Continuing a tradition

Before diving into today’s elocution contest, let’s take a step back in time. In 1950, nearly two years had passed since Harold Cheeseman retired as the Director of Education, Malaya, after a distinguished career in education that spanned 41 years. Cheeseman was highly respected and greatly revered by both Penang Free School and The Old Frees' Association, as it was at Penang Free School in 1907 that he began his career. Even Westlands School honoured Cheeseman after his retirement by naming their hall after him.

On the third of October 1950, 75 years ago, the Cheeseman Elocution Contest was first mentioned in the Penang Free School Magazine (source: Penang Free School Magazine 1951). At that time, there were only four contestants from the seniormost classes: Clive Williams Ogle from Senior Cambridge A, Noordin b. Hassan of Senior Cambridge B, Looi Cheng Keat of Senior Cambridge C, and Lim Cheng Chuan of Senior Cambridge D. Among the esteemed judges were GL Bayliss, the Senior Inspector of Schools, and BE Chapman, Headmistress of St George’s Girls School. In his address, Bayliss emphasised the importance of "elocution as distinct from classroom reading," encouraging more expression to bring out the true meaning of words. Looi Cheng Keat emerged as the winner.

Elocution contest winner, Akhill Herman Sammy

From that moment, the contest became an annual tradition, except for a hiatus during the Covid-19 years from 2020 to 2022. This year’s contest, therefore, marks the 72nd in a long-standing series of the Cheeseman Elocution Contest. I would also consider last year's OFA Centenary Elocution Contest to be part of this series, thus continuing the legacy that began all those years ago. 

All eyes were on me when I walked into the Pinhorn Hall this morning. Unlike last year, I wasn't there as a judge but as a member of The Old Frees' Association's Alma Mater Sub-committee. So there was this opportunity to watch the contestants without any pressure on me. 

Elocution contest runner-up, Sean Mah

The 13 participants were tasked with delivering a six-minute prepared speech and a two-minute impromptu one. Listening to their prepared speeches, it was clear that most had taken on board the advice from last week’s workshop by the Penang Toastmasters. There were a few nerves, of course, but overall, their deliveries were strong and smooth, with only a few minor stumbles. 

The impromptu speech was particularly telling for the five finalists, designed to test their ability to think on their feet, quickly organise their thoughts, and deliver a coherent and persuasive speech on the spot. It was spontaneous and demanding, really putting their public speaking skills to the test—confidence, articulation and the knack for engaging an audience under pressure. I’ll admit, two minutes felt a bit short for my liking, though I’m sure for them, it felt like an eternity.

The standout speakers carried themselves with great poise on stage, confidently addressing their peers, while I watched on, feeling like an intruder into their activity—at least until Alex, Enrique, Barath, and Ho joined me later. We also had last year’s winner, Yap Chen Yang, who graciously accepted an invitation to speak to the students. Earlier in the week, I’d suggested to Enrique that inviting Chen Yang would be inspiring, and true enough, he did not disappoint. He spoke well and shared valuable tips on preparing for such contests.

During the break between the prepared and impromptu speeches, I was unexpectedly invited by the school to give a short talk. I took the opportunity to share the history of the Cheeseman Elocution Contest and some insights into the man behind the name, thus adding a bit of context for the students. 

I should add as an addendum that the five finalists were Akhill Herman Sammy, Sean Mah, Taraneswary d/o Nagarajan, Sahel Basheer b Mohamed Shakir and Viveha d/o Sugumaran.