Suda a rose among thorns at Iban public speaking competition
KUCHING: Teacher Suda Lunyong is the only woman participating in the Open Under- 45 category of the UB-Aedil Iban Public Speaking Competition ( Pekit Pidato Iban) 2017.
She will be among seven competitors taking part in the final at Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce auditorium of Batu Lintang Teachers Training Institute ( IPGBL) tomorrow morning (Saturday).
“Truth be known, I am nervous as I am as the only woman competing in the historic Iban Public Speaking contest,” confided the 25-year- old when contacted yesterday.
Suda will compete against Martin Dinil, Tini Numpang, Sila Robin, Bruwin Jumput, Larry Dabong and Sangin Juat.
Suda, from Rumah Bihai, Baoh Burak in Dalat, holds a bachelor’s degree in Iban Language Education from IPG Rajang campus.
She is presently teaching Iban language as a subject at SK Nanga Ngugun, Kanowit.
Event patron Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing said the state-level Pekit Pidato Iban 2017 is historic in that it is being held for the first time.
The organiser is Utusan Borneo-Association for Educational Development of Iban Language ( UB-Aedil).
Suda also called on the public to be part of the historic event by joining as spectators, with the competitors expected to arrive at 8am tomorrow.
“I appeal to members of the public, especially women, to support this competition by turning up for the finals tomorrow. I appeal to members of associations like SDNU, SIDS and Sadia to come in force to the auditorium of IPG Batu Lintang at 8am on Aug 5,” said Suda.
Apart from the Open Under- 45 category, the other categories are Secondary School Students (27 participants) and Tertiary Students (seven participants).
Participating under Secondary Students category are Debra Simoi, Joseph Anja Su, Alisia Abagail Dinang, Natasha Anne Lenta Lawrence, Fiona Pudai Christopher, Nia Fiona Lengana Joanes Jeshua, Shearer Ryan Raymond, Petrice Rachel Janang, Meggry Chleo Bunai Daniel, Adlinea Alexander, Jesica Cherenny, Jasmine Lyn, Tracy Layau William Dambol, Daiyanti Juit, Fatanea Endik Ngumbang, Alvis Anggang, Famelia Rolannie Rufie, Rebecca Agnes Yusop, Angelina Miara Jong, Wilfred Denial David, Kimberly Ruby Radin Dandi, Arthur Buyong Aloh, Anderina Miloh Bugie, Sabri Langgai Pelin, Marlia Kilat, Bugin Bunyau and Dominic Anggit Ansam.
Participating under Tertiary Students category are Rynna Sha’erra Mindew, Micheal Bandang Tinggai, Brolin Golayous, Easter Wendy Ngalit Lawrance, Erica Leenya Eben, Nicholas Beliang Engkabi and Easter Jawai Paul.
The 27 participating under Secondary Students come from 10 schools in Sarawak, and are competing in the preliminary stage starting 1pm today at Kingwood Hotel, Jalan Padungan here.