Evangeline and Erynn win Commonwealth Essay Competition

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) 2024 has concluded with two outstanding Malaysian students emerging as champions. With a record-breaking 34,939 entries from across the Commonwealth, the essay competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools.

This year’s theme, “Our Common Wealth,” asked participants to reflect on how community, culture, and resilience can help face global challenges. The competition celebrates young writers who have a unique perspective on today’s pressing issues.

Malaysian winners capture global attention

The two Malaysian winners, Evangeline Khoo Ke Ying, 15, from Kuala Lumpur, and Erynn Liew, 13, from Puchong, Selangor, will soon be embarking on a trip to London, where they will be hosted by Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace. Evangeline took home the Senior Winner title for her thought-provoking short story Ungrowing Growth, while Erynn clinched the Junior Winner prize for her imaginative tale The Indian Ocean Queen’s Troubles. Their entries stood out from tens of thousands of submissions, cementing Malaysia’s reputation for producing talented young writers.

Erynn, who has been participating in the QCEC for four years, expressed her overwhelming joy upon hearing the news. “I feel like bursting with joy since this has been a dream of mine, and it has finally come true,” she said. The Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur student’s story focused on talking sea creatures struggling with the impacts of overfishing, climate change, and plastic pollution. Her story was accompanied by her own illustrations, adding depth to her creative submission.

A journey fueled by passion for writing

For both Evangeline and Erynn, writing has been a lifelong passion. Evangeline, a student at SMK Menjalara in Kuala Lumpur, crafted a unique narrative for Ungrowing Growth, told from the perspective of plastic. Her love for fantasy and imagination shines through in her writing, which is often inspired by her experiences in choral speaking, drama, and music. “Literature has always been my way of expressing my imagination and creativity,” Evangeline said.

Erynn’s passion for writing began at an early age, starting with travel journals when she was just four years old. Her love for reading fantasy books such as Harry Potter and The Hunger Games further fueled her creativity. Erynn hopes that her story will inspire others to think critically about environmental issues and the role of humans in shaping a sustainable future.

Malaysia’s strong tradition in QCEC

Malaysia’s success in the QCEC is no stranger to the competition. In 2023, 15-year-old Kong Yong Sin from SMK Tinggi Kluang, Johor, was named the Senior Runner-up. Notably, past winners include Malaysian-born Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Mei Fong and prominent figures like Singapore’s former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The success of Evangeline and Erynn continues Malaysia’s tradition of excelling in this prestigious writing competition.

Both students, along with winners from other Commonwealth nations, will participate in Winners’ Week in London, which will include educational and cultural activities. The highlight of the trip will be the awards ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where they will be recognized for their achievements by Queen Camilla.

Inspiring the next generation of writers

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition provides young people with a platform to express their ideas, creativity, and concerns about global challenges. This year’s theme, which drew inspiration from the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa, resonated deeply with the participants, particularly those from Small Island Developing States, who face disproportionate challenges from climate change.

For Evangeline and Erynn, this competition was not just about winning but also about sharing their passion for writing and addressing global issues. As they prepare to represent Malaysia on the global stage, their success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of young writers across the country.

The 2025 edition of the competition will open on March 14, and it promises to continue nurturing talented young writers from around the Commonwealth.