The SPEAKUP! Challenge 2025, the annual public speaking competition organised by the Department of Social Sciences, School of Psychology and Social Sciences (SOPSS), IMU University, concluded with an inspiring finale held at the LIT Building, IMU on 30 July 2025 and once again brought together some of the brightest young voices to showcase the power of words and ideas.

This year’s competition, themed “Health & Wellbeing Communication”, challenged participants to translate complex health topics into messages that everyone could understand.

The competition had two rounds; in the first round, participants submitted their video entries, from which 15 talented individuals were shortlisted for the finale. Representing a diverse mix of institutions, including INTI International College, Subang, IMU University, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sunway College, SMK Taman SEA, IGB International School, International Islamic University Malaysia, SMK Damansara Utama, SMK Hamid Khan, Methodist College Kuala Lumpur, and Sunway University, the finalists reflected the wide reach and growing popularity of the Challenge.

In the final round, contestants were ushered into a quarantine room before being called up one by one. Each finalist drew a topic by lot and was given just two minutes of preparation time before stepping onto the stage. They then delivered a speech lasting between one and three minutes, with strict timing rules in place, a signal at the one-minute mark, and disqualification for exceeding the time limit. The challenge tested not only their oratory skills but also their ability to communicate meaningfully on issues that affect everyday lives.

The finalists were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges, each bringing diverse expertise and professional experience who are from the IMU University’s Graduate Trainee Partners:

Raja Ahmad Muzamir

Director at Robert Walters, a leading global specialist recruitment firm.

Dr Ginsky Chan

Access Director of Angsana Health.

Kimberly Lau

Associate Head of Business Development at Agmo Holdings Berhad, a public listed tech company specialising in digital solutions.

After a series of inspiring and thought-provoking speeches, the judges crowned the following winners:

The SPEAKUP! Challenge has grown into more than just a competition; it is a platform for young people to develop confidence, sharpen their critical thinking, and use their voices to create impact. By encouraging participants to engage with real-world themes such as health and wellbeing, the Challenge nurtures future leaders who can communicate clearly, responsibly, and persuasively.

With its success in 2025, the Department of Social Sciences, SOPSS at IMU continues to reaffirm its commitment to empowering the next generation of changemakers, one speech at a time.

Prepared by Dr Thulasimani Munohsamy (SOPSS)