A Fitting Conclusion
16 November 2024
EduDrift marked the end of its debate competitions for the year 2024 with Australasian Juniors Debate Championships last 09-10 November. This virtual tournament brought together 243 debaters aged 7 to 13 from 12 nations across the Asia Pacific. Adding to the competition’s prestige, 51 accomplished judges lent their expertise to ensure high-quality adjudication, making it truly a memorable tournament for all participants.
Australasian Juniors Debate Championships, held in the Junior WSDC format, provided a dynamic platform for young debaters to showcase their critical thinking and teamwork skills. Tackling motions spanning from sports to philosophy and law, participants impressed judges and audiences alike with their ability to engage deeply with complex ideas all the while presenting arguments that were both creative and persuasive.
With teams hailing from countries such as Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, the event celebrated diversity and fostered meaningful exchanges of perspectives. These cultural intersections not only heightened the competition but also built connections and friendships among participants from across the region.
As EduDrift’s final debate tournament of the year, the 2024 Australasian Juniors brought together an impressive array of teams, each one showcasing incredible skill, passion, and a fierce determination to claim top honors. From start to finish, the competitors demonstrated the perfect balance of healthy competition and teamwork, making this event unforgettable. Across all categories, the champions stood out not only for their individual brilliance but for their ability to collaborate, learn, and grow together. Their victories truly highlight the spirit of EduDrift–a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talented debaters through both hard work and camaraderie.
Champions, 13-and-Under Main Category
- Rachael Park, Korea International School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Ian J Choi, Dulwich College Seoul
- Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Champions, 13-and-Under Rookie Category
- Jiun Kang, Yeonmu Middle School
- Sihyun Kim, Bakhyun Middle School
- Jenny Kim, Cheongna Dalton School (Finals Best Speaker)
Champions, 12-and-Under Main Category
- Sian Song, Seoul Daehyun Elementary School
- Nayule Sim, Songdo Chadwick International School (Finals Best Speaker)
- HyungEun Choi, Kyungbok Elementary School
Champions, 12-and-Under Rookie Category
- George Lin, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
- Zeling Liu, Shanghai High School International Division
- Elisa Lueth, YK Pao School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
Champions, 11-and-Under Category
- Reyansha Garodia, Pathways School, Shiv Nadar School
- Aaira Madaan, Pathways School Gurgaon
- Aryan Kapoor, Pathways School Gurgaon (Finals Best Speaker)
Champions, 10-and-Under Category
- Eric Im, Badminton School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Jonathan Junyoung Shin, Korea International School
- Beom Joon Kim, Seoul Academy International School
Champions, 9-and-Under Category
- Yejoon Shin, Seoul POI Elementary School
- Yechan Shin, Seoul POI Elementary School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Hailey Eunsung Cho, Seoul Seoungjeon Elementary School
The finalists and top speakers in this edition truly left their mark on an incredibly competitive field. From the age categories to the regional speaker awards, each of these participants showcased the very best qualities of young debaters—proving their skill, determination, and commitment. Every one of them earned their spot through hard work and a relentless drive to succeed, embodying the dedication and passion that make events like this so special.
Finalists
Grandfinalists
Annabelle YD Lee, Seoul International School
Jinwoo Choi, Chadwick International School
Jacob SY Sung, Seoul International School
Semifinalists
Lauren Kim, Cheongshim International Academy
Ellie Nam, Seohyeon Middle School
Sunny Jun, Sampyung Middle School
Ahaan Dani, Knox Grammar School
Kyle Wu, The King’s School
Athena Wu, Pymble Ladies’ College
Quarterfinalists
Laurence Lee, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Sanghyeok Yun, North London Collegiate School
Peter Hwang, North London Collegiate School
Tegu Kim, Shindong Middle School
Henry Yoon, Chadwick International School
Youngjoon Kim, Sinsa Middle School
Quarterfinalists
Seungmin Chin, Chadwick International School
Olivia Soomin Ryu, Seoul International School
Chaea Ryu, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Jeehyo Lee, Mountain Cherry Academy
Chloe Joohee Park, Seoul Foreign School
Joshua Taeyoon Kim, Seoul Foreign School
Partial Quarterfinalists
Rayn Alakay Danuseputra, Sekolah Pelita Harapan Lippo Village
Sean Jethro Budhin, Sekolah Pelita Harapan Lippo Village
Jose Oliver Hermawan Kuntjoro, Ipeka Integrated Christian School
Victoria Xiao, Chinese International School
Michael Fong, Chinese International School
David Jiang, Chinese International School
Junu Hong, Wonchon School
Rowan Kim, Yongsan International School
Juni Ko, Chadwick International School
Jaeah Kim, Seoul International School
Taeeun Kim, Sinsa Middle School
Soomin Ryu, Seoul International School
Best Speakers per Age Category
Top 10 Best Speakers
Co-Overall Best: Annabelle YD Lee, Seoul International School
Co-Overall Best: Jacob SY Sung, Seoul International School
Co-Overall Best: Rachael Park, Korea International School
Co-2nd Best: Jinwoo Choi, Chadwick International School
Co-2nd Best: Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
3rd Best: Ian J Choi, Dulwich College Seoul
4th Best: Isabel Mi, Abbotsleigh
5th Best: Min Joon Cho, Seoul Academy
6th Best: Victoria Xiao, Chinese International School
Co-7th Best: Cellocia Jo Severiano, Semarang Multinational School
Co-7th Best: Soomin Ryu, Seoul International School
Co-7th Best: Michael Fong, Chinese International School
Co-7th Best: David Jiang, Chinese International School
Co-8th Best: Kyle Wu, The King’s School
Co-8th Best: Jaeah Kim, Seoul International School
Co-8th Best: Onew Choi, Korea Liberal Arts School
Co-8th Best: Curie Yum, Seoul Daecheong Middle School
Co-8th Best: Taeeun Kim, Sinsa Middle School
Co-9th Best: Lauren Kim, Cheongshim International Academy
Co-9th Best: Sejune Chang, Seoul International School
Co-9th Best: Junu Hong, Wonchon School
Co-9th Best: Tony Kim, Saint Johnsbury Academy Jeju
Co-10th Best: Jayshan Shanmugaratnam, Trinity Grammar School
Co-10th Best: Sunny Jun, Sampyung Middle School
Co-10th Best: Narida Ekaraphanich, Bangkok Patana School
Best Speakers per Region/Country
Top 10 Best Speakers
Overall Best: Narida Ekaraphanich, Bangkok Patana School
2nd Best: Charita Kumworachai, Harrow International School Bangkok
3rd Best: Ryu Ruangchainikom, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside
Co-4th Best: Wongsapat Mahaiamsiri, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside
Co-4th Best: Quinn Tatiyamaneekul, Bangkok Patana School
5th Best: Daren Chanprapaph, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside
6th Best: Siraphat Khajohnveeraphan, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside
7th Best: Jyndarata Tohtubtiang, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside
8th Best: Milintra Vanichakornphong, Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside
Co-9th Best: Thannicha Voravutvityarak, Bangkok Patana School
Co-9th Best: Nicha Bhuridej, Bangkok Patana School
Co-9th Best: Abigail Katherine Snow, Bangkok Patana School
Witness some of the glorious debate rounds that unfolded at the Australasian Juniors Debate Championships below:
The following are the schools that participated in this year’s tournament, each playing a crucial role in making it such a memorable event. From well-established powerhouses to up-and-coming teams, each brought their own strengths, creating an environment full of excitement and fierce competition. Their dedication to nurturing young debaters and providing a platform for growth was evident in the impressive skills and passion on display.
Bangkok Patana School
Harrow International School Bangkok
Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside
While EduDrift’s 2024 calendar is not over yet, with a public speaking competition set on the first weekend of December, the Australasian Juniors Debate Championships stood out as a fitting conclusion to EduDrift’s debate season. The tournament captured the spirit of EduDrift’s commitment to helping young debaters grow and shine, offering a platform for them to showcase their talents. As the last debate event of the year, it left an impact on everyone involved, with every team contributing to the success and excitement of the competition.