7-Year-Old Malaysian Emerges Champion Of International English Speech Competition
Hamidah bested 25 participants from six other countries.
By May Vin Ang — 07 Feb 2025, 04:11 PM
At just 7 years old, Amatullah Hamidah has already made a name for herself by emerging as the champion at the 63rd International Children And Youth English Speech Competition last month
A student at Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (PASTI) Al-Furqan in Chendering, Terengganu, this was Hamidah's debut on the international stage.
According to the New Straits Times, Hamidah's mother, Hasmah Darwis, 31, enrolled her daughter in the Early Childhood Group category of the competition, which was organised by the Global Arts, Sports, and Culture Association (GASCA) based in Hong Kong.
Hamidah bested 25 participants from six other countries.
"This was Hamidah's first international competition, and our main goal was to give her the experience (of performing on a global stage), while earning points for her to become the Kuala Terengganu model student of PASTI to compete in the state-level competition in Sarawak.
"She chose to recite a poem in the online competition, and we could see how dedicated she was in practising. However, my husband (Muhammad Luqman Al Hakim Mohd Radzi, 32) and I didn't place high expectations on her or pressure her to win," said Hasmah.
Hamidah is no stranger to public speaking, having participated in many other school-level competitions and events in Terengganu
Her articulate speeches have earned recognition from PASTI Terengganu, with her performances often featured on their social media accounts.
Meanwhile, Hamidah also expressed her happiness and excitement about becoming a champion in the competition
"I love public speaking because it makes me happy and helps me become braver," said Hamidah, who dreams of becoming a soldier in the future.
Her achievement has also captured the attention of Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who posted a congratulatory message on his Facebook page.
"Her success not only makes her family proud but also serves as an inspiration to the people of Terengganu and PASTI students across Malaysia. Her ability to compete internationally highlights the exceptional talent and potential of children from Terengganu," he said.
