IOI Foundation And MicFront Successfully Host Malaysia’s Largest Public Speaking Event
IOI Foundation successfully collaborated with MicFront Public Speaking (“MicFront”) to make history by gathering more than 1,000 participants at Malaysia’s Largest Public Speaking Event, which was held from 4 to 5 July 2026 at IOI Mall Damansara. The record-breaking event surpassed the previous record of 605 participants and marked an official attempt to set a new Malaysia Book of Records.
The collaboration was a major nation-building initiative to foster confidence and youth leadership, empowering participants across a diverse age group, from children as young as five to adults aged 18 and above. The two-day event attracted approximately 3,000 attendees, and featured participants from the general public and 17 MicFront outlets across the Klang Valley delivering speeches on Malaysia’s culture, food, natural beauty and everyday heroes under the unifying theme of “Let’s Celebrate Malaysia.”
IOI Foundation Executive Director Datin Joanne Wong, IOI Mall Damansara Assistant General Manager Mr Edmund Tan, alongside MicFront Co-Founders Dr Jolynn Ch'ng and Mas Mahathir officiated the ceremony on 4 July 2026.
Datin Joanne said: “Through this collaboration, we are empowering Malaysians of all ages to find their voice and celebrate our nation together. Public speaking is a vital pathway to confidence, expression and nation-building.”
"Let's Celebrate Malaysia".
MicFront Co-Founder Mas Mahathir highlighted the long-term vision of the initiative: “Our true purpose goes far beyond this weekend because the real impact begins after the event. If a child finds the courage to stand on stage and speak just once despite being afraid, they unlock a lifelong confidence. Our ultimate hope is to nurture a generation of confident young Malaysians who will elevate our nation, because our youth shape our future culture.”
Dr Jolynn Ch’ng added: “When we equip young people with the power of effective communication, we give them the tools to lead a community, create innovation, and even transform a nation.”
The successful two-day showcase provided a platform for participants to inspire the public while encouraging young Malaysians to embrace public speaking as a lifelong asset. Following the record-breaking event, 205 participants will advance to the regional semifinals, where only 95 speakers will earn a coveted spot in the national finals on 12 and 13 September 2026 at IOI City Mall. Finalists will compete for the national titles, alongside the official presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records certificate.