The Life Long Learning Auditorium was abuzz with anticipation as Speech Academy Asia commenced its annual award night. This tradition-steeped event, held in the grand and spacious auditorium, marked the climax of a year’s worth of hard work and commitment. It was designed to celebrate students who had made the most significant improvements in their public speaking abilities.

The evening was further elevated by the presence of a special guest, Mr. Mark Chay, two-time Olympian and SEA Games gold medallist. Known for his significant contributions to sports and the community, Mr. Chay’s accomplishments have been an inspiration to many Singaporeans. His presence at the event brought an additional layer of excitement and prestige.

The auditorium resonated with a heartening mix of emotions. Proud parents clapping enthusiastically, siblings cheering in support, and students gleaming with pride as they received recognition for their incredible progress. The collective sense of accomplishment and unity painted a vibrant picture of shared success.

The ceremony began with a stirring welcome address by Mr. Kelvin Tan, the esteemed co-founder of Speech Academy Asia. The audience listened with rapt attention as he provided insights into the academy’s mission to nurture confident public speakers and future leaders. In a particularly powerful segment of his speech, Mr. Tan emphasised that the true essence of winning awards goes beyond self-recognition. “No matter what you win, always help others and care for others,” he advised the gathering. “Winning awards is not just for self-recognition, but also to use the skills you have to help others. Because while one person can achieve good, as a team and as a whole, we can achieve greater results only together.” These words left a profound impression on all attendees, underscoring the importance of teamwork and empathy in all endeavours.

The evening’s highlight was undoubtedly the award presentation. As each winner’s name was announced, the student walked up to the stage, their faces radiating with pride and joy. The auditorium filled with palpable energy as each announcement was greeted with thunderous applause and cheers from the supportive crowd.

Among these impressive young achievers was a 10-year-old boy who had, just a year prior, grappled with the fear of speaking in front of his classmates. On this unforgettable evening, he strode up to the stage, received his award for ‘Most Improved’, and returned to his seat, a beaming smile on his face that spoke volumes about his incredible journey. This silent, yet powerful narrative encapsulated the essence of the award night – it was a celebration of growth and progress, more than just the final destination.

The award ceremony also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. Shared joy and collective applause contributed to the warm and uplifting atmosphere. Each congratulatory handshake, shared joke, and recounting of experiences made the evening truly memorable.

As the award night drew to a close, it left behind a lasting imprint of accomplishment and pride in the hearts of all attendees. The event was more than just an award ceremony; it was a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the relentless will to learn and grow. It showcased that with dedication, hard work, and the right mentorship, any fear could be conquered, and any skill could be mastered.

We eagerly look forward to the future, ready to applaud and celebrate the countless victories and achievements that Speech Academy Asia will nurture in the years to come. Next up will our Speak Up Kids Competition which is a public speaking competition where we provide shy kids from both MOE schools and private institutions – yes you heard that right, not the confident ones, but shy kids, with an opportunity to give a speech in front of a large group of audience! Stay tuned!