[Unpad Media Channel] A total of 258 participants from 83 schools and 39 universities, both domestic and international, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam, participated in the 9th Padjadjaran English Competition (PEC). The event was organized by Gelanggang Mahasiswa Sastra Inggris (Gemasi) Universitas Padjadjaran at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Unpad, from November 30th to December 1st, 2024.
“PEC is not just about competition, but also about building networks. By building networks, we create communities and collectives to voice our aspirations. So, again, while you compete, remember that your competitors might one day become your best friends,” said Prof. Dra. Aquarini Priyatna, M.A, M.Hum., Ph.D., The Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Unpad, in her opening speech while also officially opening the event
Beyond being a competition, PEC offers students and participants opportunities to expand their networks, broaden their perspectives, and voice their ideas. Through PEC, participants can express their thoughts and opinions in various competitions.
PEC is an English competition organized by Gemasi Unpad for high school and university students. The categories include speech, storytelling, and short story writing for high school students. For university students, the competitions include speech, poetry reading and writing, short story writing, and essay writing.
In his remarks, Dr. Ari Jogaiswara Adipurwawidjana, M.A., the Head of the English Literature Study Program at Unpad, emphasized that PEC is more than just a series of competitions to win medals and certificates. As one of the most prestigious events among students, PEC has become an essential platform for participants to share ideas, develop visions, and build networks that can support future collaborations.
“While participants may compete against each other, they are encouraged to work together to realize the ideas, visions, and emotions reflected in the stories, poems, speeches, and essays they create, as a way of contributing to the greater good of all beings,” explained Ari.
The event was attended by the Head of the Elementary Education Division, Sumedang Education Office, Dani Setiawan, S.Pd., M.Pd., and Academic and Student Affairs Manager of FIB Unpad, Rahmat Sopian, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D. PEC also invited both national and international judges, including Keni Soeriatmadja (Indonesian Arts Enthusiast), Angelo R. (Sarge) Lacuesta (Filipino Writer), Mark Spears (Senior Writer, NBA), Heru Joni Putra (Indonesian Writer), Dhianita Kusuma Pertiwi (Indonesian Writer), Martin Suryajaya (Indonesian Writer), Christian Benitez (Filipino Poet), Joselito Delos Reyes (Filipino Writer), and Farooq Kperogi (Nigerian Writer). (SA)*
