The UCSI University-Public Bank National English Language Essay Competition 2019 had successfully attracted over a hundred entries from students on their thoughts towards nation-building.

Tan (far right) said she hoped UCSI will host more of such events.

Kuan (far right) was over the moon when he was announced as the winner of the competition.

The UCSI University-Public Bank National English Language Essay Competition 2019 was the first of such initiative by the University

It was moment not to forget for Kuan Kwok Yong when he received a tuition fee waiver worth RM10,000 to study at UCSI University.

The 17-year-old from Hin Hua High School received the tuition wee waiver together with RM1,000 cash money, a trophy and a certificate for winning in the UCSI University-Public Bank National English Language Essay Competition 2019. 

“This competition is a wonderful way to allow young students express their thoughts for a better Malaysia. I believe that if we can truly view each other as our own, standing together in times of need, then we can or will definitely propel Malaysia towards a better future,” he said.

Besides Kuan, who won the first prize, 24 other secondary school students were selected as winners for the second, third, fourth, fifth and merit categories.

The top five winners received UCSI’s tuition fee waivers between RM3,000 and RM10,000, cash monies amounting from RM300 to RM1,000, trophies, and certificates. Twenty merit winners each received a MPH book voucher and a dictionary from Cambridge University Press.

“I am grateful that my piece on achieving peace and harmony has been acknowledged and agreed with by others. I hope that UCSI and other universities can organise more meaningful events like this in the future,” third prize winner, Tan Yi Xuan, also from the same school as Kuan, said.

UCSI University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Academician Senior Professor Dato’ Dr Khalid Yusoff, in his opening remark, said he was delighted of the initiative that was supported by Public Bank as the main sponsor and five co-sponsors namely Royal Selangor, MPH Bookstores, Khind Starfish Foundation, Cambridge University Press and Le Quadri Hotel.  

“The National English Language Essay Competition is quintessentially the University’s way of inculcating the expression of love for a harmonious Malaysia among the younger generation.

“They deserve to have their voice heard. After all, this country is going to be theirs, and this future needs to be shaped from now” he said.

Managing Director of Public Bank Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Tay Ah Lek said his team was gratified to be part of this noble endeavour to encourage youths in shaping the future of the country.

Public Bank, which had previously contributed RM20,000 for the competition, according to Tay, had consistently funded various literary awards.

The competition was held in conjunction with the 62^nd Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations with the aim to encourage students to reflect and write on the role of youth in nation building. It is a step in the right direction for students to articulate their ideas and ideals on how a nation should move forward.

This UCSI University-Public Bank National English Language Essay Competition was opened to students sitting for the SPM, STPM, O-Level, A-Level and UEC examinations. The topic of this competition is “The Role of Youth in Creating a Peaceful and Harmonious Malaysia”.

The competition began receiving entries from May 1 to the eve of National Day.