KUCHING: Chung Hua No. 1 Secondary School won the State-Level Student Forum Competition in conjunction with the State-Level Language and Literature Festival organised by the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP).
Bringing home RM1,000 along with a certificate and DBP-published books, Chung Hua No. 1 will also represent Sarawak in the National-Level Student Forum Competition to be held soon.
SM Kai Dee (Bintulu) secured second place for a prize of RM750 along with a certificate and DBP-published books, followed by SM Chung Hua No. 3 (Kuching) in third place, receiving RM500 along with a certificate and DBP-published books.
In addition, the festival also featured several other competitions, including a short video clip competition won by SM Kai Dee (Bintulu).
The modern storytelling competition was won by the Shengyunkee Dynasty Group from SM Min Lit, Batu Kawa; the storytelling competition was won by Lincoln Wee Shin Howe (SJK Chung Hua No. 5); the choral speaking competition was won by SM Catholic, Sibu; and the group singing competition was won by the Joget Girang Group from SJK Stampin.
Sarawak DBP director, Abang Haliman Abang Julai said the language and literature programmes aim to encourage the use of standard Malay among students of Chinese Independent Secondary Schools (SMPC).
This is to produce a generation of Malaysians proficient in the effective use of standard language.
“We must acknowledge that language is an important element in expressing knowledge.
“Therefore, it is a shared responsibility to uphold the continuity of the prestige of the Malay language as an effective national language,” he said at the closing of the festival at DBP Sarawak Branch Auditorium Hall here on today (July 19).
He added that emphasising skills in intellectual debate, critical thinking, and spontaneity through the festival can hone the talents of students, especially in the Malay language.
“These are essential traits in producing credible leaders, and I believe that a knowledgeable society will produce a progressive society,” he said.
Also present were Kota Sentosa Assemblyman Wilfred Yap and DBP board member Dr. Jeniri Amir.
