Saraswathy English Challenge
Empowering Disenfranchised Communities
Building on last year's remarkable turnout of over 1,200 participants from more than 200 Tamil schools nationwide, Basis Bay proudly presents the second season of the Saraswathy English Challenge (SEC). This initiative aligns with our ESG commitment, aiming to level the playing field by nurturing English oratory skills among Malaysia's marginalized youth. We believe in fostering an environment where every child can thrive educationally and socially, ultimately catalyzing positive change within their communities.
SEC 2024 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
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Congratulations SEC 2024 Winners!
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the top 3 winners of this prestigious competition! Your exceptional talent and dedication have propelled you to the pinnacle of success. Well done!
We would also like to acknowledge and congratulate the other 7 finalists for their outstanding achievements. Your remarkable performances have earned you a well-deserved place among the elite competitors. Bravo!
To all the participants, finalists, and winners, we commend your hard work, passion, and commitment. Your journey in this competition has been inspiring, and we have no doubt that you will continue to excel and achieve great things in the future. Keep reaching for the stars!
JOSHUA ABHIVAANAN
SJKT FES SERDANG, SELANGOR
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
HANNUSHKAPREEYA DEVINDRAN
SJKT METHODIST MALIM NAWAR, PERAK
SECOND PRIZE WINNER
KAVEYA KOGULANAAT
SJKT LADANG KINRARA, PUCHONG, SELANGOR
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
Best Written Essay Winners!
MIRTHANA BALU
SJKT PUSAT TELOK DATOK, BANTING, SELANGOR
FIRST PRIZE
KAVEYA KOGULANAAT
SJKT LADANG KINRARA, PUCHONG, SELANGOR
SECOND PRIZE
AGATIYA MURUGAIYAH
SJKT BUKIT MERTAJAM, PENANG
THIRD PRIZE
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide students from disenfranchised minority groups in Malaysia with equal opportunities for success by empowering them with English public speaking skills. With these skills, we aim to open up a world of possibilities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, which will promote social mobility and break the cycle of disenfranchisement that has plagued the community for far too long. We hope to provide these students with the tools they need to achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.
Why English?
English is the language of diplomacy, business, science, and technology. The global reach of English as the lingua franca of international business and trade creates increased opportunities for employability and entrepreneurship. It is the language of instruction in many universities and academic institutions worldwide, providing access to resources and information. English also opens access to better healthcare, social services, and cultural exchange, all while boosting self-confidence and self-esteem.
Who is this for?
The competition is aimed at students aged 11 and 12, studying in Tamil vernacular schools throughout Malaysia. This age group is targeted as it allows for the development of public speaking skills and boosts confidence while also promoting the importance of English proficiency at an early age.
Challenges of
Minority Groups
The disenfranchised communities in Malaysia faces numerous challenges including historical displacement from changes in the plantation sector, low education levels, and lower rates of house and share ownership. Additionally, youth alienation has led to a rise in juvenile delinquency cases, criminal activities, and gang involvement. These communities also experiences a lack of private and corporate employment opportunities, often working in lower-paying jobs and competing with foreign migrant workers.
All Videos
All Videos
Saraswathy English Challenge: Empowering Indian students to elevate English proficiency ....
Saraswathy English Challenge 2024 - Semi Finals
SEC 2023 First Prize Winner - Thamayanthi
SEC 2023 Second Prize Winner - Yaalini
"Basis Bay's primary requirement for hiring in Malaysia is how well our candidates conduct themselves in the English language.
Speak any language as well as you wish to but master the English language to enhance your future employability and entrepreneurial opportunities both locally and internationally.”
- Dato' Praba Thiagarajah
Executive Chairman, Basis Bay
The Saraswathy English Challenge is a part of our historical commitment to ESG and is the brainchild of Dato' Praba Thiagarajah who first conceptualized it in 2015. In the same year, Dato' Praba initiated an English-speaking event for students from Vernacular Schools in Penang. More than a decade ago, Dato' Praba also organized the Saraswathy IT Challenge for young graduates, enabling them to become technopreneurs.
These challenges have been named after Dato' Praba's late mother, who always looked out for the marginalized. Both Dato’ Praba’s parents the late Mr. Thiagarajah and Mdm. Saraswathy were his early role models and played a very important supportive role in all his endeavors. He is often quoted saying that he is lucky to have been born into a middle-class family with supportive parents that always prioritized good values.
Showcase your English skills.
Grand Prize RM20,000!
First Prize
Student - RM20,000
School - RM5,000
Second Prize
Student - RM10,000
School - RM3,000
Third Prize
Student - RM5,000
School - RM2,000
Other Finalists
Students - RM1,000
School - RM500
All participants will receive a certificate of participation. The schools with the highest number of participants (gross and percentage of representation) will also receive recognition and token prizes.
SEC 2024 Grand Finale, Double Tree by Hilton, Shah Alam
Challenge Sponsor
Dato' Praba Thiagarajah
Project Sponsor & Executive Chairman,
Basis Bay
Core Team Members
G. S. Murali, Advisor
MD, Seven Hills Top
Founder, INDOGOTV
Content Producer & Director
Selvamalar Selvaraju
Lead - Sustainability and ESG, Basis Bay
CEO, Primus Wellness
Co-Founder, MySkills Foundation
LeadEx Fellow Asia | 2022
Sikha Patnaik
Lead - MarComm &
Primary Event Coordinator,
Basis Bay
Siva Ramalingam
Independent Event Organizer,
Basis Bay
Supporting Partners
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Supporting Media Partners
