INTI International College Penang (IICP) welcomed young talents from across the state at its inaugural Chief Executive Challenge Trophy Public Speaking Competition, held on 18 June 2025. The event brought together eight promising speakers from five secondary schools, providing them with a platform to build confidence, refine their communication skills, and think critically under pressure.
The competition was initiated by Hemalatha Murugiah, Chief Executive of IICP, as part of INTI’s broader commitment to nurturing well-rounded, future-ready individuals.
Han Chiang High School’s Liew Ler Yee prepares to deliver her impromptu speech during the IICP Chief Executive Challenge Trophy Public Speaking Competition 2025. She went on to win both the “Best Impromptu Speaker” and overall “First Place” titles.
“This platform was created to help students overcome stage fright, build their self-confidence, and think critically under pressure,” said Hemalatha. “In an age of AI and automation, human skills like emotional intelligence and charisma are more vital than ever. We want to empower students to lead, inspire, and speak with purpose.”
Participating schools included Han Chiang High School, SMJK Chung Ling, SMK St. Xavier, SMJK Heng Ee, and Penang Chinese Girls’ High School. Students competed in two rounds — prepared and impromptu speeches — designed to test both their storytelling and quick-thinking abilities.
Han Chiang High School emerged as the top-performing team. The Chief Executive Challenge Trophy and Best Impromptu Speaker awards were both presented to 15-year-old Liew Ler Yee, whose presence and delivery impressed both the judges and audience.
“Winning both titles was a double surprise,” said Liew. “This competition gave me the confidence and motivation I needed. I’ll never forget the incredible energy and support from everyone there.”
Her schoolmate, 16-year-old Ong Jayden, placed first runner-up.
“I wasn’t expecting to win because I was juggling other commitments, but this proved I could still deliver something meaningful,” said Ong. “It taught me the importance of time management and staying calm under pressure.”
First runner-up Ong Jayden of Han Chiang High School delivers a composed and articulate speech, earning praise for his calm and confident presence on stage.
Third place was awarded to Chen Suen Hui, 14, from Penang Chinese Girls’ High School, who said the experience boosted her confidence to speak publicly and learn from her peers.
“Everyone was so good, I didn’t expect to place,” she said. “This competition helped me believe in myself. I learned a lot by observing how others held the stage and engaged the audience.”
The event also drew strong support from teachers, who acknowledged its value in helping students apply classroom lessons to real-world situations.
“The transformation was incredible. They’re now more articulate, more confident, and more ready to lead,” said Malathi Thambirajah, teacher advisor from Han Chiang High School. “Platforms like this are essential for applying classroom learning to real-world communication.”
Penang Chinese Girls’ High School’s Chen Suen Hui engages the audience with her expressive delivery. She secured third place in the overall competition.
Nur Hani Zafirah, teacher advisor to third-place winner Chen, added, “This event allowed my student to speak meaningfully and connect with an audience. It was smoothly run and impactful. Exactly the kind of experience that builds future leaders.”
As the event closed with warm applause and new friendships formed, Hemalatha expressed IICP’s plans to make the competition a recurring initiative.
“We see this becoming a yearly tradition,” she said. “It is a celebration of youth voices and leadership. INTI is committed to developing well-rounded individuals who can think, speak, and lead with clarity and conviction. This is just the beginning.”