KUALA LUMPUR: Four young representatives from Sarawak are preparing to take their place among public speaking and leadership talent from across the region, as the AZAM Young Souls (AYS) Toastmasters Club advances to the Toastmasters International District 75 Annual Conference 2026 in Pampanga, Philippines.
The club’s participation comes on the back of its recognition as one of the top-performing clubs in Toastmasters District 87 — an honour that earned all four members invitations as special guests to the international gathering.
The milestone reflects AYS’ consistent track record in developing members with strong public speaking and leadership capabilities and adds another chapter to Sarawak’s growing footprint at the regional level.
According to a press statement today, heading to Pampanga are Ryshaune Lee Yuyn Sxuenn, prresident of the AYS Toastmasters Club 2025/2026; Arwen Zahra Raees, club secretary; Claire Ngei Xing En, vice president of Education and incoming vice treasurer of AYS 2026–2028; and Mohamad Isma, a club member and incoming president of AYS 2026–2028.
The trip follows the club’s international debut in Bandung, Indonesia, during the Toastmasters 15th Annual Conference 2025, where AYS members competed alongside participants from across Asia.
That experience helped sharpen their communication skills and broadened their networks, setting the stage for what organisers hope will be an even more impactful outing in the Philippines.
The Philippines holds special significance as this year’s ASEAN host, offering participants a wider platform to engage with regional diversity and forge new connections across cultures.
AZAM Sarawak CEO Ali Suhaili said the continued participation reflects the organisation’s long-term investment in producing globally competitive youth, underscoring the club’s guiding philosophy: “Grow the Youth, Grow Sarawak.”
“This is not merely a trip abroad, but a meaningful step in shaping confident, resilient youth who are able to carry the Sarawak name proudly on the international stage,” he added.
AZAM Sarawak Strategic Communication, Media and Youth Relations manager Mohd Hassnal Hakim Junaidi echoed the sentiment, pointing to AYS as a discovery platform for young talent.
“AYS serves as a platform to discover, strengthen, and elevate youth voices. Their continued presence on the international stage proves that Sarawak youth possess the talent, discipline, and courage to compete anywhere in the world,” he said.
The annual District 75 conference is one of the region’s premier Toastmasters gatherings, bringing together speakers, leaders, and professionals through speech contests, educational workshops, and international networking sessions.
For AYS, the Philippines trip represents more than a conference — it is the latest step in a broader movement of Sarawak youth who are not only bold enough to dream, but ready to act on it. Through its Toastmasters initiative, AZAM Sarawak continues to build a new generation of confident, capable, and forward-looking leaders.
