Reported by:
Khoo Xin Yi Sr1ScA

Empowering the voices within students, and providing a platform for contestants to prove themselves, Kuen Cheng High School facilitates our growth yet again through the power of speech. On the 24th of August, during second recess (12:10p.m. to 1:00p.m.), the Final Round of the English Public Speaking Competition was held for the Senior Category.
Students and teachers alike flocked to the School Auditorium to support their friends who made it to the finals of the competition, namely the 5 contestants, Jenssqi Kan, Teh Zhao Xiang, Carmen Ngo, Lai Qian Yi and Kam Min Xuan.

Starting off, the emcee first introduced our judges from the English Department, Ms Malar Rathinasamy, Ms Jeeva Santhera Segaran and Ms Amelia Soo-Lyanna. There was a brief recap of the competition rules and scoring scheme before the finals officially began.

Even while suffering from a sore throat, the first contestant, Jenssqi Kan, managed to perform her speech, titled “Self Confidence”, with the same confidence she spoke about. Next up was Teh Zhao Xiang with the speech “Lessons from Your Mistakes”, which he brought about in a poised yet moving manner.

With the speech “Speak Up”, Carmen Ngo spoke up about the importance of speaking up for oneself in a convincing form. With a “Courage” filled and titled speech, Lai Qian Yi presented her self-realizing speech calmly and fluently. Lastly was Kam Min Xuan with an insightful speech on “Overindulgent Parents”.

After the spectacular performances were the comments from judges. Ms Jeeva represented the judges in congratulating all the participants for making it through to the finals before moving on with some remarks.

At last, it was time for the announcement of the winners and the prize giving ceremony. Both the Head and the Assistant Head of the English Department, Ms Sharmila Jeyaraj and Ms Vino Vennoo, were invited on stage to hand out the prizes.

  • – 1st Place – Teh Zhao Xiang
  • – 2nd Place – Jenssqi Kan
  • – 3rd Place – Kam Min Xuan
  • – 4th Place – Carmen Ngo
  • – 5th Place – Lai Qian Yi

To wrap off the event, a quick group photo was taken before audience members took pictures with the contestants they were supporting, whether as classmates or as friends. With that, the 2022 English Public Speaking Competition came to a close. Congratulations and a job well done to all the contestants!