Greater Bay Area World Schools’ Debating Championship 2024 Concludes with Remarkable Success

Macau, June 12, 2024 – The University of Macau English Debating Team (UM EDT) and collaboration with the Macau English Debating Association (MEDA), successfully hosted the prestigious Greater Bay Area World Schools’ Debating Championship (WSDC GBA 2024). Sponsored by the Education and Youth Development Bureau, this three-day event took place on the University of Macau campus and attracted nearly 200 secondary school debaters from Macao, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, and other Southeast Asian regions.

The championship, designed to promote English debate among secondary school students in Southeast Asia, featured intense competitions in the World Schools Debating Format, renowned for enhancing critical thinking, eloquence, and teamwork. The tournament consisted of seven preliminary rounds, culminating in a high-quality demonstration debate. Participants were divided into three categories: Junior, Senior, and National, allowing debaters to showcase their skills and understanding of diverse topics. The Grand Final, a highlight of the championship, featured the motion “This House opposes the perceived importance given to filial piety.” Team China emerged victorious after a thought-provoking debate, with Team Hong Kong finishing as the runner-up.

The event attracted world-class adjudicators such as Loke Wing Fatt, David Africa, Brian Wong, and Kithmina Hewage, who provided valuable feedback and mentorship to the participants. The championship not only celebrated the intellectual capabilities of young debaters but also fostered cultural exchange and mutual understanding among students from different backgrounds.

In the post-pandemic era, UM EDT actively seeks collaborations across Asia to promote debating, not only in Macao but also throughout Mainland China and the wider region. The success of this championship is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the organizers, co-organizers, and sponsors.