The Higher Education Language Carnival 2026 (HELCA 2026) is an online national language competition open exclusively to undergraduate students currently enrolled at Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (IPT). All competition entries are to be submitted in video format.
Theme: "A Voyage of Languages: Shaping A World without Borders"
Target Participants
Undergraduates at Malaysian IPT
Judging Period
14 – 16 October 2026
Program Duration
August 2026 – October 2026
Closing Showcase
23 October 2026 at Universiti Malaya
HELCA 2026 comprises five (5) distinct competitions covering eleven (11) language categories. Each language category is split into two (2) level categories (except Folktale Storytelling) as detailed below:
| No. | Competitions | Language Categories | Participants | Level Categories |
|---|
| 1 | Message in a Bottle | Japanese
French
German
Spanish | Individual | Japanese:
• Level I: N3 – N5 (JLPT)
• Level II: N1 – N2 (JLPT)
French, German & Spanish:
• Level I: A1 – A2 (CEFR)
• Level II: B1 – B2 (CEFR) |
| 2 | 3-Minute Language Pitch | English | Individual | • Level I: A2 – B1 (CEFR)
• Level II: B2 – C1 (CEFR) |
| 3 | Language Voyage Podcast | Malay
Chinese
Tamil | 3 – 5 students | • Level I: A2 – B1 (CEFR)
• Level II: B2 – C1 (CEFR) |
| 4 | Musabaqah Ilqa As-syi’r | Arabic | 2 – 4 students | • Level I: Jayyid – Jayyid Jiddan
• Level II: Mumtaz |
| 5 | Folktale Storytelling | Malaysian Indigenous Languages
Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) | Individual | Open |
Participation & Submissions
- Each IPTA must participate in a minimum of one (1) category.
- Every IPTA is allowed to submit only one entry per category for each competition.
- All submissions must be original works created by the participants and must not infringe upon any copyright or intellectual property rights.
- Participants must provide their entries in video format, recorded in landscape orientation, and uploaded to YouTube.
- The video must feature clear audio and visual quality. YouTube settings must be configured to Public or Unlisted.
- Participants are required to comply with the specific rules and submission requirements of each competition category.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy
- Permitted AI Use: AI tools may be used for general brainstorming, language checking, feedback, or generating background images and visual aids.
- Prohibited AI Use: The final work must be substantially produced, written, and delivered by participants. AI must not replace the participant's voice, and the use of AI avatars or deepfakes is strictly prohibited.
- Declaration Required: For every submission, participants must include an AI usage declaration specifying the intent and extent of its application.
Disqualification & Rejection Criteria
The organizers reserve the right to exclude or disqualify entries that:
- Are received after the official deadline.
- Lack required components or contain corrupted/damaged files.
- Are submitted through incorrect submission channels.
- Misuse AI tools, including the use of AI avatars or deepfakes.
- Contain material deemed derogatory, prejudiced, or otherwise unsuitable.
Rights & Rule Amendments
- By participating, contestants grant organizers permission to use submitted materials for promotional, educational, and documentation purposes with appropriate acknowledgment.
- Organizers reserve the right to amend competition rules, eligibility, and guidelines when necessary via official HELCA 2026 channels.
Judging Panel & Evaluation
The judging period is scheduled for 14 October 2026 to 16 October 2026. Evaluation is conducted by expert language specialists:
| Competitions | Language Categories | Judging Panel Composition | Awards |
|---|
• Message in a Bottle
• 3-Minute Language Pitch
• Language Voyage Podcast
• Musabaqah Ilqa As-syi’r
• Folktale Storytelling | All 11 Supported Languages | Each language category is assessed by three (3) judges: one (1) Head Judge and two (2) Judges. | All categories will award Top 2 Winners. |
The decision of the judges and the organizing committee is final and binding. No appeals will be entertained.
Closing Ceremony & Showcase
The official HELCA 2026 closing ceremony will take place on 23 October 2026 at Universiti Malaya to showcase top performers across all categories:
- Live Performances: First-place recipients of the 3-Minute Language Pitch and Musabaqah Ilqa As-syi’r competitions will deliver live performances.
- Continuous Showcase: First-place video submissions for Message in a Bottle, Language Voyage Podcast, and Folktale Storytelling will be displayed on a continuous loop during the event showcase.
