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Komalah Selva, a 2021 Quantity Surveying graduate of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, secured the title of "2nd Runner-Up" in the National Finals of FameLab Malaysia 2021.
FameLab Malaysia 2021 is a science communication competition organised by British Council and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT). Participants were given three minutes to wow the judges and audience with a scientific talk, with content, clarity and charisma being the judging criteria.
As soon as she started her degree, Komalah became fascinated by the construction industry. She was keen to share her excitement about this industry with other people, and this prompted her to take part in FameLab Malaysia 2021. Moreover, she joined this competition to hone her communication skills.
Throughout the course of this competition, Komalah realised that she had to simplify her presentation by using layman terms and to add sound effects to capture the audience’s attention. When the results were announced, she was elated. Her experience in this competition was eye-opening and inspiring. She also believed that the skills she gained would help her in her career.
In terms of advice for students who are thinking of following in her footsteps, Komalah remarks, “As the author Zig Ziglar says, ‘You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great!’ Just be confident and take a leap of faith. I believe no one ever loses in a competition, because you lose nothing even if you don't win! In fact, you bring home memories, lessons, new friends and new opportunities.”