At just seven years old, Amatullah Hamidah from Terengganu has etched her name in the international arena by clinching the top spot at the 63rd International Children and Youth English Speech Competition. The event, held last month, was organized by the Global Arts, Sports, and Culture Association (GASCA) based in Hong Kong.

A student of Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (PASTI) Al-Furqan in Chendering, Terengganu, this marked Hamidah's debut in an international competition. Competing in the Early Childhood Group category, she triumphed over 25 participants from six other countries.

Hamidah's mother, Hasmah Darwis, 31, shared with the New Straits Times that their main goal was to provide her daughter with valuable exposure rather than focusing on winning.

"This was Hamidah's first international competition, and our aim was to let her experience performing on a global platform while earning points to qualify as Kuala Terengganu's model student of PASTI for the upcoming state-level competition in Sarawak. She chose to recite a poem in the online competition and displayed remarkable dedication during practice. However, my husband (Muhammad Luqman Al Hakim Mohd Radzi, 32) and I did not place undue pressure on her to win," Hasmah said.

Despite her young age, Hamidah is no stranger to public speaking. She has actively participated in various school-level competitions in Terengganu, gaining recognition from PASTI Terengganu, which often features her performances on its social media platforms.

Expressing her excitement, Hamidah said, "I love public speaking because it makes me happy and helps me become braver." She also revealed her dream of becoming a soldier in the future.

Her impressive achievement has garnered the attention of Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, who took to Facebook to congratulate her.

"Her success not only makes her family proud but also serves as an inspiration to the people of Terengganu and PASTI students across Malaysia. Her ability to compete internationally highlights the exceptional talent and potential of children from Terengganu," he wrote.

Hamidah's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion, proving that age is no barrier to making a mark on the world stage.

@pastiterengganu

PERSEMBAHAN PIDATO DARI ADIK AMATULLAH HAMIDAH Alhamdulillah adik Hamidah dari PASTI Al Furqan, Chendering Kuala Terengganu telah berjaya menyampaikan pidato malam ini. Program Malam Munajat Terengganu di Dewan Arena, Stadium Tertutup, Kompleks Sukan Negeri Terengganu.

original sound - PASTI Terengganu