ADC Pagoh Represents IIUM at the Al-Istiqama International Arabic Public Speaking Competition 2025

By, Muhammad Hanif Bin Naim and Fatin Nadzirah Binti Mohd Azhar

The art of public speaking transcends boundaries as it unites voices, cultures, and hearts under one shared pursuit of eloquence and expression. This year, the Arabic Debate Club (ADC) Pagoh proudly represented the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in the prestigious Al-Multaqa Al-Omani: Al-Istiqama International Arabic Public Speaking Competition 2025. Organized as part of the Global Arabic Islamic Annual Festival (GARIIF 2025), this international platform celebrated the mastery of the Arabic language and the spirit of Ummatic excellence among students worldwide.

Ten outstanding students from the Arabic for International Communication (ARCOM) programme of IIUM Pagoh rose to the challenge: Br. Ammar bin Alauddin, Sr. Wan Eymeela Madiha binti Wan Saif Al-Arini, Sr. Nur Barakah binti Nazlee, Sr. Lina Masturina binti Alwi, Sr. Nur Syaza Afify binti Rohaimi, Sr. Syafiah Nazihah, Sr. Azramiz’za Zulaikha binti Zaf’frul Sah, Sr. Putri Irdina binti Mohd Johari, Sr. Nur Thaqifah Irdina binti Mohd Nazri, and Sr. Nur Syazwani binti Yazid. Each of them carried the ADC Pagoh banner with pride, passion, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the Arabic language.

The competition, open to both university and high school students globally, began with a preliminary round that required participants to submit a three- to five-minute video speech by October 10, 2025. The semi-final and final rounds were held physically at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Gombak campus on November 7, 2025. With total prizes worth RM20,000, the event attracted exceptional participants from renowned institutions such as Sultan Qaboos University (Oman), Universitas Gadjah Mada (Indonesia), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (UNISIRAJ).

Among ADC Pagoh’s talented delegates, Sr. Nur Syazwani binti Yazid made an inspiring mark by advancing to the Top 13 Semi-Finalists. Competing alongside accomplished speakers from Oman, Indonesia, and Malaysia, her achievement is particularly commendable as this marks her first international competition representing ADC Pagoh. Her success reflects the growing strength of IIUM Pagoh’s Arabic oratory scene and the club’s commitment to nurturing confidence, intellectual depth, and linguistic excellence among its members.

The participation of ADC Pagoh in this international arena underscores its vital role in empowering young speakers to use Arabic not merely as a language of communication but as a tool for unity, da’wah, and intercultural understanding. It also reaffirms IWON Pagoh’s vision to produce graduates who integrate knowledge, leadership, and linguistic competence in living embodiments of the university’s mission to balance faith and intellect.

As the Al-Istiqama International Arabic Public Speaking Competition 2025 has ended physically last week, ADC Pagoh looks forward to seeing more talented orator and public speaker especially in the arabic field.***