PODIUM OF POWER
PODIUM OF POWER proudly announces the launch of its inaugural nationwide Public Speaking Competition, marking an exciting milestone in our mission to nurture confident, articulate, and impactful young speakers. The competition is supported by The British and International Federation of Festivals for Music, Dance and Speech.
This prestigious all-day event will be held on 9th May, bringing together talented participants from across the country for a celebration of voice, expression, and leadership. The competition is designed to provide a national platform for young orators to showcase their communication skills, critical thinking, and stage presence in a supportive yet competitive environment.
To ensure fair and age-appropriate competition, participants will compete in three categories based on their year of birth:
-
YOUNG ORATORS – Ages 8 to 10
-
BUDDING ORATORS – Ages 11 to 13
-
MASTER ORATORS – Ages 14 to 16
Each category will be judged by experienced professionals, with an emphasis on clarity of thought, confidence, content, delivery, and overall impact.
The PODIUM OF POWER National Public Speaking Competition aims to inspire the next generation of leaders by giving them the confidence to speak up, the skills to be heard, and the courage to lead.
IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE
1st MARCH: LAST DATE FOR REGISTRATION
16th MARCH: RELEASE OF TOPICS FOR ALL CATEGORIES
29th MARCH: FREE MASTERCLASS FOR STUDENTS
10am: ALL CATEGORIES
Venue: Rooms 301, 303, KATONG CC
9th MAY: PRELIMINARY AND FINALS
10am: Preliminary round for YOUNG ORATORS
11am: Preliminary round for BUDDING ORATORS
12pm: Preliminary round for MASTER ORATORS
2pm: Release of TOPIC for the FINAL ROUND
3pm: FINAL ROUND
ADJUDICATORS
Meet our panel of esteemed professionals
Justin Lee is a Senior LAMDA Facilitator and has taught LAMDA exam programmes in Singapore, Qatar and Indonesia. He is an actor and former children's TV writer with over 30 years’ experience. Justin trained under influential theatre practitioners including Debbie Isitt, Mark Evans and Mike Alfreds. His writing credits include work for Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. He has lectured at both NAFA and Lasalle College of Arts.
Aishwariyah Shanmuganathan is a drama educator and practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the arts and cultural sector in Singapore. A recipient of the National Arts Council's postgraduate arts scholarship, she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Arts Education at Nanyang Technological University. She is also the president of Singapore Drama Educators Association (SDEA)
Andy Tear is a theatre practitioner and educator. Andy’s extensive theatre credits include classic and contemporary plays such as Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, Othello, Dealer’s Choice, Peter and the Starcatcher, and The Pillowman—the latter earning him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Life! Theatre Awards. In addition to his performance work, he teaches theatre and public speaking at Stamford American International School.
Ganga Babani has been a teacher of speech and drama in various schools across Singapore, since 1984. She has tutored students to perform on stage, and is well known in the field of drama education. She was selected by the Gifted Programme Unit to pioneer the GEP programme at Nanyang Primary. She runs First Steps Education Services, and continues to teach communication skills and readers theatre to schools.
Marc Valentine excels as an Actor, Director, and Acting Teacher. With a rich portfolio including acclaimed roles in dramas like "Sunny Side Up" and "The Last Madame," he extends his expertise to directing and coaching. He is a well-known Mediacorp artist who enjoys teaching and storytelling. He's passionate about blending diverse cultural influences to create meaningful, impactful performances and communication.
Emi Chua has been an integral part of the Singapore chapter of Toastmasters since 2020, when she joined their Katong club. She's a prolific speaker, past president of Katong Toastmasters and their Division Director. She’s passionate about eating healthy yet yummy food, personal growth and hitting 10,000 steps a day!
STUDENT AMBASSADOR
Kushaal H. Doshi
When we witnessed the passion Kushaal, a Primary 6 student from Temasek Primary School, brought to his Public Speaking classes, we knew he would be the perfect student ambassador for this event. Kushaal strongly believes in the transformative power of public speaking, and shared this about his journey:
“When I first started, I was nervous and anxious. But after countless hours of practice, I gained the confidence to speak to a large audience. Public speaking helped me overcome my fear and communicate better. I hope to create the same opportunity for other students to benefit as I did.”
Going a step further, Kushaal expressed his wish to donate the proceeds of the competition to a meaningful cause. Having frequently visited Sunlove Home, a residence for individuals with intellectual disabilities, he chose it as the beneficiary of this event. We are honoured and proud to support his thoughtful decision.
provisional member
The British and International
Federation of Festivals
for Music, Dance and Speech
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
