English Spelling Competition Presents Puspresnas Recognition that Can be for Scholarships

National Spelling Bee Competition (Yesica Sitinjak/VOI)

JAKARTA - The English spelling competition now presents recognition from the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) under the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (Kemendikdasmen). The event is the 18th National Spelling Bee Competition, which was held at the Sarbini Hall, Jakarta, on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The National Spelling Bee competition was organized by English 1 (formerly EF Kids & Teens). English 1 President Director, Matthew Kenley, said that this year's competition is strategic as a celebration of a new identity and confirms its position as the market leader in English education in Indonesia.

There are 1,300 students who qualify to participate in the national-level competition, representing the group category for elementary school students from grade 1 to junior high school students in grade 3. They are the best finalists who passed the selection from the regional Spelling Bee competition, which involved 19,500 students in 58 organizing cities.

"This 18th Spelling Bee is a symbol of how English 1 continues to lead, innovate, and provide the highest quality standards in English education," said Matthew Kenley, at the Sarbini Hall, Jakarta, Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The winner of the competition will receive a certificate that has been registered with Puspresnas. This provides an opportunity for students to get scholarships in the future.

"With this official recognition, the national competition certificate of the Spelling Bee from English 1 is at the same level as the certificate of other achievement competitions recorded in Puspresnas, such as the National Science Olympiad and various other student achievement events," said English 1 Academic Operations Manager, Chris Patton.

"This initiative provides significant academic value for participants and can be used for the purposes of achievement pathways, school selection, and scholarship opportunities in the future," added Chris.

With this competition and the winner can get a certificate recognized by Puspresnas, Matthew hopes to be a support for students towards their educational and career opportunities later.

"So my hope is that we can provide support to all students and parents who have tried to come today can celebrate their success in the future," concluded Matthew Kenley.