The finale of the Visible and Vocal Public Speaking Competition is fast approaching. Aimed at empowering girls and enhancing their communication skills, the finale will be held as a webinar on Soroptimist International Foundation Day – 10 December 2023, at 10AM GMT.
The competition is designed to achieve several important objectives: encouraging girls to play a more prominent role in public life, improving the art of communication, developing research techniques, nurturing effective speaking abilities, and boosting self-confidence and personality.
We will have girls aged 10 or 11, who will deliver their thought-provoking speech lasting no longer than 3-4 minutes; we encourage Soroptimists to attend this virtual event and show support to these amazing young girls!
Introducing the Judges
As we eagerly anticipate the approaching finale of the Visible and Vocal Public Speaking Competition, we are thrilled to introduce our esteemed panel of judges who will play an important role in determining the winners of this event. Each judge brings a wealth of experience and expertise, whilst their insights and commitment to empowering the next generation will contribute to making this event truly exceptional.
Siew Yong Gnanalingam
Siew Yong Gnanalingam graduated with a Bachelor of Economics Degree and a Diploma in Accounting from the University of Malaya.
She joined the Economic Development Board of Singapore in 1969 and in 1970 was employed as the first lady executive in Malaysian Tobacco Company. In 1978 she joined Malaysian Airlines System as PR Controller and retired in 1997 as Vice- President, Group Corporate Communications. She was selected as 1 of 14 women in PR to be included in the book, “Reflections of Pioneer Malaysian Trailblazers” launched in 2022.
She co- founded Ayur Centre in 2000 and is heading a few family businesses. She is currently a Trustee of Nanyang Press Foundation, Yayasan Sejahtera, Women’s Institute of Management (WIM) and board member of Asian Women’s Leadership University College.
A Soroptimist since 2004, she will take over the SI Presidency in 2024-2025. As SI President of South-West Pacific (2012-2014), she initiated “Walk the Talk – Stop Violence Against Women” with an exemplary “16 day of Activism” walk throughout Malaysia. She was the Organising Chairperson of the SI Convention KL 2019, during which she held a tree planting CSR project leaving a green legacy to mark the Convention. Understandably, Siew Yong’s theme for her biennium is, “Save Mother Earth, Save the Future”.
Sinéad Lunny
Sinéad Lunny is Managing Director of Vocalis, a voice and communication skills company. She also runs an award-winning 200-strong Speech and Drama school, is an actor, voiceover artist, event host and keynote speaker.
Sinead has always had a passion for voice and communication and hold associate diplomas from New Era Academy London in Public Speaking and Acting. She was awarded the Ray Conney prize for the highest mark worldwide in Gold Medal Speech and Drama.
A courtroom lawyer for many years, Sinéad draws on her courtroom experience and Speech and Drama skillset to provide unique, top quality corporate workshops in how to use one’s voice for maximum effect.
The components required to deliver a dramatic performance or run a trial successfully are exactly the same as those required to address a group of people with confidence, deliver a presentation with gusto or to present a pitch impactfully.
Helen Jones MBE
Helen Jones MBE has had a long career in international youth development and non-formal education, including Head of Programmes and Director of Youth Affairs at the Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS) and Deputy Chief Executive at the Commonwealth Youth Exchange Council (CYEC).
Awarded an MBE in 2013 in recognition of services to youth development and intercultural work in the Commonwealth, she has worked in support of the empowerment of young people to drive positive change. She played a leading role establishing and convening the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF), the highest decision-making forum for young people.
Helen also developed many innovative emerging young leaders’ programmes such as Commonwealth Changemakers and the Commonwealth Youth Gender Equality Network (CYGEN). She has led advocacy work for policy change, including campaigns to end child marriage and most recently to improve child protection through ‘CommonProtect’. Active in Commonwealth affairs, she is Education & Skills Adviser for the Commonwealth Businesswomen’s Network (CBWN), Commonwealth Adviser for It’s a Penalty, and serves on the Commonwealth Consortium for Education (CCfE) and the Advisory Committee for the 2023/24 Commonwealth Year of Youth.
Register Now!
Stay tuned as we approach this milestone moment on Soroptimist International Foundation Day, December 10, 2023, at 10:00 AM GMT. We encourage all Soroptimists and supporters to join us virtually and witness the impactful speeches of these remarkable young girls. Together, let’s celebrate the power of their voices!