Four-year nationwide platform crowns national champion while strengthening communication, critical thinking and sustainability awareness
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (“BPMB or the Bank”) recently crowned
Muhammad Imran Bin Shahnaz from
Asia Pacific Smart School, Selangor as the national champion of the
Piala Pembangunan Oratory Competition 2026 (“
Piala Pembangunan 2026”), with Imran also receiving the Best Orator Award, following a highly competitive final, marking the culmination of a nationwide search to identify and nurture the next generation of young Malaysians equipped to engage with the issues shaping the country’s future. The champion emerged from 15 finalists following a three-stage competition journey that attracted more than 300 schools nationwide, with more than 100 students competing in the qualifying round.
The
Piala Pembangunan 2026 is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Education Malaysia (“MOE”), through its Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division and in collaboration with PINTAR Foundation.
Datuk Wira Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Group Chief Strategy Officer of BPMB Group, said, “As a Development Financial Institution, BPMB Group’s role in nation building extends beyond financing and infrastructure to developing young Malaysians who can think critically, communicate clearly and approach complex issues responsibly. This commitment is reflected in the growth of
Piala Pembangunan from an oratory competition 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 challenges students to think on their feet and speak with confidence, building capabilities that extend beyond the classroom and support Malaysia’s long-term development.”
Dato’ Zainal Abas, Deputy Director-General of Education Malaysia (School Operations Sector), said, “The
Piala Pembangunan 2026 supports 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 Malaysia’s education system and prepare students for the future. Through this initiative, students develop critical thinking, communication and confidence in expressing their ideas, contributing to the development of well-rounded and future-ready young Malaysians. This complements the Education Reform priority under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (“RMK13”) and supports the broader aspirations of the MADANI economic framework.”
Celebrating 2026 WinnersThe 2026 winners are:
| Winners | Schools | States | Placing | Prizes |
| Muhammad Imran Bin Shahnaz | Asia Pacific Smart School | Selangor | 1st Place | RM3,000.00, trophy |
| Nathan Chiew Chung Feng | Lodge National Secondary School | Sarawak | 2nd Place | RM2,500.00, trophy |
| Kaavya Nangai Pannirselvan | SMK Convent Green Lane | Pulau Pinang | 3rd Place | RM2,000.00, trophy |
| Muhammad Imran Bin Shahnaz | Asia Pacific Smart School | Selangor | Best Orator | RM1,500.00, trophy |
| 12 consolation prizes | Remaining 12 finalists | Each finalist received RM1,000.00, trophy |
Four Years of Growth and Nationwide ReachThe
Piala Pembangunan was introduced in 2023 as the BPMB–PINTAR Oratory Competition, with 12 participating schools. Since then, it has evolved into a structured national programme, with participation growing to 35 schools in 2024 before expanding nationwide in 2025 to reach schools across all 13 states and three Federal Territories. Over the past four years, the programme has also evolved in structure alongside its growing reach. From a single-stage competition in 2023, it progressed to qualifying and final rounds in 2024 and 2025, before introducing a semi-final round for the first time in 2026. The progression reflects BPMB Group’s continued efforts to strengthen the quality, rigour and developmental value of the competition.
Strengthening the 2026 CompetitionThe 2026 edition also introduced a semi-final round to further test students’ ability to think and communicate under pressure. The qualifying round assessed prepared speeches and responses to judges’ questions, while the semi-final focused on impromptu speaking and responses to judges’ questions. The national final combined prepared, impromptu speeches with a question-and-answer segment.
All competition topics were anchored to issues relating to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”), encouraging students to explore social, environmental and economic challenges while strengthening their ability to articulate ideas with clarity and purpose. The approach is aligned with broader national efforts to advance sustainable development and the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI, while encouraging young Malaysians to engage meaningfully with issues that shape the country’s future.
As
Piala Pembangunan enters its next phase, BPMB Group remains committed to advancing education, inclusion, sustainability and youth development as part of its broader contribution to nation building.
Issued by:
BPMB Group
Please click here for more: https://bit.ly/4jihqavSOURCE: Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Nasrulhanis Ruslan
Acting Head, Strategic Communication
BPMB Group
Email: communications@bpmb.com.my
--BERNAMA