📝 Summary
The Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) hosted its inaugural “So You Think You Can Pitch?” competition, where students presented solutions to campus problems, showcasing their public speaking skills and creativity. The winning team, UNISYNC, received a grand cash prize of RM500, while Munirah Najiha Salaudin from team The Voice was awarded the Best Presenter Award. The event marked a significant milestone for UTM’s communication and language programs, fostering a culture of proactive leadership and inspiring a better campus community.
JOHOR BAHRU, May 22 — The Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with the School of Undergraduate Studies (UGS) and the UTM Library, successfully hosted the grand finale of So You Think You Can Pitch? (SYTYCP) at Perpustakaan Sultanah Zanariah (PSZ), UTM. This premier pitching competition was designed exclusively for students enrolled in the UHLB3132 (Professional Communication Skills 2) course this semester.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from various sections across every faculty in UTM Johor Bahru. Prior to taking the main stage, 15 standout groups were selected to battle it out in a highly competitive semi-final round. From there, only seven elite teams advanced to the grand finale—comprising three teams from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), two from the Faculty of Science, one from the Faculty of Management, and one representing the FSSH.
To ensure they were stage-ready, the finalists underwent an intensive, high-energy pitching coaching session facilitated by expert mentors Siti Khadijah Abdul Wahab and ‘Atiqah Shaharuddin. This semester’s core theme, “Solutions to Campus Problems,” put a spotlight on the power of student agency. Presenters pitched creative, actionable ideas addressing real-world campus issues ranging from student welfare and digital connectivity to sustainable infrastructure, proving that the student voice is vital to shaping UTM’s future.
Evaluating the pitches was a distinguished four-member panel of juries. Assistant Chair of the Language Academy, UTM Dr. Ungku Khairunnisa Ungku Mohd Nordin, meticulously assessed the participants’ language proficiency and delivery. Meanwhile, content viability and innovation were judged by the Manager of Experiential Learning, UGS, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Mohd Akhmal Muhammad Sidek, Director of UTM Career Centre, Dr. Suhaila Mohamad Yusuf, and Head of the Research Section, UTM Library, Haliza Zainal.
The closing ceremony was officially officiated by the Manager for External and Global Engagement, FSSH, UTM, Dr. Abdullah Mohd. Nawi. Also in attendance to support the students was Deputy Chief Librarian for Planning and Development, UTM Library, Md Razib Karno.
The ultimate glory of the inaugural SYTYCP competition went to team UNISYNC from FABU. Group members Afiq Fakhri Muhammad Imzan, Yvonne Isabel Chong, and Nursyajaah Rahiman wowed the judges with their seamless delivery and innovative proposal, walking away with the grand cash prize of RM500. Additionally, the coveted Best Presenter Award was proudly claimed by Munirah Najiha Salaudin from team The Voice, representing the Faculty of Science, for her exceptional charisma and commanding stage presence.
The resounding success of this event marks a significant milestone for UTM’s communication and language programs. By bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world advocacy, the competition not only sharpened the students’ public speaking skills but also fostered a culture of proactive leadership. As these young change-makers return to their respective faculties, the impact of their ideas will undoubtedly continue to inspire a better, more collaborative campus community.
