Second Runner-up in HELP University’s Asian Secondary School On/Offline English Debate Challenge 2023

            It was a glorious moment when the ELC debate team was announced as the second runner-up in the HELP University’s Asian Secondary School On/Offline English Debate Challenge 2023, held on 22nd-23rd July 2023 and 20th August 2023  . We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to our Team 1 debate team members, Tan Guan Han (S3 Chicago), Teh Kian Ee (S2 Adelaide) and Yong Kai Seng (S3 Wellington). 

        The objective of this annual competition organised by HELP University is to enhance the command of English among secondary school students, especially the Chinese Independent Secondary Schools (CISS) in Malaysia. The outcome of the event has been encouraging and there has been marked improvement in the level of confidence of the debaters, as well as their command of English.

        The competition successfully attracted 70 contesting teams from the secondary schools in Malaysia this year. There were altogether three teams from our school that participated in this competition. Two of our very own debate teams managed to bulldoze their way through the preliminary rounds, octo-finals, and quarter-finals this year. Team 2, consisting Dominic Lim Yi Shen, Yong Zhi Yuee and Tan Jo Vi, had valiantly fought their way into the quarter finals. Meanwhile, Team 1 had an impressive performance overall and emerged as the second runner-up. 

        We would like to convey our sincere recognitions to the trainer, Ms Banun, for coaching our debaters diligently and giving them a lot of professional guidance during the intensive training sessions. We are also  truly proud and delighted that the young debaters from Team 3 (Kimberly Koay, Tan Buo Whey and Tan Yu Ching) had shown great advancement and teamwork throughout the debate challenge. 

        Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to Ms Wendy and Ms Jhanani, the teachers-in-charge, for their immense support and assistance with the planning and preparation; and to the ELC teachers for accompanying the debaters throughout the competitions held in school.  

Tan Guan Han (S3 Chicago)
       As a complete beginner this year, I was extremely hesitant about joining this competition as I thought it would most probably end up with insignificant results. Today I stand here and I’m so glad I can say otherwise now. Going through this tournament was a roller coaster ride of emotions; there were times when I was unsure of myself, and times when I thought this wasn’t going to turn out well for me. I have my amazing teammates, my talented coach, my hardworking teachers and the whole debating team that chose to step up and compete or even just provide such passionate support behind the scenes to thank for this win, and for helping me to be able to persevere to make such great memories during my last year in Hin Hua High School!

Teh Kian Ee (S2 Adelaide)

        It was quite the emotional rollercoaster, this tournament. From the lows of imposter syndrome and a lack of self confidence to feeling shocked every time we broke through another round, I’m grateful for being able to share this great experience with my fellow teammates. Was this a groundbreaking performance in the grand scheme of things? No, but we don’t live in the grand scheme of things. Every step of the way was another step taken in not just debating, but also maturing and accepting one’s self. And of course, that would not have been possible without the endless support from the teachers and the English Language Centre. Special thanks to Ms Banun for coaching us and always putting up with our shenanigans as well. I would also like to congratulate Team 2 for their success and thank them for their unwavering support even after they ended their rounds. A final thank you to my teammates, for the laughs, for the insights, for the journey, for everything. Coming back next year stronger than ever before.

 

Yong Kai Seng (S3 Wellington)

        The triumph is one that is overrated, the journey is one that is underrated. On the brightest stage, on the most meaningful occasion, with those that mean the world to me, as ordinary as I may be in this big blue planet, I am blessed to have ended my journey as a debater representing Hin Hua in the best way possible. I could never dare to ask for more, but I'd like to take this opportunity to properly present my thanks. To the English Language Center for always being there to have my back, thank you for providing me with the opportunity to dream of reaching the heights I am at today. To the teachers constantly working behind the scenes, thank you for making this endeavour possible . To my peers along the way, thank you for your endless support, for protecting the innocence of my dreams and making every little moment special. They say that moments like this can only happen within stories. Well, thank you everyone for making it possible for me to dream in this reality.

Ms Jhanani (Teacher-in-charge,English Language Centre)

        It was an honour to be a part of HELP University’s Asian Secondary School On/Offline English Debate Challenge 2023. This is my very first time being involved in this and I am truly impressed by our students’ talent. During training and the competitions, it was heartening to see that the students conducted themselves with respect, sportsmanship and discipline. Their rapport within their group mates was also applaudable as they were able to work with each other well and help one another throughout this competition. Overall, I would like to express my appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the students in participating in this competition. I look forward to attending future competitions and witnessing the continued growth and success of these students. 

《兴华月报》2023年9月号
https://www.hinhua.edu.my/ebook/2309hinhuamonthly/mobile/index.html