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Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Future health ambassadors shine in Sibu public speaking contest
Dr Teh (third right) presents a prize to one of the winners during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Sibu Division-level Public Speaking Competition for Young Doctors Club. SIBU (July 6): The 2025 Sibu Division-level Public Speaking Competition for Young Doctors Club members showcased not only the speaking talents of school students but also their depth of understanding and commitment to health advocacy. Held at one of Sibu's leading hotels yesterday, the competition featured enthusiastic participation from primary and secondary school students across the division, who delivered compelling speeches on various health topics, from non-communicable diseases to healthy lifestyles and mental well-being. Sibu Division Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun, who officiated the closing ceremony, lauded the participants for their energy, research effort, and creativity in presenting health-related issues to their peers and the community. 'We saw a lot of passion and determination from the students today. They were not just talking about health they were offering creative insights and solutions,' Dr Teh told reporters. 'This competition is part of our broader effort under the Ministry of Health to promote health literacy from a young age. 'The students must read up and understand the health issues before presenting, which naturally improves their awareness and empowers them to share that knowledge with their peers,' he added. Organised by the Health Promotion Unit of the Sibu Division Health Office, the event aimed to enhance public speaking skills among members of the Kelab Doktor Muda while also instilling lifelong health values. Dr Teh expressed confidence in the potential of the participants to serve as future health ambassadors in their communities. 'We hope these young champions continue their journey at the state level and become peer educators and role models in living healthy lifestyles,' he said. 'Our department will continue to support youth-focused health advocacy through programmes such as Doktor Muda and Prostar, providing both knowledge and opportunities for action.' Also present at the event was Sibu Division Young Doctors Club Coordinator Suriati Saperi, who is also the Divisional Health Education Officer. In the secondary school category, Oxiy Tawi Galang from SMK Kampung Nangka emerged as the champion with a score of 86.6 per cent. Emily Ting Yi Hua from SMK Tung Hua came in second with 86.2 per cent, while Felicia Jelembai Jack from SMK Kanowit secured third place with 82.4 per cent. Consolation prizes were awarded to Chlorence Teo from SMK Chung Hua with 82.2 per cent, and Aieiman Safuwan Zemi from SMK Kwong Hua with 80.4 per cent. In the primary school category, Muhammad Afiq Rayyan Rafi from SK Agama took first place with a remarkable 90.6 per cent. Damien Darren from SJKC Yee Ting, Kanowit placed second with 87.8 per cent, and Ehsan Rizqi Jamalludin from SK Sacred Heart (M) finished third with 87.6 per cent. Consolation prizes went to Dorathy Dominic from SK Sungai Aup, who scored 85.8 per cent, and Irene Erynna Batrisya Abdul Khattib from SK Abang Ali, who scored 78 per cent. Dr Teh ended his remarks with a reminder to all students. 'Live a healthy life, exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, and most importantly, say no to smoking,' he added. The top winners will represent Sibu Division at the upcoming state-level competition later this year. lead Sibu Division-level Public Speaking Competition Young Doctors Club
The Star
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
HIV prevention a priority after 22 cases among varsity students in 2023, 2024
Ling said the cases caused by unsafe sexual practices show a need for more preventive efforts especially among university students. JOHOR recorded 22 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases among university students over the past two years, says state executive councillor Ling Tian Soon. Of this number, 12 cases were recorded last year while 10 were reported in 2023, said the Johor health and environment committee chairman. 'All these cases were found to have been caused by unsafe sexual practices. 'This highlights the need for more preventive efforts among young people, especially university students,' he said during the state assembly sitting. He was responding to a question from Selamat Takim (BN-Sungai Balang) who had asked about the number of HIV cases among university students in Johor, and the efforts to address the issue. Ling said the state government was working with educational institutions to improve HIV awareness among youths via the 'Healthy Without AIDS Programme for Teenagers (Prostar) 2.0'. 'The programme aims to educate teenagers and youths about HIV while also empowering them to be advocates for a healthier lifestyle, free from HIV. 'A total of 1,673 university and secondary school students have taken part in activities held under the programme which began in 2023,' he elaborated. Ling said other initiatives, such as health talks, community forums and awareness campaigns had also been held occasionally to improve understanding of HIV and its prevention. 'Social media and other digital platforms have been used to spread awareness,' he said, adding that the state government was committed to strengthening HIV preventive measures. Health clinics across the state are also providing free and confidential HIV screening for the public, according to Ling. 'This is to encourage early detection for timely intervention. 'The clinics also provide free and confidential counselling services,' he added. — VENESA DEVI
