On Wednesday, 17 September 2025, a total of 53 students and 6 accompanying teachers from Wesley Methodist School (WMS) Klang (Private) and Kuala Lumpur (International) participated in the World of Words (WOW) KL workshop, held at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara. The workshop, part of the wider WOW KL Festival, is a national initiative designed to make reading cool again by engaging youths in storytelling, writing, and forums that inspire a lifelong love of literature.
The festival was packed with engaging sessions designed to spark imagination and cultivate a deeper love for reading. WMS students took part in storytelling exercises, creative writing workshops, financial literacy through Ringgit Rules, and even a silent reading session, while teachers attended inspiring forums on reviving reading habits, exploring what still works in children’s literature, and innovating reading culture in the digital age.
Among the highlights of the day was the Short Story Writing Competition, where WMS students truly shone. Mikaela Teoh from WMS Kuala Lumpur (International) emerged as the Champion, while Tai Zee Zen, a Form 4 student from WMS Klang (Private), clinched Third Place and were invited to the official Prize Giving Ceremony held on 19 September. Their success stood out among a large pool of talented participants and is a testament to the creativity, confidence, and resilience nurtured in WMS students.
The experience proved enriching for everyone involved. Students shared that they grew more confident in storytelling and public speaking, learned how to structure compelling narratives under pressure, and deepened their appreciation for literature. Teachers, too, walked away with fresh insights and strategies to encourage reading in today’s digital-first generation.
The achievements of Mikaela Teoh and Tai Zee Zen not only highlight individual talent but also reflect WMS’s broader commitment to fostering a strong reading culture, developing critical thinkers, and empowering students to express themselves with creativity and conviction. More than just a competition, WOW KL Reading Festival was a celebration of imagination and community, and WMS is proud to be part of a movement that is making reading a joyful and lifelong pursuit.
To find out more about WMS, please visit us at https://wms-school.edu.my/
About WOW KL Reading Festival, please visit https://thesun.my/education/wow-making-reading-cool-again-JJ14951019
