Medan, September 23, 2026 – The Diploma Program in English Language, Faculty of Vocational Education, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), officially opened the English Competition “Speak to Inspire” 2026, held from September 23–25, 2026, at the Faculty of Vocational Education, USU. The activity served as a platform for high school and vocational high school students in Medan to develop their English language skills while channeling their creativity and talents through various competition categories.

The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Hall of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU. The activity was attended by the Head of the Medan City Education and Culture Office, the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU, the Head of the Study Program, lecturers, students, and competition participants from high schools and vocational high schools in Medan. The opening series began with a “Tarantella Dance” performance by students of the Diploma Program in English Language, which added to the lively atmosphere of the opening of the English Competition “Speak to Inspire” 2026.

The opening ceremony continued with remarks from the Head of the Diploma Program in English Language, Riko Andika Rahmat Pohan, S.S., M.Hum., who emphasized the importance of competitions as a platform for participants to develop their communication skills, creativity, and confidence in using English.

Next, remarks were delivered by the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU, Dr. Solahuddin Nasution, S.E., M.SP. In his remarks, he expressed support for activities that provide opportunities for the younger generation to develop their potential and skills through competitive and creative activities.

The next remarks were delivered by the Head of the Medan City Education and Culture Office, Ahmad Barli Mulia Nasution, S.STP., M.AP. In his remarks, he appreciated the implementation of an activity that provides students with opportunities to improve their English language skills, creativity, and confidence in performing in public. He also encouraged participants to view the competition as a learning experience and an opportunity to continue developing their potential.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni (Ditmawalumni) USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purwoko, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU., also expressed his support for an activity that brings higher education institutions together with high school and vocational high school students. According to him, activities such as this can become part of the character and soft skills development process for the younger generation, particularly in building communication skills, creativity, and self-confidence.

Following the opening ceremony, the activity continued with various competition categories that formed the main part of the English Competition “Speak to Inspire” 2026, namely Singing Competition, Poetry Competition, Speech Competition, and Storytelling Competition. Through these competitions, participants were given opportunities to demonstrate their English language skills while expressing their creativity and talents before the judges and other participants.

The English Competition “Speak to Inspire” 2026 is expected to serve as an enjoyable learning platform for students while strengthening relationships between the Faculty of Vocational Education USU, the Diploma Program in English Language, and high schools and vocational high schools in Medan. This activity also forms part of efforts to encourage the younger generation to communicate, create, and perform with confidence through their English language skills.