As the preliminary round of International Public Speaking Competition 2023 has been held in last February, University Al Azhar Indonesia (UAI), Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysia (UiTM), and Guangxi Minzu Normal University (GXMZNU) have chosen their two best representatives to compete at its final round on Wednesday (29/3) on hybrid. The candidates were Safaa Sabika (UAI), Liu Biyun (GXMZNU), Wirda Munira Mohamad Azizi (UiTM), Tan Shuchang (GXMZNU), Radya Cantika (UAI), Aida Khairani Zaidi (UiTM). All the finalists were judged by seven prominent panellists, Dr. Jamilah Shaari (Chief of Judge from Universiti Sains Malaysia) together with six judges from three universities which consisted of Dianna Suzieanna Mohamad Shah (Universiti Teknologi Mara Shah Alam, Malaysia) Dr. Nur Syazwanie Mansor (Universiti Teknologi Mara Kedah Branch, Malaysia), Ruvira Arindita, S.I.Kom., M.Si., (University Al-Azhar Indonesia), Nida Maisah, S.S., M.Li (University Al-Azhar Indonesia), Tang Ting, Ivy (GXMZNU), and Jiang Guang (GXMZNU).
In the welcoming speech, Prof. Dr. Ir. Asep Saefuddin, M.Sc. (Rector of UAI), Associate Prof. Ts Dr. Mohamad Nasir Ismail (Deputy Rector of Academic Affairs of UiTM Kelantan Branch), and Prof. Wei Youhuan (The Vice President of Guangxi Minzu Normal University) expressed their thanks in this important event. These prominent leaders from the three universities also encouraged as well as congratulated the six finalists who have fully succeeded to be chosen to represent each university at this final round. The finalist will automatically sharpen their communication skill, confidence, and most importantly networking internationally. They also hoped that this event could be held annually and involve as many as universities across the globe and advance the special partnership among UiTM, GXMZNU, and UAI.
Our students are our future, therefore it is my pleasure to invite Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysia and Guangxi Minzu Normal University to provide platforms to all the students as much as we can. This event is tangible for all of us and we need to advance it”. (Prof. Asep)
Becoming the first finalist who performed, Safaa Sabika, who is holding a background in psychology, delivered the speech which is entitled How People’s Awareness of Cultural Differences in Emotional Expressions Affect Mental Health. She began her speech by stating that differences itself are made by the existence of cultural diversity. Each culture has its own heritage and tradition which make the culture itself different. These differences impact our way of thinking and how we express emotion. It should become our concern because emotions drive our actions and it could affect ourselves and others. This is why being aware of such differences is crucial. Indonesia is a country with hundreds of ethnic groups, each with their own social and cultural backgrounds. Indonesians perceived Batak people as open, honest, and blunt. On the other hand, Javanese and Sundanese consider courtesy and subtlety to show respect to others. The differences in their nature can affect the cultural perception towards each other, or worse, it may cause misunderstanding. The misunderstandings may restrain how people express their emotions. These examples show that culture and environment may influence how people express their emotions. This statement is supported by a study about emotional display through a journal from International Journal of Psychological.
“I strongly believe that we could learn about mental health awareness through the differences of how each culture expresses their emotions. It brings people to help, listen, and look after those who are dealing with mental illness. One small act of kindness can be a tremendous help to others. Let’s all give respect and tolerate differences, and build up our mental health awareness towards each other”. Safaa Sabika (Student of Psychology 2022 of UAI) stated during her speech.
With cultural diversity, we could all inspire one another, resulting in better perception and productivity, which helps in generating a lot of talents along with the exchange of innovative ideas. Our rich diversity… is our collective strength”. Radya Cantika (Student of Arab Language and Culture 2020 of UAI)
Meanwhile, Radya Cantika talked about the issue of Racism and Discrimination Are Slowly Eating Away the Tapestry of Diversity. She explained that for thousands of years, humankind has inhabited every corner of this planet. When a group of people lives in a certain place, needless to say, they start to develop their own culture. All around the globe, living side-by-side, all these various cultures of the world generate a lavish and diverse tapestry. Respect and acceptance are the keys to keep the beautiful tapestry of the world intact and secured. She also highlighted that some people unfortunately choose to throw away this key and decide to embrace the pitiful act of ethnocentrism that eventually leads to racism and discrimination. For instance, in some parts of the world, Black people still suffer. Muslims still suffer. Asians still suffer. Based on data collected from the United States Department of Justice’s website, in 2021, there were more than seven thousand (7.262) hate crime incidents in the US, where 64.8% of them occurred due to racism. This is living proof that cultural diversity racism still exists. She added that the variation of skin color, eye shape, and face structure is actually one of the most beautiful things God ever created. By having this opportunity, she invited all the people to knock up their consciences and assist in waking others. With each and every one conscience joined, all could create a powerful shield that protects the lavish and diverse tapestry of the world.
On the occasion, the remaining finalists from UiTM and GXMZNU discussed a variety of topics in cultural diversity such as Attitudes and Cultural Diversity, Conquering the World Economy Through Multicultural Companies, Respect, Reserve and Resolve, and Standing Against Hatred Towards Asians: Confronting Racism. Everyone performed really well and made the competition more exciting. Ultimately, the chief of judge announced that Radya Radika from UAI placed as 1st winner, Wirda Munira Mohamad Azizi UiTM placed as the 2nd winner, and Tan Shuchang from GXMZNU placed as the 3rd winner. (TSH)