Camp participants urged to learn, practise English
SIBU: Divisional deputy education officer Salemah Chali called on all Speak Up Camp participants to always make efforts to learn and practise the English language.
Speaking at the closing of the event at University College of Technology Sarawak ( UCTS), she said the most important reasons to do so was that English is an international language and a primary language used in international affairs.
“For higher learning, the language of instruction would be in English and for job opportunities, those with English proficiency have better opportunities and marketability,” she pointed out.
She said the Education Department had come up with various programmes, including the dual language system for Science and Mathematics subjects and collaborations such as the Speak Up Camp with UCTS, to promote and enhance mastery of the English language.
“So I hope that whatever you gained here will not stop here, but try to practise it everywhere you go,” she said, adding that many of the students who participated were very talented.
Meanwhile, a total of 160 students from various secondary schools took part in the event which started on March 17.
Emina Kulasic Bong Ei Min from SMK St Anthony, Sarikei won the impromptu speech contest while Jane Law Lee Bin and Belinda Sendi placed second and third respectively.
Both Law and Belinda are from SMK Methodist.
In the prepared speech contest, Alexander Banta Andrew Chiba from SMK St Luke, Sri Aman won fi rst place while Ashley Joyce Poon from SMK Three Rivers Mukah placed second and Nur Amira Ibrahim from Kolej Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah placed third.
After his win, Alexander told The Borneo Post that this was his fi rst time speaking on stage.
“I was shaky but I had confidence,” he said. He said he learned about friendship and leadership skills as well as to appreciate every moment during the event.
Meanwhile, UCTS senior manager for students’ development and services Clement Langet Sabang hoped that the participants would develop some of the skills they learned when devising their impromptu speeches.
He described impromptu speeches as one of the most important lessons they could apply in their lives.
“For example, you will need it during interviews for jobs because you will never know what questions they (the interviewers) will throw at you,” he pointed out.
He also said that he was proud of the students for their achievement and thanked the teachers and students for their positive responses.