HELCA 2026

About the Competition

The Language Voyage Podcast is a recorded speaking competition in which participants select one discussion topic of their choice and create a short 10-minute podcast episode using Malay, Chinese, or Tamil.

The podcast should showcase an element of the language or culture

Objective

Integrate digital and communication skills by utilising podcasting as a learning and content creation medium.

Languages & Categories

Participation

Group (3 to 5 participants) Entry

Eligibility

Undergraduate students only

Supported Languages

Malay
Chinese
Tamil

Proficiency Levels

Level I & Level II

Malay, Chinese, Tamil - based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
- Level I: A2 - B1
- Level II: B2 - C1

Registration & Submission

Registration

(for Team Manager only)

Period: 3 Aug – 6 Sept 2026
(extended until 13 Sept 2026)

Link: https://bit.ly/HELCA2026-Register

Submission

(for Team Manager only)

Period: 28 Sept – 13 Oct 2026

Link: https://bit.ly/HELCA2026-Submit

How to Participate

Read the General Competition Guidelines
Form a group of three (3) to five (5) participants.
For each entry, choose one language and one category (Level I or Level II) to participate in.
Team Manager needs to register for the competition via the Google Form link provided (see Registration & Submission above).
Choose one topic from the options below:
1. Topic 1: "The Unspoken Language: Gestures and Hospitality"
  - Discuss how your language group expresses concepts like "welcome," "respect," or "gratitude" through gestures, body language, or specific hosting traditions, rather than just spoken words. Compare how its meaning is universally understood, even if the specific action varies across cultures.
2. Topic 2: "Timeless Tales: Folklore as a Global Compass"
  - Select a well-known moral story, fable, or legend from your language group (e.g., a tale of a clever animal, a journey of a hero, or a warning about greed). Share the story and explore its moral(s). Discover how the same moral lesson (e.g., kindness, honesty, perseverance) appears in tales across other cultures.
3. Topic 3: "The Rhythm of Life: Traditional Music and Sounds"
  - Focus on a traditional instrument, a specific rhythm, or a type of folk song unique to your language group. Discuss the history of this sound. Does it mimic the sounds of nature? Does it celebrate harvest or unity? Explore how music has evolved to influence modern daily life or pop culture.
Ensure that the duration of the podcast video is within ten (10) minutes, covering the introduction, discussion, and conclusion.
Ensure that participants consist of a moderator and panelists.
Ensure that every participant is clearly identifiable on camera for the entire duration of the recording.
Ensure that the video is clear and must not contain any editing that alters the original voice of the participants.
Participants can conduct the podcast via in-person setup (same room) or remote setup (different locations). If using a remote setup, you may consider top free podcast platforms such as:
- Waveroom
- StreamYard
- Riverside.fm
Tips for a smooth podcast session:
1. Have all 3 to 5 participants use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (handles mic permissions and local file buffering most reliably).
2. Every participant is advised to wear headphones to prevent open speakers from creating audio feedback across mic tracks.
3. Do not close the browser tab immediately after hitting "Stop" (wait roughly 1–2 minutes for local audio files to finish syncing).
Record the podcast video in landscape format and upload it to YouTube.
Name the video in this format: HELCA 2026 Language Voyage Podcast - [Language Category, Level Category] (University Name).
For example: HELCA 2026 Language Voyage Podcast - Malay, Level 1 (UM).
Configure the YouTube video visibility setting as Public or Unlisted to ensure accessibility for evaluation.
Team Manager needs to submit the YouTube video link via the provided Google Form (see Registration & Submission above). Along with the video link, submit the following:
1. The script of the podcast.
2. English translation of the script.
3. If relevant, a declaration of AI usage, specifying the intent and extent of its application.
If the entry is selected as a winner, participants are required to provide their video with English subtitles to ensure clarity for the international audience during the HELCA 2026 closing ceremony project showcase.

Judging Criteria

Meaning and Explanation
- Clarity, accuracy, and depth in explaining the meaning and underlying ideas of the discussion.
Relevance to Theme
- Effectiveness in connecting the podcast to the discussion topic, reflecting the theme “A Voyage of Languages: Shaping a World without Borders”.
Creativity of Performance
- Originality, creativity, engagement, and overall delivery of the podcast, including the use of formations, variation in delivery, and artistic elements that enhance the aesthetic value of the presentation without affecting the authenticity of the podcast.
Language Accuracy
- Clarity, fluency, pronunciation, and accuracy of language use.
Group Harmony and Teamwork
- Coordination, uniformity, role distribution, and the active involvement of every group member throughout the discussion.
Time Management
- Strict compliance with the mandated 10-minute duration.