 director Rezuan Abdul Rashid.
Three categories were contested namely the International Speech, Evaluation Speech and Table Topics. Arwen Zahra Raees emerged as champion in both the International Speech and Evaluation Speech categories, while Theron Then Kai Yuan won the Table Topics category.
Yaana said initiatives such as the competition are aligned with AZAM Sarawak’s commitment to human capital development under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises producing capable, confident and future-ready individuals.
She also highlighted AZAM Sarawak’s strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, Sports and Entrepreneurship Sarawak (MYSED), implemented last year, which has contributed significantly to youth leadership development through focused, inclusive and sustainable programmes.
Yaana also encouraged the participants to continue strengthening their communication and leadership skills as they prepare to compete on the international stage and contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s future development.
