Japanese wins Malay language public speaking contest
PUTRAJAYA: Lisa Shimazaki's three years of relentless determination in mastering Bahasa Malaysia paid of when she was proclaimed the winner in the 2017 Malay Language International Oratory Competition.
The 21-year-old Japanese lass, who contested in the international category, beat two of her opponents from China and Uzbekistan, bagging the Prime Minister's trophy and a cash prize of RM20,000.
Lisa said she had never expected that her interest in the Malaysian culture would give her the drive to learn the Malay language.
"I decided to learn Bahasa Malaysia as I want to be close to Malaysian culture. Everything about Malaysia is inspiring to me," she said.
Her prize was handed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak at the final stage of the competition held at Putrajaya International Convention Centre on Wednesday night.
Describing Malay language as beautiful, the Tokyo University student said she even took extra classes to enhance her command in the language.
"I also read books in Bahasa Malaysia, and watch some Malay movies," Lisa said.
Her interest in the language has resulted in a Malay nickname "Raihana", given by her language lecturer.
Bahasa Malaysia is not her only specialty as Lisa can also speak fluent English and a little bit of Spanish.
Ma Xio of China won the second place in the same category, while Uzbekistan's Rimajon Sotlikova, third.
The 11th edition of the international competition saw the participation of 52 contestants from 35 nations exhibiting their skills in Bahasa Malaysia to be the winner of the three categories offered.
The other two categories were the Malay Realm and International Students in Malaysia.
Malaysia's Noor Haqim Noor Hamiddon emerged winner for the Malay Realm category, while Abdul Matin Mohamed Azeem of Afghanistan bagged the first prize in the International Student category.
The competition, which is themed "Internationalising the Malay Language", is an annual contest organised by the Higher Education Ministry.