He just got started – and Pavit Coran’s already a world champion public speaker

MALAYSIANSKINI | Pavit Coran’s first taste of university life had not exactly gone to plan. Because of Covid-19 the young lad from Kelantan only got to enjoy a campus tour of the Multimedia University in Malacca, before having to return home and continue his classes remotely.

However, to keep himself occupied Pavit entered the English Speaking Union of Malaysia (ESUM)-Taylor’s Public Speaking Competition Final which was open to all Malaysians aged 16-20. On April 24, he beat out nine other competitors to be named national champion and taking home a cash prize of RM2,000.

Not bad for a day’s work you might think, but Pavit was just getting started. Now a national champion, he was thrust into a global competition facing competitors from 32 other countries. And less than three weeks after his national triumph, Pavit was facing competitors from Pakistan, Brazil, Russia, Lithuania and Hungary as one of the six finalists.

Speaking on the topic of mental health, the 18-year-old impressed the judges with his arguments and took home the top prize.

“It was the most amazing experience for which I will always be grateful. It was something I tried on a whim. During the second semester break, I had time on my hands and filled in the form. I never expected to go this far,” he told Malaysiakini via a Zoom call.

"Although I was not able to go to London to compete, it was altogether a new experience doing such a competition online and facing problems such as internet connectivity," he said.

He said the whole process was fascinating as he was able to meet many of the participants from different countries in the comfort of his own home and hear the various interpretation of the same theme from other participants.

“Definitely I was a bit nervous. There were many speakers from other countries who seemed very comfortable. I was so amazed as I listen to them talking about the different topics from various angles.

“It was natural that I got nervous.

“Based on the theme 'The Best Route To Change Engages All Voices', I spoke about the increasing rate of mental health issues worldwide and urged the audience and all governments to sympathise with the issue and to call for action in resolving the problem.

“I think with the ongoing pandemic it was very appropriate,” he said.

The week of the finals was about more than a single event, he recalled.

“It started with a cultural exchange of sharing with the other participants. Then we had a virtual tour of London; normally you will go to London, but not this time.

“On the third day of the competition, we had preliminary rounds. We were separated into time zones and I found myself with China, Ukraine and a few other countries. Once I won the pool from my time zone, I went on to compete in the finals,” he said.

Pavit said that when he finished his speech, he was overcome with gratitude.

“I was excited because I was the last to present for my group, and then I was on edge waiting for the results. They were announced at around 2.30am, it was like staying up for a football match. And I was there, waiting and praying and thinking about it.”

“Normally you have a countdown (for) third place, second place, but they just announced straight away – Pavit from Malaysia, then it was crazy! My mother rushed into the room! Family, friends, extended family members, those from the university also congratulated me,” he said.

Pavit said he was "truly ecstatic, grateful and blessed" as he could not believe that he had managed to beat so many of the participants in becoming champion and that it meant so much to him to be able to represent Malaysia on the world stage and do well.

Pravit Coran and his teacher Chang Kim Huay during his schooldays.

Born on Aug 20, 2002 to an Indian father and Chinese mother, Pavit has an older sister and speaks five languages – English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Hokkien and Kelantanese Malay. Raised in the Christian faith, he attended Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Hwa Kota Bharu.

“I’m currently taking my foundation year in law. I have an uncle – my father’s brother - who passed away when I was fairly young and I was very close to him. He was a lawyer and I think he was the one that initiated the idea, when I was fairly young,” he said.

He is looking forward to participate in debates at the university level.

“Unfortunately, as I was growing up in Kelantan there were not any English language debates that I could enter so I would like to indulge myself in debates in university.”

He is uncertain where he will settle down and work eventually.

“Honestly, it depends because it's a very dynamic economy. Certainly I do believe that I would like to practise law in Malaysia but I can’t see that far ahead.”

Like many young people, Pavit considers the lowering of the vote age to 18 to be an important step in Malaysia’s development and would like to see it materialise soon.

“I honestly believe that young people have their voices that need to be heard. We have our own concerns and, for our nation to progress, we must be inclusive. We all need to be heard to progress as a country that can achieve sustainable development goals.

“I believe my generation is ready to contribute,” he said.

Pavit has just bought the book Justice in The Wilderness by former attorney-general Tommy Thomas and looks forward to reading about the justice system from an insider’s point of view.

He isn’t always focused on academic stuff, though.

“I honestly really like playing futsal. I like playing more than watching football actually. I also played piano until grade 7. And I’m on my computer a lot, I suppose just like anyone else during the pandemic,” he said.

He also has a strong passion for karate - having competed at state and national levels in his age group, and even doing some instructional work for other students.

Pavit feels that he’s experienced something special just by taking part in the competition, let alone winning it.

“I've met so many speakers and made good friends online. Money can’t buy this kind of experience. I feel I’ve expanded my horizons just by meeting so many amazing young people around themselves, having cultural exchanges and observing their way of carrying themselves.

“Another winner said this before and I agree – I gained more from competing itself than from winning.”

He has since been inundated by interview requests and was overwhelmed when receiving congratulations from the King.

Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah expressed his joy and pride over Pavit’s achievements in helping Malaysia to shine on the global stage.

Pravit Coran and his friends at school

“His Majesty also expressed hope that Pavit’s success would inspire other Malaysians, especially students and youths to work harder to create success stories in their respective fields,” read a statement posted on Istana Negara’s official Instagram page yesterday.

ESUM chairperson Tunku Dara Tunku Naquiah also shared her profound happiness at Pavit's success, adding that "he truly deserves to win and he did it for Malaysia".

Pavit’s win was the second time that Malaysia has won the Best Speaker title at the annual ESU International Public Speaking Competition after Marina Tan won in 2011.

Pavit said that it was far from a solo effort for him to achieve the victory. “It starts from my parents' tireless efforts of taking care of me. The ESUM Malaysia headed by Tunku Dara was very supportive, giving me feedback. I have coaches helping me with my script and giving me advice on delivery and how to end.

“I thank God and my parents and my family and friends for the guidance and support. I encourage anyone to join as it is an invaluable experience,” he added.