KUCHING: Winners from all three language categories—Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and English — will represent Division D (Kuching) at the Toastmasters International District 87 Speech Contests, in Bandung, Indonesia, from May 16-18.
They booked their berths at the just concluded Empowering Voices 2025 event organised by 13 Toastmasters Clubs under Division D (Kuching) in collaboration with SMK Batu Lintang.
“It was truly uplifting to witness a full house for today’s celebration, which included a Bahasa Malaysia (Pidato), Mandarin Speech Showcase, and three English-language speech contests,” said Division D Director and Organising Chairperson Dr Lucy Ho.
In the Bahasa Malaysia (Pidato) contest, Abdul Al-Azim bin Ismail of Azam Toastmasters Club emerged champion, followed by Toh Chee Leong from Kuching Bilingual Advanced Toastmasters Club and Asnol Khairulzakry bin Ainie of Azam Young Souls Speakers Club in third place.
The Mandarin Speech Showcase featured impressive performances, with Kuan Jia Yi of Padawan Foochow Association Toastmasters Club delivering the winning speech.
Phang Soon Choi from Kuching Progressive Toastmasters Club took the lead in the evaluation segment, while Sharon Lim Pei Teng of Kuching Bilingual Advanced Toastmasters Club excelled in the Table Topics category.
In the English International Speech Contest, Datuk John Lau of Utama Toastmasters Club claimed first place with his inspiring speech “Bounce Beyond”, which encouraged the audience to embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth.
Jason Teo of Azam Toastmasters Club secured second place, while Stanley Gona, also from Utama Toastmasters Club, was placed third.
The Evaluation Contest saw Stanley Gona rise to the top, followed by Jason Teo in second and Dr Jiventran from Dynamic Toastmasters Club in third place.
Stanley’s winning evaluation highlighted the importance of gender equality, effective pausing and commanding stage presence in speech delivery.
For the Table Topics Contest, participants were asked, “What is your purpose in life?”
Datuk John Lau once again emerged victorious, impressing the judges with his thoughtful response about using the gift of communication to build understanding and peace.
Stanley Gona and Jason Teo followed in second and third place, respectively.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian who officiated at the closing said effective communication is the cornerstone of nation-building.
He praised Toastmasters International for its century-long dedication to nurturing leadership and communication skills across the globe.
These efforts are aligned with Sarawak’s vision of becoming a high-income, developed region by 2030, he added.
A Bahasa Malaysia workshop on emceeing and public speaking was also held, led by SMK Batu Lintang teachers, Abg. Jalani Abg. Mazadi and Sarmandi Nawi.
