Malaysian Teen Writers Make Their Mark

In an inspiring triumph of creativity and eloquence, two talented Malaysian students have clinched top honors in the prestigious Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) 2024, earning an unforgettable trip to London and an invitation to be hosted by none other than Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace!

Liew Erynn, a 13-year-old from Puchong, and Evangeline Khoo Ke Ying, 15, from Kuala Lumpur, were recognized as the Junior and Senior Winners, respectively, in this historic competition, which is heralded as the world’s oldest international writing contest for schools organized by the Royal Commonwealth Society of the UK.

Winners' Week at Buckingham Palace

These gifted youths will participate in the exclusive Winners’ Week event from November 18 to 21, alongside fellow young writers from around the Commonwealth, including Uganda’s Junior Runner-up, Victor Kiyaga, 13, and Singapore’s Senior Runner-up, Christabelle Yeo, 16.

The Winners’ Week will be filled with enriching cultural and educational activities, leading up to the much-anticipated awards ceremony graced by the presence of Queen Camilla herself—an extraordinary opportunity for these budding writers!

Record-Breaking Participation

This year’s competition shattered records, attracting a staggering 34,939 entries, all centered around the thought-provoking theme “Our Common Wealth.” Participants delved into vital issues of community, resilience, and hope amid the global challenges we face today.

Inspiring Stories and Talents

Erynn captivated judges with her imaginative tale, "The Indian Ocean Queen’s Troubles," which stars talking sea creatures lamenting the dire consequences of overfishing, climate change, and plastic pollution. Notably, Erynn’s story was brought to life with her own illustrations, showcasing her multifaceted talent.

“I feel like bursting with joy since this has been a dream of mine, and it has finally come true,” Erynn remarked, underscoring her passion for writing—a journey that began at the tender age of four. Having previously secured the Gold Finalist Award in 2021 and Gold Awards in both 2022 and 2023, she has consistently proven her literary prowess.

With London being the number one destination on her wishlist, Erynn expressed, "I am eagerly looking forward to attending the awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace the most, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"

Evangeline's compelling narrative, "Ungrowing Growth," presents a unique perspective by telling the story from the viewpoint of plastic, reflecting her deep understanding of environmental issues. A devoted literature enthusiast, Evangeline has also showcased her talents in various storytelling and choral competitions in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.

Celebrating Malaysian Literary Excellence

In a remarkable display of Malaysian literary excellence, twin brothers Anas Rayyan and Amir Rayyan Muhammad Shaifuddin from The Malay College Kuala Kangsar also represented their country by winning Gold Awards in this year's competition. “Winning this award motivates us to keep exploring new ways of expressing ourselves through writing,” they enthusiastically shared.

The Legacy of the QCEC

The QCEC, open to all Commonwealth citizens aged 18 and under, not only encourages young writers to reflect on themes rooted in Commonwealth values but also emphasizes the importance of literacy and empathy in fostering a more open-minded worldview.

The competition has a storied legacy, having produced remarkable talent over the years. Past winners include Malaysia-born Pulitzer Prize winner Mei Fong and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Last year, 15-year-old Kong Yong Sin from SMK Tinggi Kluang, Johor, was recognized as the Senior Runner-up, receiving prestigious accolades from Queen Camilla herself.

The Future of Storytelling

As Erynn and Evangeline prepare to make their mark at Buckingham Palace, the world eagerly awaits to see how their voices will inspire others to embrace the power of storytelling! Keep an eye on these remarkable young talents; they are only just getting started!