KUCHING: Public speaking is a tool for transformative leadership shaped by the ability to formulate persuasive arguments, think critically under pressure, and make sound, evidence-based judgements.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah who spelled this out explained that his ministry had therefore focused on enhancing English language proficiency among the current generation since its inception in 2017
“Brilliant ideas may fall flat if they are not articulated well,” he said at the closing of the International Intervarsity Public Speaking Competition (IIPSC) 2026 at the TEGAS Digital Village Auditorium here Monday (June 22).
His speech was delivered by the ministry’s Higher Education Department chief, Sharifah Fariah Syed Junaidi.
In reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to strengthening English language proficiency among Sarawak’s youth, Sagah said a lack of communication ability often limits how well technical expertise can be applied.
He said this in relation to the emphasis given by the ministry to the importance of STEM education and technical skills.
In this context he said the competition tested participants’ emotional regulation and audience engagement, skills he described as increasingly valuable in a society where knowledge is shared at a rapid pace.
He congratulated the Academy of Language Studies, UiTM Cawangan Sarawak, for organising the university’s first-ever international public speaking competition.
“The ministry is incredibly proud to be your main partner and sponsor,” he said, adding that the strong collaboration with TEGAS, which provided its auditorium to host the competition’s final round, reflected the unity between government, academia and industry in empowering youth.
The Minister said the competition aligned with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), which aims to position the state as a developed, high-income and innovation-driven economy by 2030.
This year’s competition brought together student speakers from higher learning institutions across Sarawak, alongside Indonesia’s Universitas Panca Bhakti Pontianak as the event’s international partner university.
Sagah said the collaboration supported global efforts such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, with English serving as a bridge for cross-border cooperation and global citizenship.
He also highlighted the competition’s paired team-based format, introduced this year, which he said encourages teamwork, adaptability, and shared responsibility among participants.
“Your participation alone reflects your commitment, regardless of the outcome,” he said, encouraging students to use the platform to build self-confidence and step outside their comfort zones.
“You are already one step away from becoming future leaders who will sustain your predecessors’ legacies, both locally and globally.”
