Reaping rewards with right combo
SJK(C) Chung Hua, Seremban, Negri Sembilan
WHILE the Outstanding Award was a delightful reward for Team The Unique Four, it also underscored the friendship between its members.
Three of its team members -Foong Zi Feng. Ng Jin Ying and Tan Wen Huan – took part in last year’s NiE contest grand finals, but were shy of winning the grand prize.
This year, they had Ng Ting Fong, a new addition. The team presented a PSA that the judges could not say no to, and it was among the entries in the finals for the primary school group category.
The Outstanding Award came as an unexpected incentive, reaffirming the effort they put into creating their PSA entry.
Star Media Group NiE editorial manager Sharon Ovinis presented the award to the all-boy team at their school SJK(C) Chung Hua, Seremban.
The team’s poster sent a message to Malaysian youths to be more involved in sports, as part of an effort to stave away from unhealthy activities involving crime.
Jin Ying explained that their poster hopes to indirectly reduce crime rate in the country. He also added that the team went to great lengths to make an exceptional poster.
“We took the judge’s advice last year and made the poster better. Initially, we wanted to draw using the computer, but we didn’t have the software for it. We are also not good at drawing.
“In the end, we decided to take a photo. Our parents and teachers helped us a lot with the photo shoot. Some of our costumes and props were ordered online from China.”
None of the boys were used to doing a photo shoot, let alone in public, at a residential area. But to Ting Fong, it was his favourite part of the project.
“This is something entirely different from what we do at school. We got to hold up our props, and decide where to stand and what actions to make. I am so glad that we were able to do that.”
Ting Fong also said that participating in the contest brought the group together. “All of us are best friends now and keen on sports. We are planning to get together to play badminton.”
Having experienced last year’s grand finals, Wen Huan said that he was more confident as he knew what to expect.
“Although it was challenging to prepare for the UPSR examination and the contest finals at the same time, I felt happy and excited.”
Zi Feng said he also felt more positive presenting to an audience.
“My English has improved. I learnt so many new words while working on this project. I had a B for my English paper last year, but I’m confident I can get an A this year.”
Jin Ying noted that Game4Life is a good opportunity for students to take part in a national contest. “We get new experiences and it will help us do better when we grow up.”
The contest not only brought members of the team closer; it also built bridges between teachers and parents.
School contest coordinator Lee Kel Sey said that she had become friends with the parents of the team members.
“The parents have also become good friends with one another.
“I think this competition has helped the children, especially with communication skills.
“The pupils rarely speak English outside class. But I am impressed that both the parents and teachers have trained them to speak in front of people. I can see that they are more confident now and are able to have a conversation in English,” she said.
“The Outstanding Award will give others the motivation they deserve. They can also share tips and experiences with other pupils who want to take part,” Lee added.
Agreeing, the school headmaster Wong Kim Tong said that their achievement last year motivated other pupils to take part in the competition.
“Hopefully even more will take part next year. I am proud of this team.
“This contest helped them learn about teamwork and patience. It has also improved their English a lot. I hope they will score As for their English papers. The skills the pupils learnt will help them in the future,” he said.