KUCHING: The International Inter-Varsity Public Speaking Competition (IIPSC) 2026 serves as an important platform in strengthening communication skills, critical thinking and debate ability among students in preparation for the needs of an innovation-based economy by 2030.

This was confirmed through the closing speech delivered by the Ministry for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Higher Education Division Head Sharifah Fariah Syed Junaidi representing the Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn during the IIPSC 2026 Closing Ceremony at Tegas Digital Village on Monday.

According to him, although the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and technology continue to be emphasised, the ability to convey ideas clearly and convincingly is an important factor in determining the success of an innovation.

"A great idea can fail if it is not delivered well. Therefore, communication skills, critical thinking and the ability to argue based on facts need to continue to be strengthened among the younger generation," he said.

At the same time, he also emphasised the importance of mastering the English language as the main medium to expand international cooperation networks and support the global sustainable development agenda.

The competition, which was organised for the first time at the university level, also saw international participation, including representatives from Universitas Panca Bakti, Pontianak, Indonesia, thus strengthening regional relations in the academic field and talent development.

In addition, the format of the competition in pairs that was introduced was able to foster a spirit of cooperation, shared responsibility and increase the participants' self-confidence in presenting arguments effectively in front of an audience.

For the results of the competition, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch emerged victorious through the pairing of Zara Adilia Fathiah and Christian Angel Terry who brought home a cash prize of RM2,000.

Second place was won by the Batu Lintang Campus Teacher Education Institute (IPG) represented by Liew Hui Yee and Nathanael Querysmar Christus with a cash prize of RM1,500.

Meanwhile, third place went to the Swinburne University team represented by Ewen Elisha Khoo Kim Suan and Angeline Michelle Bong Siew Lian who took home a cash prize of RM1,000. -UKASnews