English Debate Competition

Reported by ELC

      We would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to the ELC debate team on winning the second runner-up in the HELP University Chinese Secondary Schools (CSS) 6th International English Debate Competition 2017, which was held on 13 August 2017. Our debate team members are Lim Jia Yun, Ruth, Ng Bren Den, Teh Kai Hung (all from S2 Adelaide) and Bernard Siow Terng Fong (J3 Chicago). 

      This competition aims to provide CSS students with the platform to better understand the English language and to learn to use it competently. The added benefits of this debate competition include mastering the public speaking skills, building confidence in the presentation of facts, gaining experience and the ability to conduct research on topical issues and current affairs, enhancing thinking skills as well as appreciating the importance of time management.

   Preliminaries for participants at Northern, Perak, Central and Southern Zones in Peninsular Malaysia and a mixed zone for all participating teams from East Malaysia and Overseas were conducted in April, May and June separately. From all the Preliminary rounds, the best 16 teams were selected for the Final Competition, which included Octo Final, Quarter Final, Semi Final and Grand Final conducted on 12 August and 13 August 2017.

      To prepare for this debate competition, our English debate team really poured their hearts out as it was an arduous journey. With the professional guidance of the trainers, Mr Muqriz Mustaffa Kamal, Ms Jainah Jay, Ms Jasmine Ho and Mr Daniel Muk, from Malaysian Institute Debate and Public Speaking, and a concerted effort the team had made by going through numerous intensive training sessions in the past few months, they managed to bulldoze their way through to reach the semifinals, where they opposed the motion “The house would abolish elite schools”. Even though they were only one inch away from the Grand Final with 5 adjudicators voting 3-2, their outstanding performance amazed the panel of adjudicators as well as the audience. The chief adjudicator commented that our team were well-trained and were able to demonstrate good manners throughout the competition. He added that they could have argued with stronger evidence to outsmart the proposition team. Nevertheless, their great performance has successfully boosted the confidence of the other debate trainees from the debate club. 

      We would like to express our appreciation to Puan Sri Kai Yong Yeoh, the ELC patron, who has been continuously giving support to our debate club. We also hope that more trainees will bring out their full potential through debate training in the near future.

Bernard Siow Terng Fong (J3 Chicago)

      Saying that we're surprised with our results would be an understatement. Going into this with little prior experience and knowledge, we held our breath and went in with high hopes. Somehow, for some reason, we managed to get third place and beat opponents as worthy as Chong Hwa Independent High School! I still can't believe that we've achieved what we have, to be honest. It'll be hard to beat this year's record, but I believe that next year we'll be able to field a strong, revitalized squad and aim for the stars! Before I end, massive thanks are in order to our trainers, Ms. Jainah Jay and Mr. Muqriz Mustaffa from UT MARA, as well as Daniel Muk from Taylor's University! And of course, Ms. Chua, for helping to support us and get us trainers for our preparation efforts. Hopefully we'll be back next year with a vengeance! Oh, and by the way, if you are interested in joining our debate squad, just ask! You can inquire of Ms. Chua at  ELC.

Lim Jia Yun, Ruth (S2 Adelaide)

      This is my second time participating in the Debate competition for Chinese Independent Schools organised by HELP University. The journey to prepare for this competition was surprisingly enjoyable, despite the hard work we had to put in also. Our motivation and excitement for this competition built up as the date drew closer, especially after entering the final rounds. As a team, we regularly came together for preparation hence cultivating a strong bond. Throughout the competition, I not only savoured the experience of debating, but most of all enjoyed seeing ourselves thrive under pressure. I would like to give the credit of our success to our beloved trainers, Mr Muqriz, Ms Jainah, Ms Jasmine Ho and Mr Daniel Muk, in particular, who not only inspired us, but gave us what I would deem as high quality training in debating skills.

Ng Bren Den ( S2 Adelaide)

      I think that it is an honour for me to represent my school in this tournament. I think that this tournament has been very eventful. I am gutted not to reach the final but I have no qualms about the result. This tournament has been a real eye-opener for me as it exposed me to the competitiveness and the overall strength and command of English of the participants. I also want to thank our trainers for preparing us and teaching us the techniques and the tips and tricks of debating. For me, third time’s the charm as it is my third time participating in this competition. Lastly, I would like to say congratulations to my winning team and I hope that my juniors will be able to carry the baton in the coming years.

Teh Kai Hung ( S2 Adelaide)

      Ever since I took part in debate training, I’ve always wanted to join a competition. Throughout the entire process of preparation and competition, I can say my teammates, Ruth and Bren Den, had played a big role in it. They had been through with me one of the most grueling debate trainings one could receive, and by the end of 2 months, we thought we were ready. I could say the triumph over KL Chong Hwa Independent High School gave us a boost in confidence to face what I considered a formidable foe, Penang Han Chiang. Although we lost the round with the score of 2:3, we managed to gain the title Second Runner-up. I can’t say I feel satisfied with the outcome, but I can guarantee it was one of the most heated debates I had ever taken part in. A million thanks to my debate trainers, Miss Jainah Jay, who taught me that a good structure is the basis of a debate, Miss Jasmine Ho, without her, half our preparation would’ve been useless, and finally to Mr. Daniel Muk, who taught us a lot of effective strategies. I quote: “When you’re in a competition, tell yourself, I love the motion, I love the motion, I love the bloody motion, even if you don’t. And when you meet your opponent, look at them straight in the eye and whisper to yourself, I’ll defeat you! That’s how you win a competition, it’s all down to your mind.” With that I hope more students will join our English debate club, and participate in debating forums or competitions.