UM’s dominance continues at National Varsity Chinese Debating Championship

The prowess of the University of Malaya’s debating team shone brightly as they emerged victorious, clinching the championship title at the 19th National Varsity Chinese Debating Championship for the fourth consecutive time. The final showdown, graced by the presence of the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, unfolded at the HGH Convention Centre, Sentul, on the 4th of May.

The 19th edition of this prestigious event presented a spectacle of intellectual prowess and eloquence, offering both participants and spectators an immersive experience. Since its inception in 1988, the championship has stood as a cornerstone of Chinese language debating in Malaysia, fostering holistic development among participants by delving into contemporary issues and honing critical thinking, analytical, and argumentative skills.

This year, the championship saw participation from 23 institutions of higher learning, including both public and private universities, engaging in spirited debates covering a spectrum of topics spanning politics, economics, education, and social issues, at both national and international levels, across 36 intense competitions.

University of Malaya’s Path to Victory

From the preliminary rounds, the University of Malaya exhibited exceptional prowess, triumphing over formidable opponents such as Universiti UCSI, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Xiamen Malaysia, and Universiti Multimedia Melaka. Ultimately, they clashed with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in the final showdown.

In the championship battle, both teams displayed formidable debating skills, captivating the audience and earning high praise from adjudicators for delivering one of the most enthralling finals in recent years.

Defending the Title

University of Malaya, having secured the championship thrice consecutively prior to this year’s competition, successfully defended their title against a resilient UKM team, marking their fourth consecutive victory. Meanwhile, UKM, making its inaugural appearance in the final, showcased commendable prowess.This remarkable feat underscores UM’s dominance in the realm of Chinese debating in Malaysia.

The topic for the final debate, “Since the general election, the Chinese community has gained more than it has lost,” sparked intense deliberation, reflecting the pressing socio-political landscape of Malaysia and the future trajectory of the Chinese community.

Triumphant Victory

In a nail-biting finale, University of Malaya emerged victorious with a narrow 4-3 margin, reaffirming their status as champions. The UM team received a cash prize of RM10,000 along with individual trophies and certificates. Additionally, Neng Yi Qian from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia was recognized as the best debater of the final round and the entire championship.

The winning team from University of Malaya comprised the following debaters:

• Chai Jie Yang (2nd Year, Bachelor of Public Policy)
• Khoo Chin Wei (4th Year, Bachelor of Laws)
• Lew Hon Yang (3rd Year, Bachelor of Laws)
• Tang Jun Yau (3rd Year, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering)
• Wong Zi En (3rd Year, Bachelor of Business Administration)
• Yong Li Yan (3rd Year, Bachelor of Laws)

Expressing pride in their achievement, UM’s debaters extended gratitude to their university, coaches, as well as friends and family for unwavering support throughout their journey.

With this victory, University of Malaya adds yet another accolade to its illustrious debating legacy. Out of the 19 championships held since 1988, UM has clinched the title 12 times, maintaining an impressive record of consecutive victories in 2018, 2021, 2022, and now, 2024.

The 19th National Varsity Chinese Debating Championship not only showcases the intellectual prowess of Malaysia’s youth but also serves as a testament to the importance of discourse and critical thinking in shaping the nation’s future.