Queen Honours Students For English Excellence On International Stage

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, today presented certificates of appreciation to 28 Malaysian students who brought pride to the nation through their achievements in international English-language competitions.

According to a post on Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s Facebook page, the recognition was conferred during an audience at Dewan Seri Temenggong, Istana Negara, on Thursday.

Also present were Istana Negara Comptroller of Royal Household Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani and Grand Chamberlain Datuk Azuan Effendy Zairakithnaini.

The students, from diverse backgrounds across the country, had won international English competitions in countries including Italy, the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom and Singapore.

Among the recipients were Evangeline Khoo and Liew Erynn from Kuala Lumpur, winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition in London in 2024.

The duo had earlier received recognition from Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace.

“We never imagined that a single essay would allow us to meet two queens in our lifetime. Today, we were honoured to enter Istana Negara and receive recognition from Her Majesty Queen of Malaysia.

“This is indeed the highest and most special honour of our lives,” they told the Royal Press Office.

Meanwhile, Sarawakian Darrel Nathaneal Buko Desmond, who won a gold medal at the Global English Language Olympiad of Southeast Asia (GELOSEA) 2025 in Incheon, South Korea, said the recognition would motivate him to continue pursuing knowledge.

He also urged fellow students to challenge themselves at the international level.

“Do not be afraid to fail. Failure is the starting point of success. Take part in as many competitions as possible to develop yourself and gain meaningful life experiences,” he said.

-- BERNAMA