The 19th UM Mandarin Debating Contest Held Successfully

The final contests of the 19th UM Mandarin Debating Contest took place on 23 February 2025, organized by the Student Affairs Office and the UM Mandarin Debating Team, with technical support from the Macao Speech & Debate League.

The championship was claimed by Fang Xiaoyu from FAH and SPC, Yang Yunhan from FLL and CKYC, Hu Zuming from FLL and LCWC, Wu Yinuo from FLL and HFPJC, and Luo Huangyin from FED and MCMC. Notably, Hu Zuming was awarded the title of “Best Debater,” while Zhang Xiaokan from FED and CYTC received the “Best Newbie” award.

In the semi-final round, the debate topic was “Does the world need more nationalism or globalism?”. The proposition team won decisively with a score of 13.5 to 1.5, defeating the opposition team, which included Zhou Ziqi from FAH and CYTC, Chen Hanke from FAH and CYTC, Zhang Xiaokan from FED and CYTC, and Pan Ling Zi from FSS, who secured the second runner-up position.

The championship topic was “Is it good advice to not be disciplined by society?”. The opposition team triumphed over the proposition team with a score of 12 to 3, securing the championship title. The first runners-up included Xie Jun from FBA, Lou Shuhao from FBA and CKYC, Zhou Linqin from FAH, Chen Yanlin from FAH, and Peng Chuanzhang from FSS and CKLC.

We were honored to host distinguished adjudicators, including Mr. Chen Yu Qian, former captain of the Sun Yat-sen University debate team and bronze medalist at the International Chinese Debating Competition; Mr. Zou Xuan Zhe, participant in the 19th Tianlun Cup and the 2020 World Cup quarterfinals; Mr. Chen Ling Yue, a debater from the sixth season of “I Can I BB” and participant in the 2016 World Cup Chinese debate; Mr. Wang Chen Yu, runner-up and best debater at the 2023 International Chinese Debate Invitational Competition; and Mr. Li Wei Zhong, former captain and coach of the Sun Yat-sen University debate team and sponsor of the Chinese Debate Friends Contest.

The nearly month-long UM Mandarin Debate program not only provided participants with valuable training and experience but also fostered a love for debate within the campus community. The students’ exceptional talent and dedication have contributed to the growth and exchange of Putonghua debate at the university. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their remarkable performances and look forward to even more outstanding debates next year!