Student writes her way to Dublin

Sunday May 18, 2008

Student writes her way to Dublin

KUALA LUMPUR: Perseverance was key to Genevieve Keizha Leon's (pic) win at the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for Young Malaysians 2008 essay writing competition.

The Stella Maris High School Form Four student won herself the grand prize of a trip for two to Dublin, Ireland and a LCD projector for her school on her second attempt.

She had taken part in the competition in 2006 and won the merit award of RM750.

“From experience, if you don't achieve what you want at the first try, try again,” she said at the award ceremony on Friday.

Her essay, based on this year's theme “Tomorrow's World”, touched on the global problems past and present and her vision of a utopian future.

Irish ambassador to Malaysia Eugene Hutchinson, who was one of the judges, said he enjoyed the insights provided by the writers.

“I'm really impressed by the great maturity of our participants, which testifies to the talent present in schools here,” he said in his closing speech.

He also encouraged the participants to tackle global and national issues through writing.

Besides the grand prize and the special prize for the winner’s school, merit awards were presented for nine other essays and consolation prizes for 10 others.

Others on the judging panel included The Star group editorial/ education adviser Datuk Ng Poh Tip, honorary consul of Ireland Datuk Dr Peter Mooney, National Library director of general information services Siti Aishah Sheikh Kadir and Silverfish Books managing director Raman Krishnan.

In its sixth year, the competition is organised by the Irish Embassy, The Star and the Impac management company, with support from the National Library of Malaysia and the Education Ministry.