Mark’s Life in 3-D charmed judges

Malaysian Mark Lester Johnson participated in The Star-ESU Malaysia-SEGi Public Speaking Competition 2012 held recently at Eastin Hotel, Petaling Jaya to gain experience but did not think he would emerge 1st runner-up of the competition. The 18 year-old lad is currently enrolled in the Sunway A-Level programme. Mark who has been participating in public speaking competitions since a tender age of 12 said the experience he attained was incredible. “I never expected to win 1st runner-up for the competition especially since there were many speakers who were well-equipped with higher speaking capabilities and presentation.”

Mark, Sunway A-Level student walked away with cash prize worth RM1,000 after emerging 1st runner-up in The Star-ESU Malaysia-SEGi Public Speaking Competition 2012.

Mark’s speech themed ‘Head or the Heart’ was titled ‘Life in 3-D’. The speech was a personal reflection of how dreams, death and destiny are intertwined together. “Life has taught me that it is important to believe in dreams, recognise that there is no escaping death and ascertain the drive needed to defy destiny. I’ve always believed in walking my own path and I never let someone tell me what to do”, said the young lad who walked away with cash worth RM 1,000.

During the question-and-answer session, Mark was asked to name two celebrities that have combined the concept of head and heart perfectly. He quoted Mahatma Gandhi for using intellectual power and emotions through his heart that led India towards independence. The other person he quoted was his mother who always told him never to let everything go into his head, but also to rely on emotions to make him a humble being. Mark was the only finalist to be asked a third question; if you were to add another ‘D’ in your life, what would it be? Mark was quick to answer deliberation. He shared, “It is important for the head and heart to ‘deliberate’ and achieve a sensible and logical decision in life.

Mark, who is also the founder of the Sunway Film Society that was established this year, received support from two Sunway lecturers in preparation for this competition. Associate Professor Dr Stephen Hall helped Mark comprehend the theme ‘Head or the Heart’ while Leonard Chin Khe Wu, Sunway A-Level lecturer helped beef up the content of his speech and script. Up to the final hour, these lecturers have been dedicated to aiding Mark.

Ivan Joseph also a Sunway A-Level student was part of the 12 finalists of the competition. Ivan’s speech showed a deep reflection of how the heart can promote greater change. His presentation showcased how the 1969 Woodstock festival was able to promote world peace through their love for music. Ivan believes that music is a universal language and it is a subject that is close to the heart that many can relate to.

Having participated in this competition for three consecutive years, he shared, “Every year is a new experience. It was very fuzzy and vague the first two years. As time when by, I realised that I had fallen in love with the stage and enjoy public speaking because I am given the opportunity to spread a message to an audience out there.”

The Public Speaking competition judges included British High Commissioner's wife Gail Featherstone, Star Publications (M) Bhd chief events officer Iris Tan, Datin Shalini Ganendra, Sheila Joseph and Roopvanti Gulabrai.