A hallmark of the Japanese language learner’s calendar, the annual event saw a total of 14 finalists comprising winners of preliminary rounds held in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Perak.
The top three speakers were awarded with study tours to Japan, courtesy of The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai and the Japan Overseas Enterprises Association.
1st Prize winner Yeong Jing Ying of Universiti Sains Malaysia
| 1st Prize | Yeong Jing Ying Universiti Sains Malaysia Title: “If I Were A Teacher” |
| 2nd Prize | Tan Tze Linn Universiti Malaya Title: “What is The End of A Sentence?” |
| 3rd Prize | Tan Yi Ning Universiti Malaya Title: “Breakfast’s Role in My Life” |
| 4th prize | Muhammad Erzat bin Md. Kamarulzaman Universiti Sains Malaysia Title: “Sound & State” |
| 5th Prize | Ahmad Hasif bin Amran Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Bahasa Antarabangsa Title: “Japan from My Perspective as A Muslim” |
| Jury Special Prize | Adrian Khor Yung Kian INTI International College Penang Title: “Information Society and its Impact” |
| Jury Special Prize | Poon Ho Yi Private Tutor (SMJK Sam Tet) Title: “My Crush” |
The Japanese Speech Contest for Open Category was co-organised by the Embassy of Japan, The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, The Japanese Chamber of Trade & Industry, Malaysia (JACTIM) and The Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur (JCKL) in cooperation with the Consulate-General of Japan in Penang, Penang Japanese Language Society and the Perak Malaysian-Japanese Friendship Society.
Sponsors included the Japan Overseas Enterprises Association, Panasonic Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Kokuyo (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Japan Airlines Co. Ltd., and Kinokuniya Bookstores Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.