Professor Dr. Hasniza Zaman Huri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Universiti Malaya, delivering her welcoming speech.
Universiti Malaya (UM), in collaboration with the Korean Education Centre in Malaysia (KEC), proudly hosted the 21st Korean Speech Contest 2026 at the Auditorium Tun Mohamed Suffian, Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya.
Organised through the longstanding collaboration between Universiti Malaya and the Korean Education Centre in Malaysia, the contest reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing academic cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and people-to-people ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea.
The prestigious national event was officiated by Professor Dr. Hasniza Zaman Huri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), Universiti Malaya, and H.E. Yeo Seung-bae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia.
Professor Dr. Hasniza Zaman Huri further explains the importance of language education in producing graduates equipped with intercultural communication skills, as language proficiency plays a vital role in strengthening cross-cultural understanding and increasing global connections.
“At Universiti Malaya, we believe that language education is a powerful catalyst for global citizenship. As Malaysia's oldest university, we are committed to producing graduates who are academically excellent, culturally competent, and globally connected.”
She continued to explain the future plan of Universiti Malaya where the university will offer a bachelor's degree program for Korean Language for Communication starting next year.
"Beginning next year, Universiti Malaya plans to offer the Bachelor in Korean Language for Communication.”
H.E. Yeo Seung-bae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Malaysia delivering his congratulatory speech
H.E Yeo Seung-bae also remarked that the occasion was especially meaningful as the Korean Speech Contest returned to Universiti Malaya for the first time since 2019 in his welcoming address.
"After a seven-year interval, it is wonderful to see this competition being held once again at UM, which is preparing to launch Malaysia's first full-fledged Korean Language programme."
In his congratulatory speech, Ambassador Yeo underscored the importance of Korean language education in strengthening bilateral relations between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea.
He also welcomed Universiti Malaya's introduction of Malaysia's first bachelor's degree programme specialising in Korean Language, describing it as a significant milestone that would provide Malaysian students with greater opportunities to pursue advanced and systematic Korean language studies.
"I am also delighted to see the long-awaited establishment of Malaysia's first bachelor's degree programme specialising in Korean Language realised during my tenure.
“Students who have studied Korean for five years at secondary school will now be able to continue their learning at the university, which will offer more advanced and systematic education.
“As Korea-Malaysia relations continue to advance toward a new level of comprehensive partnership, including the conclusion of the Korea-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement, many talented Malaysians with expertise in the Korean language will be required.
“I hope, and I am confident, that students graduating in four years will play important roles in diplomacy, business, academia, and cultural exchanges between our two countries."
Outstanding participants received attractive prizes, including the opportunity to participate in a Korean Language Programme in the Republic of Korea, Samsung electronic devices, and other awards in recognition of their achievements.
Beyond the competition, the event serves as an inspiration for young Malaysians to pursue excellence in Korean language learning while preparing them to become future ambassadors of cultural understanding and international cooperation.
As one of Malaysia's flagship Korean language events, the 21st Korean Speech Contest 2026 highlights the vital role of language education in strengthening bilateral relations and promoting intercultural exchange.
The event also reflects Universiti Malaya's commitment to global engagement and the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics' aspiration of "Communicating Across Borders" by providing authentic opportunities for language learners to develop confidence in intercultural communication.
Bringing together outstanding junior and adult speakers from across Malaysia, the competition showcased exceptional linguistic talent while further strengthening the cultural, academic, and people-to-people ties between Malaysia and the Republic of Korea.