Pertandingan Pidato Antarabangsa Bahasa Melayu 2009 - as seen by a participant -

The rise of Asia in the end of the last century brought a long progress and developments to the countries in East and Southeast Asia. About a few weeks ago, I was the happy witness of one of them when I was selected to represent Romania to the “Pertandingan Pidato Antarabangsa Bahasa Melayu” (PABM), held in the beautiful administrative capital of Putrajaya.

Bahasa Melayu is a language spoken by roughly 300 million people. With local variations that still allow the language to be mutually intelligible, Malay is spoken in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam and Timor Leste. The language might sound way too exotic to the Europeans until the efforts to promote the language through this kind of contest has paved the way for Bahasa Melayu to be known in the international scene.

The Asian economic boom over the last three decades has brought Bahasa Melayu into the attention of many travelers, businessmen, students and, above all, scholars. Russian, Chinese, Australian and Italian universities are continually developing their programs in Bahasa Melayu. Foreign businessmen decided to learn the country's language, in spite of many locals are able to speak and understand English well. Students from all over the world came to learn Malay and study in the Malaysian universities. Travellers are willing to experience the wild beauty of this corner of world have also learnt Malay by simply interacting with the always welcoming people. From a local language originated in Riau Islands, Malay has now become a language studied around the world.

It was an exhilarating experience in which each participant had the chance to know Malaysia and the people as well as to meet other participants from all over the world, united by one common foundation, that each of us speaks the language of one of the fastest growing economies in Southeast Asia.

Starting with America and finishing down under in Australia, spreading from Japan down to Comoros Islands, ranging from China up to England, Bahasa Melayu reunited its “adepts” from all over the world within a contest meant to bring on stage not only Malay speakers, but also a true exchange of cultural from diverse backgrounds and mentality.

Held under the auspices of country's Deputy Prime Minister, the contest received a large coverage and attention from the national media, with special pages covering the event in a week series. The nationwide media coverage of the event convinced each of us of Malaysia's interest in promoting its culture and language.

 The ten day long event filled with receptions, formal dinners, city sightseeing and, most of all, remarkable links of camaraderie among the participants. Apart from organizing a contest, the organiser had walked extra miles by coordinating a veritable public diplomacy event. The participants were treated like guests rather than participants since the very first moment they set foot on Kuala Lumpur International Airport.  The warm generosity by the organizer and the genuine curiosity shown by the Deputy Prime Minister as to how we come to learn the language made us feel welcomed and appreciated.

PABM 2009 finally came to an end. Nevertheless, I will always treasure the special link created among the participants and the great people behind this wonderful event. I wish to come back one day to say once more “Terima Kasih Malaysia!” for giving me this golden opportunity.

More than the chance to attend a contest, Malaysia offered me a warm message of hospitality and openness; an example of a cultural melting pot united by a language I am proud to speak: Bahasa Melayu.

By Cosmin Sever Florea

Romanian Participant to the PABM 2009