Division W Governor Marian Lee with TME John Cheah
Division W International Speech Contest
Five brave contestants gave their best on a Saturday afternoon, and the appreciative audience enjoyed various topics about never giving up, Dec 12 2012, smelling the roses, being not good enough and the meaning of death.
Apart from winning the trophies generously provided by District 51, the champions for Division W International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest will proceed to District 51’s contests to be held on Sun 29 April 2012 at Sunway Convention Centre.
Our third place winner spoke of impending doomsday on Dec 12 2012, according to the Mayan calendar. He even bought his own Mayan calendar to show us the time. With less than 300 days to go before Dec 12, he advocated doing more charity work.
Our second place winner learnt about the meaning of death from his friend, the nicest guy that he knew of. One day, as he was about to board the flight to Singapore to visit his friend, he received the devastating news that his friend has just passed away, at the age of 21. He regretted not visiting him more often, while his friend was undergoing treatment for leukemia. From that day onwards, he resolved to live his life with no regrets.
Our champion was told that he was useless, that he was not good enough and not smart enough when his team members rejected him, his teacher and his bus driver scolded him. On a fateful day, a book that belonged to another student ended in his hands. He decided to read this book that told the tales of famous persons who had faced rejection and ridicule before they became successful. He found inspiration in the early struggles of Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan and George Custard. From them, he learnt that we should believe in ourselves, because all of us have the potential to do great things.
International Speech Contest Chair, CC, ALB Teoh Chun Ming (right) presenting the certificate of participation to the Teo Soo Loon, Area W3 contestant
International Speech Contest Results
Champion – Lee Han-Sen (TTDI)
1st runner up – Dominic Teoh (HSBC KL)
2nd runner up – Lawrence Hoo (Speakers Dream)
Division W Table Topics Contest
After a refreshing break where we mingled and chatted while we enjoy the delicious spread of fried beehoon, popiah, vegetables and delicious chicken curry, it was time for another entertaining session.
The question posed to our five contestants was – having no choices makes you happier than having more choices.
Our third place winner chose to be happy. In life, we have choices when we choose to change jobs, to settle down and start a family. In life, we also have no choice when it comes to death. Whether we have choices or none, our contestant choose to be happy.
Our second place winner humorously told us that at her age, having no choice is better for her. It was time for her to hold someone’s hand, to walk down the red carpet and to grow old together. She is looking forward to finding her life partner, for whom she is his choice!
Our champion advocated having variety in life, to escape the monotonous routine of life. For him, he found that as he grew older, he has more choices as he is still single. Ultimately, he believes that each of us has a higher purpose in life and we would know what choice to make, when the time comes.
Table Topics Contest Chair, DTM G Sivalingam (right) presenting the certificate of participation to Guok Lee Lee, Area W3 contestant
Table Topics Contest Results
Champion – Mark Lee (Speakers Dream)
1st runner up – E Son Lee (MAICSA)
2nd runner up – Lee Xi Wen (TTDI)
Division W International Speech Champion Han-Sen (left) with Division W Table Topic Champion Mark
As winners of the International Speech Contest and Table Topics Contest, both Han-Sen and Mark now have no choice but to proceed to District 51 Contests on 29 April! We know that both of them are more than good enough, and that they have the potential to do great things.
Photos contributed by TARC Toastmasters Club