Public speaking workshop boosts youth confidence and language skills

KUCHING: The Public Speaking Workshop and Competition 2024 aimed to build confidence in public speaking among youths while enhancing literacy and English language skills.

Organised by Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus in collaboration with the Dayak Bidayuh Literary Society (DBLS) and the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, the initiative included activities over the past six months.

These activities covered public speaking techniques through both online and in-person sessions.

Themed “Cultural Roots: Nurturing Identity, Fostering Unity,” the event culminated on July 17, with around 60 students from SMK Siburan and SMK Tun Abdul Razak, spanning Form 3 to Form 5, participating in the public speaking programme.

“The students expressed their excitement and actively participated in the activities, eager to explore how to overcome their fear of public speaking.

“They listen intently to experienced speakers to learn about building their confidence in public speaking,” Swinburne Sarawak said in its press release.

The champion was Benedict Paul then from SMK Siburan, followed by Michelle Vallencia of SMK Siburan in second place, Edward Bong of SMK Tun Abdul Razak.

In the meantime, the students were also given opportunity to explore Swinburne Sarawak and the campus tour inspired and motivated them by showcasing new learning experiences and environments, with the hope that they will consider pursuing their further studies at the university.

With its vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world, Swinburne Sarawak emphasises continuous community engagement, especially in reaching out to rural schools.

For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website www.swinburne.edu.my or Facebook (@swinburnesarawak) and Instagram page @swinburnesarawak.