| Dublin Article |
| Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 6:14 PM |
Dublin calling!
By SARAH CHEW
EVER had a dream which you wanted to share with the whole world? Or aspired to write and be published?
If you are a Malaysian student aged between 14 and 18 as of March 31 this year, this is your chance.
The IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for Young Malaysians 2008 essay writing competition is back for the sixth consecutive year.
 Present at the launch were (from left) Ng, Hutchinson, Lianne, SM Teknik Cheras students, Raslin and IMPAC executive vice-president Christopher J Houghton.
And best of all, you can win a trip for two to Dublin, Ireland, to attend the gala ceremony of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2008. All you need to do is write 800 to 1,200 words of fact or fiction on the topic Tomorrow’s World.
Irish Ambassador to Malaysia Eugene Hutchinson said the competition has seen increased participation over the years.
“The number of entries are growing, the geographical spread is wider and the standard of English is improving year by year,” he said, at the launch of the competition in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.
More male participants are needed, however.
“I would like to see more guys winning the prizes. So far, it has been mostly girls who make it to the short list,” said one of the judges, Dr Peter Mooney.
“We want more quality entries from the boys.”
Mooney commented that last years' winning entry – Helping Hands by Lianne Letitia Ritchie – was highly imaginative, original and written in impeccable English.
“This year, I hope to see more of the same,” he added.
Lianne was also present at the launch to share her experiences in Dublin and to read extracts of her essay.
She encouraged those who intend to join this year’s contest to have a persevering spirit.
Don’t give up if you do not make it on your first attempt, she urged, adding that she herself only won on her second attempt.
“If you try but fail, try again,” Lianne said. “Good things come to those who wait.”
The Star‘s group editorial/education adviser, Datuk Ng Poh Tip, said organising the competition with IMPAC was in line with the newspaper's efforts to engage young people today. Other such activities include public peaking competitions and BRATS, a programme for young writers.
The IMPAC competition helps to hone language skills, Ng added.
“Essay writing is a good way to promote proficiency in the English language, which is important in a globalised world,” said Ng.
National Library of Malaysia director general Raslin Abu Bakar expressed delight that the library had been invited to be one of the organisers. He encouraged young people to read.
“If we refuse to read, then we cannot hope to acquire knowledge,” he said.
Apart from the grand prize, there are nine merit awards, 10 consolation prizes and a special prize for the winner’s school up for grabs.
The contest is organised by the Irish Embassy, IMPAC, The Star and the National Library of Malaysia, with support from the Education Ministry. The sponsors are the Irish Universities and Medical Schools Consortium, the St Patrick's Society of Selangor, Exchange Trade Centre International and the Malaysian Irish Alumni Association.
Entries must be submitted by March 31.
For enquiries, call 03-2095 9513, or e-mail:write4idla@gmail.com.
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