KUALA LUMPUR: Students are all hyped up for the newly introduced digital version of the RHB-New Straits Times (NST) National Spell-It-Right Challenge 2017.
Former national primary school winner Siddesh Sivalingam, from SK Bukit Damansara, said he was excited to try the attractive-looking app as anyone could partake in the preliminary round in the comfort of their own home.
"The interactive design of the app is attractive. I am glad we can even practice our spelling skills using past years' questions.
"The competition this year is really different compared to previous years," he said after trying out the app at the RHB-NST National Spell-It-Right Challenge 2017 launch in Balai Berita in Bangsar today.
Another past winner, Michelle Ong Shu Tian, who represented Kuala Lumpur in the secondary schools last year, said she would invite her friends to try the new app.
She said it came as a surprise to her to know that the organisers had introduced a new platform which has made it easier for students to take on the challenge.
"I am looking forward to downloading the app next week on my mobile phone or to try it out on the website,” said Ong, who finished second at last year's National Spell-it-Right Challenge for secondary schools.
Ng Wan Wei, 15, from SMK St. Francis, Melaka who was crowned the national secondary champion, said using the app can help him save both time and money.
"It is actually good for the competition as it could draw more participation because since everything is digital now, participants can do it whenever they are free instead of taking time off from school.
"It also takes away the anxiety and nervousness of the preliminary and state challenges,” he added.
The website for the RHB-NST National Spell-It-Right Challenge 2017 is www.sir.nstp.com.my. The SIR Challenge app can also be downloaded starting August 20.