As part of the Tamil Language Festival
coordinated by Tamil Language Council, a National Public Speaking
Competition was held for both the Primary and Secondary students taking
Tamil. This was a joint project by Bishan Community Club’s Indian Activities
Executive Committee (IAEC) and Tamils Representative Council (TRC). It has
to be noted that the Youth Wings of both organizations were very much
involved in planning and executing the event.
The objective of the Inter-School Tamil Public Speaking Competition was to
enable participants to find creative ways to view the given themes and
topics, allowing them to deliver their opinions in a clear and concise
manner. In addition, speaking Tamil in public would contribute in building
their confidence and inculcate the importance of speaking the language.
Preparations started in January and more than 90 students had registered
well before the closing date. The qualifying rounds were held on 24 February
2007 which stretched throughout the whole day. From this 5 finalists in each
category were selected for the Finals.
The Grand Finals was held on 8 April 2007 at the Bishan Community Club. The
Guest of Honour, Mr Zainddin Nordin, Mayor for Central Singapore CDC and MP
for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC was on hand to present the prizes. In his speech he
welcomed such joint events by the Community Centre based IAECs and Indian
Organisations like TRC. This will assist in sharing of resources and also
benefit a larger mass of participants. He also noted that such competitions
will ensure the continued usage of Tamil and enhance the ability of students
in using Spoken Tamil.
More than 400 Students, Parents and Community Leaders were also present to
witness the event. Two SYF winners in the 2007 National Dance Competition,
Beatty Sec School and CHIJ St Josephs Convent presented their award winning
dances and entertained the crowd.
Dr Theyvendran, President of TRC congratulated the Youth members of both
organizations for their commitment and success. He also echoed the words of
Mr Zainuddin in agreeing that TRC was ever willing to explore more such
joint programmes in promoting the development of Spoken Tamil in Singapore.
