Join the longest-running English essay competition to win RM200,000 in prizes

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia previously ranked among the top countries in Asia for proficiency in the English language, according to a 2022 survey released by Swedish education company EF Education First.

However, the country still faces disparities in access to education and resources, indicating the need for continuous language development and support for English language learners.

In light of this, the Sunway-Oxbridge Essay Competition returns for its 10th year, inviting students to pen their ideas and aspirations for a better Malaysia.

This year’s theme is focused on nation-building, encouraging students to reflect on their role in shaping the nation’s future.

Hailed as the longest-running English essay competition in the country, online submissions are now open to all secondary school students studying the national syllabus.

Tan Sri Datuk Seri Razman M. Hashim, Deputy Chairman of Sunway Group, emphasised that the essay competition was part of Sunway’s commitment to advancing education in Malaysia.

“With English being the international language of business and science, this essay competition provides a national platform to promote and encourage the use of English among students in articulating their thoughts and ideas about their place in Malaysia’s future,” he said.

Endorsed by the Education Ministry, the competition aims to improve English proficiency among students nationwide while equipping them with critical reasoning, creativity, and effective communication skills.

It also aligns with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025, which includes the goal of ensuring English language proficiency among the youth.

The Sunway - Oxbridge Essay Competition is part of the #SunwayforGood Corporate Social Responsibility initiative to make quality education accessible and possible for all.

Jointly organised by Sunway Group, the Jeffrey Cheah Foundation, Sunway University, and the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia, in partnership with Sunway Super App, the competition has attracted over 24,000 submissions across the country since its introduction in 2014.

It will be divided into two categories, with Form 1 to 3 students in Category A and Form 4 and 5 students in Category B.

Category A will be required to answer the following question in 200 to 350 words: “What do you see as your responsibilities in building our nation?”

Meanwhile those in Category B must respond to this prompt in 500 to 650 words: “Look at our society. What is the single most distressing problem our people are facing? How could your generation help to address this issue?”

A total of 100 short-listed finalists will be invited to attend a physical essay-writing competition, where the top three winners, along with 10 consolation prizes, will be selected for each category.

Rewards include cash prizes, bursaries to enrol in pre-university programmes at Sunway College, 10,000 Sunway Points, an award certificate as well as a trophy.

Participants are encouraged to submit their essays online at www.sunway.com/my/essay.

Further terms and conditions regarding the competition can be found here.

The competition is accepting entries until 1pm, May 22.