UCSDS Hosts Presentation Skills Contest

By Ieng Chankreusna and Pech Sophealeak

On December 17, the University of Cambodia Speech and Debate Society (UCSDS) organized its first project, a Presentation Skills Contest, at the University of Cambodia (UC). The theme of the contest was “ASEAN and Youth.” UCSDS came up with this theme to raise awareness about how Cambodian youth can prepare for the opportunities and challenges of ASEAN integration.

Winners of the UCSDS Presentation Skills Contest

The three winners of the Presentation Skills Contest were Lay Sophalin (1st Place), Eung Kimmuyly (2nd Place), and Heng Malyka (3rd Place). USDS would like to congratulate the winners for their outstanding performances, and would also like to commend the other 17 semifinalists who competed in the competition.

The objectives of the contest were to increase the organization’s membership, improve the public speaking and communication skills of UCSDS members and the event’s participants, build students’ confidence and competence, and reinforce researching skills among students.

Prior to the competition, 20 students participated in a rigorous recruitment process and were selected to compete as semifinalists in the December 17 event. The students then researched the topics and prepared their presentations, under the guidance of experienced UCSDS debaters.

On the day of the competition, the 20 semifinalists competed to earn a spot in the final round. Only 10 finalists were selected to compete in the final round, and the top three presenters were declared the winners of the competition.

The contest would not have been successful without the kind cooperation of the four judges: Ms. Gina V. Lopez, Associate Dean of the College of Management; Seng-Dao Keo, Director of Office of the President; Min Seiha, Associate Dean of the College of Social Sciences; and Lay Sokheng, a former UC lecturer. UCSDS would like to thank the four judges for their time and guidance.

After the competition, students shared what they had learned in this process, with some saying that it helped them learn more about ASEAN and public speaking, and others emphasizing that it was a good opportunity to strengthen relationships with their peers at the University.

“This contest is not about winners or losers; it’s about learning from each other’s mistakes so that we can live in one united world,” said Lay Sophalin.

This sentiment aligns with the mottos of UCSDS: “Everyone is special; no one is zero,” and “Learning, sharing, and growing together.”

Source: UC Bulletin December 2011, Page 27