All tounged-tied

Utusan Malaysia organised a unique competition for primary schools through its English supplement, e-LAB on 20th July at Subang Parade, subang Jaya, Selangor from two in the afternoon till six that evening.

The objective of the Tongue Twister Competition, aptly called, `Say it Fast, Say it Right’ was to instill an interest in the English language in a fun and interesting manner.

The competition was open to all primary school students and was run in two categories. Category A (indiviudal) and Category B (4-member team).

Category A saw a total of 72 registered participants and there was a total of 41 registered participants for Category B.

The participating schools were from Putrajaya and the Klang Valley.

The competition was held in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Education and British Council with sponsorship from Dutch Lady, Oligo and Ayambrand.

The Tongue Twister competition, a first of its kind in Malaysia, saw a very good response from schools, teachers and students.

One of the English teachers, Vanida Muniandy from SK Bukit Bintang 2, Sungei Jernih, Petaling Jaya said, ``I think the competition was very interesting. I did not expect the students to perform so well, especially since this is the first time such a competition is being held. I will definitely encourage my school to participate in the next Tongue Twister competition.’’

Another individual participant from SK SS17, Subang Jaya, 2 Emerald, Abhilashah Praba Thiagarajah said, `` I found the competition very interesting. I did not win a prize but I am proud of myself for being able to go up on stage and speak without being nervous. I will definitely take part next year and I hope to win a prize.’’

The Editor of e-LAB, Jaya P Shiva or fondly called Kak Jaya said, ``I am really happy that we at Utusan are able to do our little bit for the students. I am also very thankful for all the support and enthusiasm from the teachers and students. I did not expect such tremendous response and I hope to be able to do more useful and interesting events for the students.’’

The judges, Jackie McMullan (British Council), Mohamed Razip Mohamed Shah (Ministry of Education, Putrajaya) and Ahmad Zufrie Abdul Rahman (Ministry of Education, Wilayah Persekutuan) all agreed that it was very difficult to choose the winners as every one was very good.

Jackie said, ``It was a very close fight. Everyone was excellent and I think everyone was a winner in their own way.’’

Winners

Category A

1 Nur Natasha Azira

2 Dhanya Ashley Dass

3 Nileash Jeganathan

4 Tan Renee

5 Sharveena Jeganathan

6 Nur Nadirah Megat Herman

7 Mariah Izabelle Merican

8 Nur Anisah Abdul Muthalif

9 Muhd Idzham Azrai

Category B

1 S K Taman Desa

2 S K Convent (1) Bukit Nanas

3 S K Setiawangsa

4 S K Sementa Klang

5 S K Tiara Permai

6 S K Keramat KL

7 S K Setiawangsa

8 S K (L) Sai Meng

9 SK Convent (1) Bukit Nanas

10 SK Methodist, Petaling Jaya