STORYFEST COACHING SERIES BRINGS STORYTELLING TO PEKAN STUDENTS
PEKAN, 1 AUGUST 2025 – For the very first time, the Centre for Modern Languages (CML), in collaboration with the Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Pekan (PPAP), brought the Storyfest Coaching Series to Pekan. The coaching series was held at the Pekan Public Library from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., commencing on 4 July and concluding on 1 August. The programme gathered 24 Form 1 and Form 2 students from 12 schools across Pekan, with each school nominating two participants to be coached in the art of storytelling. The initiative aimed to provide young learners with a meaningful platform to grow, while also preparing them for the Storyfest Storytelling Competition, scheduled to take place on 11 August 2025 at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Convention Hall in conjunction with the Pekan Book Carnival 2025.
Unlike many competitions that focus only on top achievers, Storyfest intentionally selected students with average English proficiency, giving them the chance to polish their abilities and showcase hidden potential. To guide them, four experienced instructors from the CML, Aisyah Hanum Abu Bakar, Alia Najaa Md Nor, Hamizah Zahari, and Khairul Amri Abdul Aziz coached the students using the Storyfest dedicated module that covered four key areas which included Voice Clarity and Story Idea, Expressive Language, Movement and Gestures, and Performance Readiness. Each Friday, the students immersed themselves in fun, interactive activities designed to bring stories to life. The sessions were not only about improving language skills but also about nurturing confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for the art of storytelling.
Ms. Norkamila binti Mahmud, Head of the Pekan Public Library and the main organiser of the programme, described it as a milestone for young learners in Pekan. She noted that it was the first time the community had seen an English-language coaching series followed by a storytelling competition. “Previously, our storytelling competitions were only in Malay. With Storyfest, we want to give students the chance to strengthen their English skills while finding the courage to express themselves as storytellers,” she said.
The students and teachers also shared their experiences. “I used to be shy about speaking English, but now I feel more confident telling my story to an audience,” shared Damia, a Form 2 participant from SMK Paloh Hinai. Teachers also witnessed the transformation among the participating students. “It’s wonderful to see our students, who are usually reserved, step out of their comfort zone and perform with such enthusiasm,” said Ms. Hannan, an English teacher from SMA Al Attas, Pekan.
By the end of the four weeks, the students’ progress was unmistakable. They felt ready for the upcoming competition and expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Their teachers looked forward with anticipation to seeing them perform during the Pekan Book Carnival on 11 August 2025, while the CML instructors beamed with pride at the remarkable growth the students had shown in both skill and confidence. The Storyfest Coaching Series had not only prepared them for the stage but also fulfilled its very purpose by giving Pekan’s young learners a platform to grow, shine, and discover the storyteller within.
Prepared by: Alia Najaa binti Md Nor, Aisyah Hanum binti Abu Bakar & Hamizah binti Zahari