KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 — In a world increasingly shaped by technology and artificial intelligence (AI), English Matsuri 2026 served as a gentle reminder that the human voice still holds immeasurable power. The power to inspire, to unite, and to build understanding across cultures and generations.

Held as part of SOF-EA Day 2026 by the Software Engineering Society (SOF-EA), Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Kuala Lumpur, the event brought together participants from secondary schools and universities across Malaysia in a celebration of language, creativity, and self-expression.

Featuring Public Speaking, Storytelling, and Spelling Bee competitions, English Matsuri welcomed participants aged between 12 and 28 years old, creating a stage where students from diverse backgrounds could learn not merely to speak English, but to speak with confidence, sincerity, and purpose.

At its heart, English Matsuri reflected a growing belief that communication is more than academic achievement; it is a bridge between people. Through speech and storytelling, young individuals learn empathy, critical thinking, leadership, and the courage to express ideas that may one day shape communities and nations.

This spirit closely echoed the theme “Language Through Diplomacy,” introduced during an English Hi-Tea session organised by the English Speaking Union (ESU) Malaysia a month before the event. The gathering, chaired by YAM Tunku Dara Tunku Tan Sri Naquiah Binti Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar and attended by British High Commissioner to Malaysia, His Excellency Ajay Sharma CMG, highlighted the role of language as a tool for cultural understanding and international friendship.

Following the engagement, ESU Malaysia formally endorsed English Matsuri 2026 and later sent two of its distinguished council members, Jagdish Bhain and Jay Ishak, to serve as judges during the Grand Finals.

The university-level Public Speaking competition challenged contestants through two preliminary rounds. Participants first delivered prepared speeches based on the theme “Echo Through Eternity,” exploring themes of legacy, purpose, humanity, and hope. The second round tested spontaneity through impromptu speeches, where contestants were required to organise their thoughts and speak confidently within moments.

Meanwhile, the Storytelling competition encouraged younger participants to embrace imagination and emotional expression through the theme “The Moment Everything Changed.” Beyond prepared storytelling performances, contestants also participated in a collaborative “passing the baton” challenge, where stories evolved speaker by speaker, transforming individual creativity into a shared narrative experience.

The Spelling Bee competition, though quieter in nature, demanded equal levels of composure and precision. Each round carried an atmosphere of suspense as contestants carefully navigated increasingly difficult words under pressure.

Additionally, visitors also had the opportunity to experience English Karuta, a unique adaptation of the traditional Japanese card game which incorporated English literary excerpts and poetry. Inspired by works from renowned English writers such as William Shakespeare, the activity blended language, memory, and reflex into an engaging cultural experience. By merging elements of Japanese tradition with English literature, English Karuta further reflects the spirit of English Matsuri 2026, where language becomes a bridge between cultures, creativity, and human connection.

Throughout the event, the stage became more than a platform for competition. For some, it was a place to overcome fear. For others, it was a place to finally be heard.

The Public Speaking Contest concluded on a memorable note, showcasing speeches filled with conviction, reflection, and passion. After careful deliberation by the judges, Gaautham Manimaren emerged as the Champion, followed by Anant Dubey as First Runner-Up, and Wan Nuratiqah Safiya Wan Azlan as Second Runner-Up.

The Spelling Bee competition crowned Anant Dubey as Champion, while Muhammad Su’aidi Syahmee Sukee secured First Runner-Up, and Nor Shasya Damia Nor Hisyam earned Second Runner-Up.

Meanwhile, the Storytelling competition saw Wan Nur Zafirazan Wan Tarmizan emerge as Champion through a captivating performance, followed by Alisha Elyeas as First Runner-Up, and Iman Zahra Shamsul Azhar as Second Runner-Up.

Special appreciation is also extended to hardworking committee members Ahmad Afif Mohd Haizam, Muhammad Shahrul Nabeel Yusof, Nur Sabrina Adam Aiman Ng, Hariz Izzuddin Hafi Shahrul Hisham, Tansim Jannat, Jomana Mahmoud, and Nadeeya Azizee, alongside the many volunteers and organisers whose dedication and teamwork brought English Matsuri 2026 to life.

As the curtains closed and the halls slowly emptied, what remained was not only the memory of competition, but the echo of voices brave enough to speak. In nurturing communication, creativity, and confidence among the younger generation, English Matsuri 2026 reminded everyone that language is not merely a subject to be studied but a bridge capable of connecting hearts, cultures, and futures.

Written by Wan Zafirzan Wan Tarmizan, SOF-EA President