By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
Ipoh – SMK Sri Puteri, located at Jalan Sungai Pari, has made history as V. Anaga Lakkshmee, 17, emerged as the champion of the National NILAM Award 2023, in the Secondary School English Language category (Individual).
V. Anaga Lakkshmee, a fifth-year student known as 5 Anggerik, successfully captivated the hearts of the judges, defeating thirteen participants in the same category.
V. Anaga Lakkshmee, the eldest of two siblings, revealed that her reading habit is the secret to her success, along with support from her family, guidance from her teachers, workshops, and training.
“Close relationships with classmates who always share knowledge and help with impromptu questions are also among the factors contributing to my success.
“Reading is the main foundation of my success. The practice of reading is the key to spreading knowledge, gaining knowledge, and improving language proficiency.
“Through the NILAM Program, participants not only need to memorize selected reading materials but also understand the concepts and conduct in-depth studies related to the theme of the reading materials.
“I am not thinking of spending this prize money; instead, I will save it in my bank account to prepare for higher education in the future,” she told reporters after the National NILAM Award 2023 ceremony held at Aeon Klebang yesterday.
She received a cash prize worth RM500.00, a trophy, and a certificate of recognition.
Dr Kalaiselvi Shanmugam, 47, mother of Anaga Lakkshmee, described the NILAM Program as the best platform for students to gain knowledge and build self-confidence.
“The NILAM Program has also succeeded in producing students with critical and creative thinking skills, besides enhancing cognitive growth and strengthening memory.
“Students also have the opportunity to build a wide network of friendships and shape their personalities,” said Dr Kalaiselvi, who is also a teacher at SMK Buntong.
The NILAM Program is conducted every year in every school under the supervision of the District Education Resources and Technology Unit and the State Education Resources and Technology Sector in collaboration with the Education Resources and Technology Division.
This year, the state of Perak was chosen to host this prestigious event. A total of 11 categories were contested with participation from 14 states in Malaysia.
The closing ceremony was officiated by the Deputy Director-General of Education Malaysia, Sector of Policies and Curriculum, Dr. Ahmad Rafee Che Kassim.
Also present was the Director of Education for the state of Perak, Mohd Fauzi Mahson.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Uwais Mohd Hazril Munir@Umar, 17, a student from SM Sains Kepala Batas, Penang, won two categories, namely the Individual Malay Language Category and the Group Malay Language Category, together with participants from SMK Infant Jesus Convent Melaka, SM Sains Kubang Pasu Kedah and Tunku Kurshiah College in Negeri Sembilan.
Participants from SMK Tun Fatimah Johor, along with participants from SMK Air Putih Pahang, Sultan Alam Shah School Putrajaya and SMK Syed Sirajuddin Perlis, emerged as the champions in the Group English Language Category.
Seven other categories contested were the Visual Impairment Category, Hearing Impairment Category, Learning Disabilities Category, Individual Primary School Malay Language Category, Individual Primary School English Language Category, Group Primary School Malay Language Category, and Group Primary School English Language Category.
