Writing contest to promote harmony

THE Asian Strategy & Leadership Institute (Asli) and Star Media Group, with support from Sunway

University, have jointly organised a Merdeka Essay Writing Competition for youth.

The theme is “Promoting National Unity and Moderation” in the country, and aims to get youth to write about the progress Malaysia has made in its 60 years of independence.

The competition is open to all Malaysians between the ages of 16 and 22 who are studying in secondary schools (Category A) and in colleges and universities (Category B).

Category A students must write an essay, between 400 and 800 words on “Is there a symbol that can be used to unite all Malaysians, respective of race, culture and religion, and how would you use the symbol to promote national unity in schools?”

For Category B, college and university students must write an essay, which must be between 500 to 1000 words, answering the question “From the perspective of a young adult, discuss the importance

and strengths of national unity for Malaysia, and discuss how moderation plays a part in achieving such unity.”

Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges and results will be announced in November.

Winners will earn cash prizes and the chance to have their essays published in The Star. The first, second and third prize winners in Category A, will receive RM1,500, RM1,000 and RM500 respectively.

Winners for Category B will receive RM3,000, RM2,000 and RM1,000 for first, second and third places respectively. There will be five consolation prizes of RM200 each for both categories. Only the first 500 essays submitted and received via email, will be judged.

Contestants should submit one essay each. Entries must be written in English. They must be original, previously unpublished and submitted to this contest alone. All quotes and references used must be properly cited. Any form of plagiarism will result in disqualification.

The decision of the judges is final. The deadline for submission has been extended to 4pm on Sept 30.

Contestants should submit their entries by e-mail to essay@asli.com.my with their full name, contact numbers, e-mail address, complete residential address, name of school/college/university, year and course/major, school/ college and university address and contact details. For more information and the guidelines for the essay writing competition, visit