Malacca: The Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP) is using the 51st Prime Minister's Cup Debate Competition (PPM) to enhance energy literacy among youth, aiming to engage students with critical energy-related issues.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Veliana Ruslan, a member of the National MELP Secretariat, highlighted the significance of PPM as an avenue for engaging with students on topics like energy security. Speaking after the PPM final at Multimedia University, attended by Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek, Veliana emphasized the importance of understanding how young minds tackle energy debates, especially during an energy crisis.
The Prime Minister's Cup Debate Competition, inaugurated in 1974 at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Perak, was designed to foster dynamic and capable future leaders among students in fully residential schools, aligning with the vision of the second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein.
Veliana further stated that young individuals should be encouraged to explore complex energy issues due to their critical thinking capabilities and diverse perspectives. This year's PPM saw MELP sponsoring tablets worth RM37,000 for 24 participants to support their engagement and development.
Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor claimed victory in the Malay language category, while Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah Putrajaya triumphed in the English language category. Each winning school received RM51,000, a trophy, and certificates. The runners-up, Sekolah Menengah Sains Alam Shah and Sekolah Menengah Sains Miri, received RM20,000 each, along with certificates.
Adam Rayyan Abdul Azim, Best English Language Debater from Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, noted that the competition did not detract from his preparation for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. He emphasized the importance of balancing debate training and academic studies, urging peers to believe in their aspirations.
Muhammad Sharin Syazwi Md Shariff, Best Malay Language Debater from Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor, expressed relief and gratitude for his team's collective achievement, acknowledging the support from alumni, teachers, and parents in realizing their long-held dream.