Perak teen Shalini Pubalachandar has emerged champion in an international public speaking competition held recently.

The Form Four student of SMK Methodist (ACS) in Sitiawan trumped 600 other participants from various countries to take home the top medal and certificate, reported The Star.

Shalini gave a speech on mother tongue language at the International Budding Star 2021 Tamil language public speaking competition held virtually on Jan 29, by private education providers in India and Malaysia.

Besides Malaysia, participants in the event were from Singapore, India, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking to the English daily, Shalini said she was estatic about the win as she had made her parents proud.

"I just want to continue achieving my goals and doing well so I get to see the bright smiles on their faces," she reportedly said.

An aspiring teacher, Shalini has been actively involved in public speaking since she was just 10, and has competed in school, national, and now, international level competitions.

"The struggles you endure today become your strength tomorrow, and they make your victor just that much more precious.

"Participate without the pressure of winning or losing. Just go in and give it your all."

Shalini further dedicated her victory to her supportive parents and teachers who encouraged her to participate, saying she hopes to inculcate the same values on her students when she becomes a teacher.

Wise words indeed, Shalini. Congratulations on your fantastic win, and may this be the first of many more to come.

Here's wishing you all the very best in your future endeavours!

Yesterday, Astro Ulagam had reported about seven-year-old Kaviyashree Murugan, a Year One pupil of SJKT Sungai Renggam in Shah Alam, Selangor, who won the third prize in the Under-12 poem recital category of the same International Budding Star 2021 competition, with her rendition of her poem dedicated to mothers.


Source & Photo source: The Star