'Voice for BT' - INTERNATIONAL (ASEAN) 2026

The 2nd edition of 'voice for BT' – International (ASEAN) 2026, will be held on Friday, 18th September 2026 at Sunway University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises - ABLE has been successfully organizing ‘voice for BT’ - Intercollegiate public speaking contest for the past 13 years in India, exclusively for the final year under-graduate and first year postgraduate students in 'Life Sciences and Allied Disciplines' . The program has been supported by Novonesis in India from its inception, which serves as a unique platform to recognize and motivate budding biotechnologists to pursue and promote biotechnology and life sciences.

Building on its success in India, 'voice for BT' – International (ASEAN) brings together outstanding students from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and India, creating a vibrant platform for scientific exchange, collaboration, and cross-cultural engagement.

The first edition of 'voice for BT' – International (ASEAN) was successfully hosted at Universiti Putra Malaysia last year, with the support of Biocon Biologics and Amano Enzymes. The competition concluded with the top ASEAN winners participating in the International Grand Finale in India alongside the national winners from India, fostering meaningful collaboration among emerging biotechnology leaders.

The 2026 International (ASEAN) edition is supported by Biocon, Novonesis and Incepbio.

Eligibility: Final-year Undergraduate and First-year Postgraduate students pursuing Life Sciences and Allied Disciplines.

Nomination

• Each University/College may nominate up to two students, provided each nominee represents a different department.
• Nominations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to 15–20 participants.
• All nominations must be submitted through the official online Nomination Form.

Competition Format

• Three topics will be shared three days before the competition.
• Participants must prepare all three topics.
• The final speaking topic will be communicated one day before the event.
• Each participant will deliver a 5-minute speech.
• The use of presentation slides, notes, cue cards, or any other presentation aids is not permitted.
• Accommodation will be provided by ABLE for all outstation participants.

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, ABLE reserves the right to reschedule the competition. All participating institutions will be informed accordingly.

Participants will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of scientists, academicians, and industry leaders.

Each participant will be allotted 5 minutes to deliver their speech.

Evaluation Criteria

Each criterion carries 25 marks (Total: 100 marks):

• Creativity and originality of thought
• Effectiveness of communication
• Relevance to the assigned topic
• Strength and impact of the conclusion

All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Prize Money

• Winner: USD 750
• 1st Runner-up: USD 500
• 2nd Runner-up: USD 250

The Winner and First Runner-up will also earn the prestigious opportunity to represent the ASEAN region at the 'voice for BT' International Grand Finale in India, where they will compete alongside the winners from India for the coveted International Title.

For further enquiries, kindly email arunkumars@sunway.edu.my and indrilas@ableindia.org.in