KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ team of cross disciplinary academics together with the Dayak Bidayuh Literary Society (DBLS) recently organised a hybrid public speaking competition and online public speaking workshop.
Over 60 participants comprising Form 4 students and teachers of five schools under the Serian District Education Office participated in the workshop.
The event was held in September via Google Meet to provide guidance to the students in preparation for the hybrid public speaking competition on October 12, 2022.
Both the competition and workshop were led by Shella Georgina Beatrice, Course
Coordinator of School of Foundation Studies, Swinburne Sarawak and Head of Public Speaking Sub-Committee for DBLS.
During the workshop, representatives from Swinburne Sarawak and DBLS presented on topics related to public speaking. From DBLS, its Chairman Datuk John Tenewi Nuek shared about public speaking from the perspective of an ambassador, Dr John Francis Noyan spoke of content and structure of formal speeches and Dr Jecky Miesing shared about speaking naturally.
From Swinburne Sarawak, Shella presented an introduction to public speaking while School of Foundation Studies Lecturers Esther John Perry and Bryan Aaron Khoo respectively shared on gestures and facial expressions as well as tips and strategies for online public speaking.Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science Senior Lecturer Ts Dr Irine Runnie spoke about the rules and guidelines of the public speaking competition.
The active involvement of the students and teachers made the workshop lively and fruitful, with useful guidelines provided to the students in preparation for the competition.
The objectives of the workshop were to build confidence and ethics in public speaking and to improve literacy and English language skills among the younger generation in rural areas.
The team initiated the online public speaking workshop for students in rural schools in Serian division in line with Swinburne’s Strategic Plan 2025 and DBLS’ objective to promote literacy among youths.
During the hybrid public speaking competition held on 12 October 2022, John Klyveld anak Kembi from SMK Serian emerged as champion. Francis Engkalang from SMK Tarat was the first runner-up while Alven Loon from SMK Serian took the second runner-up spot.
The talented speakers were able to deliver their speeches well with logical ideas, impressive quotes and their own distinct style.
Also present at the public speaking competition were Deputy District Education Officer for Serian Ensnat bin Sauri and his officers.
The team expressed its gratitude towards the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development for providing the education programme grant for this project. It is hoped that more competitions can be carried out in the future.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website (www.swinburne.edu.my), Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).
