STORYTELLING has been a passion for young Malaysian Yashica Vijayakumar, who recently competed at the Grand International Talent Festival in Beijing, China.
After four years of public speaking, the 12-year-old has participated in several competitions and achieved first place at the Grand Final, held from Aug 28 to 31.
She competed against participants from six other countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, China, India, and Vietnam, with her performance of The Lion Who Lost His Roar.
This year has been her biggest achievement so far, after securing second runner-up at the district-level STEM talent show, participating in a district storytelling competition, and taking part in various activities outside storytelling.
Yashica said competing internationally required more effort compared with competitions in Malaysia.
As a student at SK Covent Bukit Mertajam, Yashica also described what it is like to balance her studies with competitions.
“I study for one and a half hours, an hour maximum preparing for any competition, then I have my free time to play, study again, and before I go to sleep, I practice one more time,” Yashica told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive interview at her residence in Simpang Ampat on the mainland on Sept 11.
Her mother, Latna Pardapan, 44, who was also present, said her daughter’s talent came entirely from her passion for storytelling.
“Storytelling is her passion.
“I know when she goes up on that stage, she will transform herself; thus there is no pressure, just passion,” Latna said.
In addition to winning first place, Yashica also received an RM1,000 cash prize and a popularity award, which she won through a Facebook poll supported by her friends, family, teachers and community.
When asked for advice for children interested in public speaking, Yashica reflected on how she was initially shy behind the microphone but gradually gained confidence and overcame her fears through participating in more competitions.
“I would like to tell them to try before they are afraid. Try at least one competition,” Yashica said.
She also spoke about the most important lesson she has learned since participating in competitions from Standard Two.
“The important lesson is you should have confidence in yourself, always trust yourself, and do not give up,” she said.
Aside from storytelling, Yashica also participates in taekwondo, TKRS marching, dancing and singing competitions.
Story and pix by Ammar Mikhail Aamer