Have good communication skills, will travel

The International Inter-Varsity Public Speaking Competition (IIPSC) 2026 concluded Monday at Tegas Digital Village in Kuching, featuring 32 participants from 16 teams across Sarawak and Indonesia. Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn stated that the event serves as a tool to ensure technical expertise is effectively conveyed to policymakers, industry leaders, and the public.

Why communication skills are essential for technical experts

Communication skills complement academic and professional excellence, according to Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The minister noted that a lack of these skills can prevent technical knowledge from reaching those who need it most.

Sagah described public speaking as an essential tool for shaping future leaders and improving English language command. He stated that competitions like the IIPSC test an individual’s ability to manage emotions, engage audiences, and build persuasive, evidence-based arguments. Sharifah Fariah Syed Junaidi, the ministry’s higher education division head, represented Sagah at the closing ceremony.

Did You Know? The three-day programme included participants from Universitas Panca Bhakti in Pontianak, Indonesia, reflecting a commitment to regional academic collaboration and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Which institutions participated in the IIPSC 2026?

The competition brought together a mix of public and private higher learning institutions. Participating entities included UiTM Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.

ESU International Public Speaking Competition Grand Final 2026

Other participants came from Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Tun Abdul Razak, IPG Batu Lintang, Santubong Community College, Politeknik Betong, Sarawak Skills, i-Cats University College, and Unitar. The inclusion of international students from Indonesia was highlighted by Sagah as a way to use English as a bridge for cross-border collaboration.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter observes that by linking public speaking to the 2030 SDGs, the programme shifts from a simple academic contest to a strategic exercise in developing “global citizens” who can operate across international borders.

How will the competition evolve in the future?

Prof Dr Firdaus Abdullah, Rector of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak, indicated that the programme may expand in coming years. He expressed hope that the event would not be a one-off, but could grow on a larger scale.

Possible next steps include the addition of more categories, more participating universities, and a higher number of students. Abdullah stated that the platform allows participants to sharpen their thinking and experience different perspectives, which he linked to lifelong learning and mental wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the IIPSC 2026 closing ceremony held?
The ceremony took place at Tegas Digital Village in Kuching.

How many teams competed in the event?
There were 16 teams comprising 32 participants.

What is the intended impact of the competition on students?
According to Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the programme provides students opportunities to strengthen English proficiency to better prepare them for the workforce.

Do you believe public speaking skills are as important as technical degrees in today’s job market?