Celebrating a Decade of Empowering Young Voices: MOE Speak Up Kids! Public Speaking Competition

This year marks a significant milestone for Speech Academy Asia as it celebrates the 10th Anniversary of its MOE Speak Up Kids Public Speaking Competition. Over the past decade, this event has been a transformative platform, empowering young speakers across Singapore to develop their communication skills, confidence, and creativity. Aligned with the Ministry of Education (MOE)’s focus on holistic education, this competition continues to support students’ personal development while introducing important societal issues through strategic collaborations.

Reflecting on 10 Years of Impact

Since its inception, Speak Up! Kids has grown into much more than a competition—it’s a movement that celebrates the voices of young people discovering the power of self-expression. As Speech Academy Asia remains dedicated to nurturing confident communicators, the competition also aligns with MOE’s vision of developing 21st-century competencies. This includes critical thinking, social awareness, and resilience—key skills for thriving in our interconnected world.

Highlights of the 2024 Event: A Partnership with PUB

A unique aspect of this year’s competition was the collaboration with the Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore’s national water agency. This partnership emphasized environmental stewardship, with several competition topics focusing on the theme of water conservation. Students in Category B (Primary 3 & 4) were given thought-provoking topics on water-saving habits and sustainable practices, encouraging them to reflect on the importance of water in their lives and ways to preserve this vital resource .

In line with PUB’s efforts to promote water sustainability, the Speak Up! Kids competition provided a platform for young speakers to advocate for change in their homes and communities. By including these topics, the competition underscored the importance of fostering environmentally conscious mindsets in the younger generation, empowering students to become advocates for sustainability.

Competition Structure and Highlights

The 2024 event, held on November 11 from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, featured 21 teams from various MOE schools, including Evergreen Primary, Horizon Primary, and Marymount Convent School. The competition was structured into three categories:

1. Category A (Primary 1 & 2): Students explored topics such as friendship and the importance of water in daily life.

2. Category B (Primary 3 & 4): Participants discussed social issues, focusing on mental wellness and water conservation, with input from PUB to encourage a deeper understanding of environmental responsibility.

3. Category C (Primary 5 & 6): Older students tackled complex subjects, including the future of robotics and educational strategies to raise awareness about environmental conservation.

The event commenced with opening remarks from Emcee Vijayakala Veliappan and was judged by an esteemed panel, including Mr. Lukas Seet, co-founder of Speech Academy Asia, Ms. Patricia Cai, a seasoned Toastmasters mentor, and Ms. Candice Wong, a skilled trainer who contributed her expertise in encouraging and mentoring young speakers.

MOE and PUB: Supporting Holistic and Environmental Education

The Speak Up! Kids competition exemplifies how extracurricular programs can supplement MOE’s holistic education framework by not only building students’ confidence but also expanding their awareness of critical issues like water sustainability. The collaboration with PUB was particularly impactful, as it allowed students to engage with real-world challenges, reinforcing PUB’s messages on environmental conservation. This partnership highlighted the role of young people in promoting sustainable practices, complementing MOE’s focus on character and citizenship education.

Recognizing the Champions

The talent displayed this year was exceptional. Horizon Primary School emerged as champions in both Categories B and C, showcasing remarkable creativity, poise, and depth of understanding on water conservation and other societal topics. Yuhua Primary School captured the top spot in Category A with their insightful presentations, impressing both the judges and audience .

Empowering the Next Generation: Your Child Could Be Next!

Inspired by the remarkable talent and confidence on display? Speech Academy Asia offers specialized Public Speaking Courses for Kids that are not only aligned with MOE’s vision of holistic education but also incorporate topics on environmental awareness and sustainability. Our courses are designed to build the confidence, communication skills, and leadership qualities that every child needs to excel.

With our B.E.S.T. methodology, children develop strong public speaking habits, overcome stage fright, and learn to articulate ideas clearly. By integrating topics like water conservation, we aim to nurture a generation of socially responsible leaders who are equipped to address pressing global challenges.

Want to help your child excel in public speaking and advocacy? Visit our Public Speaking for Kids page to learn more about our MOE-aligned programs, upcoming workshops, and how we can unlock your child’s potential!

A Decade of Growth and Looking Ahead

As Speak Up! Kids celebrates its tenth anniversary, it stands as a testament to Speech Academy Asia’s commitment to fostering young leaders. By working with MOE and organizations like PUB, Speech Academy Asia continues to inspire students to think critically about their role in society. The competition’s evolution highlights a growing focus on both communication skills and responsible citizenship, preparing students to become advocates for positive change  .

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, parents, teachers, and supporters. Here’s to many more years of empowering young voices to speak up and make a difference!

Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 competition and other exciting events from Speech Academy Asia!