On the 26th of October 2024, a choral speaking competition was held at SJKC Union. This competition was organized by Water Watch Penang in partnership with Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) and the Green Educators’ Workgroup (GREW), sponsored by Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pulau Pinang. The aims of this competition were to highlight the critical need for Penangites to conserve water for future needs, as well as induce creativity in students through water themed education. We hoped to instil awareness of water issues in the younger generations and empower them to take action, as well as emphasize the importance of the English language in our education.
The theme for this year was “Saving Water for Penang 2030”, and a total of seven schools all over Penang took part with teams of 15 students each. The event started off with an opening speech by Water Watch Penang’s Vice President, Associate Professor Dr. Tan Mou Leong, who talked about the disproportionately high domestic water consumption in Penang and why saving water is so crucial. He highlighted the importance of the younger generation in making more sustainable and informed decisions when it comes to conserving the earth’s natural resources. After his speech, the audience was introduced to Mr. Arivananthen Odayar, the Assistant Manager of Environmental, Safety and Health at PBAPP.
The chief judge of the choral speaking competition was Ms. Nadia Roselilyana Noordin from the School of Languages, Literacy and Translation at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Judging alongside her were Ms. Christine Mary Jalleh, also from the School of Languages, Literacy and Translation, and Ms. Yeoh Hee Hee, a retired lecturer from Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Tuanku Bainun. Contestants were told that they would be judged on six criteria, that being timing, delivery, voice, facial expression, variety, and rhythm.
The results for the 2024 choral speaking competition were as follows –
- Champion: Convent Warriors, from SK Convent Bukit Mertajam (Book vouchers worth -RM900)
- 1st Runner-Up: KH Water Warriors, from SJKC Keong Hoe (Book vouchers worth – RM600)
- 2nd Runner-Up: CPTarians, from SK Convent Pulau Tikus (Book vouchers worth – RM300)
- Consolation (in no particular order) (Book vouchers worth – RM150):
- Hydro Defenders, from SJKC Han Chiang
- Bee Gee’s Vibrant Voices, from SK Bukit Gelugor
- Warriors of SJKC Union, from SJKC Union
- SKH Water Warriors, from SK Hutchings
Water Watch Penang would like to extend its gratitude to all the schools who took part in this competition. Also, WWP would like to extend its gratitude to SJKC Union for hosting this event and thank you to GREW for sharing with GREW schools. The effort put in by both students and teachers alike were truly commendable. For further inquiries, please contact us at info.waterwatchpenang@gmail.com or +6019-5751253.