Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) has crowned Muhammad Imran Bin Shahnaz of Asia Pacific Smart School, Selangor, as the national champion of the Piala Pembangunan Oratory Competition 2026. Imran also received the Best Orator Award at the competition’s national final on 15 October 2026.
The competition attracted participation from more than 300 schools nationwide, with over 100 students competing in the qualifying round. The 15 finalists progressed through a three-stage competition designed to identify and nurture young Malaysians who can communicate confidently, think critically and engage with issues shaping the country’s future.
The Piala Pembangunan 2026 was implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), through its Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division, in collaboration with PINTAR Foundation.
Developing Future-Ready Young Leaders
Datuk Wira Dr Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Group Chief Strategy Officer of BPMB Group, said the bank’s role as a Development Financial Institution extended beyond financing and infrastructure to developing young Malaysians with the skills to approach complex issues responsibly.
He noted that the competition had grown from an oratory programme involving 12 schools in 2023 into a nationwide platform reaching schools across all 13 states and three Federal Territories.
The introduction of a semi-final round in 2026 further challenged participants to think on their feet and speak confidently, helping them develop capabilities that extend beyond the classroom and contribute to Malaysia’s long-term development.
Dato’ Zainal Abas, Deputy Director-General of Education Malaysia (School Operations Sector), said the competition supported the aspirations of the Rancangan Pendidikan Malaysia (RPM) 2026–2035, a 10-year strategic plan comprising seven thrusts and approximately 50 high-impact initiatives to strengthen the country’s education system and prepare students for the future.
By developing critical thinking, communication and confidence in expressing ideas, the programme contributes to the development of well-rounded, future-ready students. It also complements the education reform priority under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and the broader aspirations of the MADANI economic framework.
Meet the Piala Pembangunan 2026 Winners
The national final recognised students for their oratory skills and performance throughout the competition.
Muhammad Imran Bin Shahnaz of Asia Pacific Smart School, Selangor, took first place and the Best Orator Award, receiving RM3,000 and a trophy for the championship, alongside RM1,500 and a trophy for Best Orator.
Nathan Chiew Chung Feng of Lodge National Secondary School, Sarawak, secured second place, receiving RM2,500 and a trophy. Kaavya Nangai Pannirselvan of SMK Convent Green Lane, Pulau Pinang, placed third, receiving RM2,000 and a trophy.
The remaining 12 finalists each received a consolation prize of RM1,000 and a trophy, recognising their participation and achievements in the national competition.
From 12 Schools to a Nationwide Competition
First introduced in 2023 as the BPMB–PINTAR Oratory Competition, Piala Pembangunan has steadily expanded its reach and strengthened its competition format.
The programme grew from 12 participating schools in its inaugural year to 35 schools in 2024. In 2025, it expanded nationwide, reaching schools across all 13 states and three Federal Territories.
Its structure has also evolved over the years. The competition began with a single stage in 2023, progressed to qualifying and final rounds in 2024 and 2025, and introduced a semi-final round for the first time in 2026.
According to BPMB Group, these changes reflect its continued efforts to enhance the competition’s quality, rigour and developmental value for participating students.
Connecting Public Speaking with Sustainability
The 2026 competition introduced new challenges to test students’ ability to think and communicate under pressure.
During the qualifying round, participants delivered prepared speeches and answered questions from judges. The semi-final focused on impromptu speaking and question-and-answer sessions, while the national final combined prepared and impromptu speeches with a question-and-answer segment.
All competition topics were anchored to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students were encouraged to explore social, environmental and economic challenges while learning to communicate their ideas with clarity and purpose.
The approach aligns with Malaysia’s wider sustainable development agenda and the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, encouraging young people to engage meaningfully with issues affecting the country’s future.
As Piala Pembangunan enters its next phase, BPMB Group said it remains committed to supporting education, inclusion, sustainability and youth development as part of its broader contribution to nation-building.
