WMSKLI hosts international youth poetry competition celebrating cultural unity

Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International) welcomed student delegates from Brunei Darussalam, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia and Thailand for the Sayembara Deklamasi Puisi Artistik Remaja ASEAN, China dan Rusia 2026, an international poetry competition that promoted cultural exchange, youth engagement and cross-border understanding.

Held under the theme “Universal Voice of Humanity”, the programme brought together young participants from diverse cultural backgrounds to express their perspectives on peace, humanity, heritage and global citizenship through artistic poetry recitals.

The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of National Unity, YB Tuan Yuneswaran Ramaraj, and attended by distinguished guests, literary scholars, judges and educators from participating countries.

More than a literary competition, the gathering served as a platform for cultural diplomacy, demonstrating how education and the arts can strengthen international friendships while encouraging dialogue among young people from different nations.

Education and arts strengthen international collaboration

Organised and hosted by Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International), the competition reflected the school’s commitment to preparing students for an increasingly interconnected world while fostering respect for cultural diversity and shared human values.

Throughout the programme, delegates participated in performances and interactions that encouraged intercultural awareness, strengthened communication skills and created opportunities to build lasting friendships beyond national borders. Educators and cultural leaders also exchanged ideas on the role of schools in nurturing global citizens who appreciate different traditions while embracing common aspirations.

The event further highlighted Malaysia’s growing role as a regional destination for educational excellence and international cultural exchange, reinforcing the importance of people-to-people connections through education.

The competition concluded with participants demonstrating that, despite differences in language, nationality and culture, young people share common hopes for peace, mutual understanding and a better future. Through poetry, they illustrated the enduring ability of literature and artistic expression to transcend borders and connect communities.

Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur (International), which offers the Cambridge curriculum within a values-based learning environment guided by Methodist educational principles, said initiatives such as the competition form part of its ongoing efforts to develop academically capable, globally minded and socially responsible future leaders.