A Showcase of Young Talent

16 September 2024

EduDrift proudly hosted the highly anticipated summer edition of the Asia Junior Championships – Debate on 07-08 September 2024. This annual event, which has grown prestige over the years since its inception in 2022, continues to draw some of the brightest young minds from across the Asia-Pacific region. This year was no exception, with 178 promising debaters and trainee judges, representing esteemed institutions from the following regions: Australia, India, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The Asia Junior Championships is run in the junior WSDC format, where each team is required to deliver three 4-minute substantive speeches and a 2-minute reply. This dynamic structure tests not only the debaters’ ability to construct well-reasoned arguments but also their skill in effectively responding to opposing views, making for an intense and engaging competition.

 

One of the most remarkable achievements witnessed at the Championships was the flawless performance of the winning team in the 13-and-Under Category, made up of Annabelle YD Lee (Seoul International School), Onew Choi (Korea Liberal Arts School), and Aiden Kunwoo Yoon (Yongsan International School of Seoul). From the very first round up until the Grand Finals, this team demonstrated remarkable synergy and a precise ability to navigate complex motions. With each round, their dominance became more evident as they not only secured victories, but also distinguished themselves as a team to be reckoned with. Adding to their accolades, the Finals Best Speakers were none other than Annabelle Lee and Aiden Kunwoo Yoon.

 

The outstanding performances seen throughout the preliminary rounds and into the Grand Finals exemplify the exceptional level of talent that defines this tournament. In addition to the champions of the 13-and-Under Category, we would also like to recognize the Champions and Finals Best Speakers from the other age break categories:

Champions, 12-and-Under Category

  • Yena Choi, Seoul Foreign School
  • Eunwoo Yoo, Chadwick International
  • Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul (Finals Best Speaker)

Champions, 11-and-Under Category

  • Riley Chow Gene Xi, Rosyth School
  • Victor Xu Letian, Rosyth School
  • James Liew Jun Wei, Rosyth School (Finals Best Speaker)

Champions, 10-and-Under Category

  • Renaya Lakhani, Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School (Finals Best Speaker)
  • Rutva Kasi, Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School
  • GunranakSingh Khurana, Nita Mukesh Ambani International School

Champions, 9-and-Under Category

  • Jiyu Shim, North London Collegiate School Jeju
  • Ethan Kim, Korea International School
  • Yuru Kim, Naksaeng Elementary School (Finals Best Speaker)

As we celebrate the Champions in each category, we extend our recognition to all debaters who demonstrated outstanding skill and perseverance, earning their place in the spotlight at the Asia Junior Championships – Debate (Summer Edition) 2024.

Finalists
Grandfinalists

Joanne Lau, Diocesan Girls’ School
Gwyneth Chan, Diocesan Girls’ School
Abigail Wong, Diocesan Girls’ School

Semifinalists 

Emily Shen, Chinese International School
Victoria Xiao, Chinese International School
Sarah Han, Chinese International School
Jacob Sung, Seoul International School
Jinwoo Choi, Chadwick International School
Ah-Young Park, Seoul International School

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
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

Octofinalists 

Jion Choi, Branksome Hall Asia
Riwon Kim, Branksome Hall Asia
Ava Suh, Halla Middle School
Mata Eum, Chadwick International School
Sungyoon Moon, Saint Johnsbury Academy Jeju
ChaeOne Lee, Saint Paul Preparatory Seoul
Miya Lee, Chinese International School
Pimnara Laohaphan, Chinese International School
Isabella Chau, Chinese International School
Tammy Huang, Shanghai American School
Ethan Wong, Wellington
Ryan Zhen, 德威国际
Min Joon Cho, Seoul Academy
Vivien Gong, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Yeonseo Shin, Seoul International School
Yeonsun Chung, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Hyoryn Park, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Minseong Kim, Saint Johnsbury Academy Jeju
Ryan Khoo, Hwa Chong High School
Benny Wang, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)
Siyuan Luo, Nan Hua High School
Ga-eun Ryu, Jinseon Girls’ Middle School
Claire Na, Seoul Academy
Lauren Sihyun Kim, Cheongshim International Academy

Best Speakers (per Age Category)
Top 10 Best Speakers

Overall Best: Jinwoo Choi, Chadwick International School

2nd Best: Annabelle YD Lee, Seoul International School

Co-3rd Best: Jacob Sung, Seoul International School

Co-3rd Best: Ah-Young Park, Seoul International School

4th Best: Min Joon Cho, Seoul Academy

Co-5th Best: Onew Choi, Korea Liberal Arts School

Co-5th Best: Aiden Kunwoo Yoon, Yongsan International School of Seoul

Co-6th Best: Ga-eun Ryu, Jinseon Girls’ Middle School

Co-6th Best: Claire Na, Seoul Academy

7th Best: Victoria Xiao, Chinese International School
Co-8th Best: Lauren Sihyun Kim, Cheongshim International Academy
Co-8th Best: Henry Yoon, Chadwick International School
Co-8th Best: Yeonseo Shin, Seoul International School
Co-9th Best: Vivien Gong, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-9th Best: Sarah Han, Chinese International School
Co-10th Best: Gwyneth Chan, Diocesan Girls’ School
Co-10th Best: Laurence Lee, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Co-10th Best: Tegu Kim, Shindong Middle School

Best Speakers (per Region/Country)
Top 10 Best Speakers

Overall Best: Jinwoo Choi, Chadwick International School
2nd Best: Annabelle YD Lee, Seoul International School
Co-3rd Best: Ah-Young Park, Seoul International School
Co-3rd Best: Jacob Sung, Seoul International School
4th Best: Min Joon Cho, Seoul Academy
Co-5th Best: Onew Choi, Korea Liberal Arts School
Co-5th Best: Aiden Kunwoo Yoon, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-6th Best: Claire Na, Seoul Academy
Co-6th Best: Ga-eun Ryu, Jinseon Girls’ Middle School
Co-7th Best: Victoria Xiao, Chinese International School
Co-7th Best: Luke Tang Sun, Chinese International School
Co-8th Best: Yeonseo Shin, Seoul International School

Co-8th Best: Henry Yoon, Chadwick International School
Co-8th Best: Lauren Sihyun Kim, Cheongshim International Academy
Co-9th Best: Hyung Eun Choi, Kyung Bok Elementary School
Co-9th Best: Vivien Gong, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-9th Best: Sarah Han, Chinese International School
Co-9th Best: Chaeha Lee, Chadwick International School
Co-10th Best: Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-10th Best: Taotao Lian
Co-10th Best: Nayule Sim, Chadwick International School Songdo
Co-10th Best: Yuechen Ni, Saint Maur International School
Co-10th Best: Hanbit Kim, Korea International School Jeju
Co-10th Best: Yena Choi, Seoul Foreign School

In addition to the talented debaters, we would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our trainee judges, whose keen observations and dedication were invaluable throughout the tournament. Four stood out for their exceptional performance and commitment to learning, and we are pleased to recognize them:

Top 4 Best Trainee Judges

  • Overall Best: Shing Lam Joshua Chu, Harrow International School Hong Kong
  • 2nd Best: Joshua Benjamin Chun Suen Tse, Episcopal High School
  • 3rd Best: Nathalie Yuet-Hei Ng, Harrow International School Hong Kong
  • 4th Best: Hing Yip Damian Wong, Harrow International School Hong Kong

The Asia Junior Championships takes place twice a year and stands as one of EduDrift’s flagship summer tournaments. This prestigious event attracts a vibrant mix of talent from across the region, with participants hailing from a diverse array of esteemed schools and educational institutions, including:

St. Leonard’s College

As we wrap up the Asia Junior Championships – Debate (Summer Edition), we take a moment to celebrate the impressive talent and the strong sense of community that defined this year’s edition. The dedication and passion displayed by all participants–debaters, trainee judges, invited judges, and observers–have truly elevated the tournament to greater heights. We eagerly anticipate the continued growth and excellence of these young minds in future editions as they hone their skills and contribute to the vibrant debate community across the Asia-Pacific region. Our sincere gratitude goes out to everyone who made this event possible, and we extend once again our warmest congratulations to all participants for their remarkable achievements!