Learnings Beyond the Stage
07 September 2024
The virtual stage was set ablaze last August 31 to September 01 as 124 of the brightest young minds from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan gathered for the summer edition of the Asia Schools Open – British Parliamentary Debate. This year’s event was more than just a competition, rather a vibrant celebration of debate, where creativity, critical thinking, and passionate discourse took center stage. For many, participating in debate tournaments is a transformative experience that not only hones their rhetorical skills, but also cultivates essential communication skills, such as public speaking, analytical thinking, and the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Conducted in the British Parliamentary format, the tournament offered a dynamic and challenging environment, pushing 62 teams to think on their feet and argue persuasively on a range of complex topics. From art and parenting to activism, business, education, international relations, the environment, and sports, the debates covered a broad spectrum of themes, showcasing the depth and versatility of the participants’ skills.
The exceptional performances from the preliminary rounds up until the grand finale truly exemplified the high level of talent that defines this tournament. And so, we would like to recognize the following debaters for their remarkable skill and determination that led them to win the most coveted championship titles of the Asia Schools Open.
Champions, 18-and-Under Category
- Brooke Lai, Yongsan International School of Seoul (Finals Best Speaker)
- Claire Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Champions, 15-and-Under Category
- Hanyi Zhou, Chinese International School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Claire Fang, Chinese International School
Champions, 14-and-Under Rookie Category
- Katherine Seki, Reddam House School
- Emma Bradburn, Reddam House School (Finals Best Speaker)
Champions, 13-and-Under Category
- Daniel Kwon, Korea International School
- Jaehoon Jung, Shinchon Middle School (Finals Best Speaker)
We also want to recognize the finalists and top speakers, whose remarkable performances and dedication were pivotal in raising the bar of debate throughout the tournament.
Finalists
Grandfinalists
Connie Sun, Chingshin Academy
Jim Yang, Taipei Wego Private Senior High School
Ryan Wu, Knox Grammar School
Zhijie Chen, Knox Grammar School
Yeojun Park, Korean Minjok Leadership Academy
Seoyeon Jin, Korean Minjok Leadership Academy
Semifinalists
Jacob Budiman, Anglo-Chinese School International
Jayden Christian Budiman, Anglo-Chinese School International
Irene Park, Korea International School
Jaesuh Shin, Seoul Foreign School
Huibeom (Daniel) Lee, Seoul Foreign School
Doyoon Shin, Chadwick International School
Owen Wu, Shanghai American School Pudong
James Yin, Shanghai American School Pudong
Quarterfinalists
Ziheng Chu, Branksome Hall Asia
Yifei Gao, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Jie Wu, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School
Joyee Zhou, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School
Yishan Gao, United World College of South East Asia Dover
Yiyue Wang, Gubei
Harold Lai, Concordia International School Shanghai
Giovanni Li, Wellington College International Shanghai
Jiho Lee, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju
Jooyoon Park, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju
Yishan Zhang, High School Affiliated to Renmin University
Shengzhen Wei, Zhengzhou Foreign Language School
Aimi Ma, Fudan International School
Audrey Chen, Shanghai American School
MINGYING XU, Shanghai Pinghe School
Hongkai (Brian) Zhao, Eton College
Best Speakers per Age Category
Top 10 Best Speakers
Overall Best: Jayden Christian Budiman, Anglo-Chinese School International
2nd Best: Jaesuh Shin, Seoul Foreign School
3rd Best: Owen Wu, Shanghai American School Pudong
Co-4th Best: Zhijie Chen, Knox Grammar School
Co-4th Best: Jim Yang, Taipei Wego Private Senior High School
Co-4th Best: Kaiden Doyoon Shin, Chadwick International School
5th Best: Claire Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
6th Best: Seoyeon Jin, Korean Minjok Leadership Academy
7th Best: Yeojun Park, Korean Minjok Leadership Academy
8th Best: Yifei Gao, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Co-9th Best: Yishan Zhang, High School Affiliated to Renmin University
Co-9th Best: MINGYING XU, Shanghai Pinghe School
10th Best: Yiyue Wang, Gubei
Best Speakers per Region/Country
Top 10 Best Speakers
Overall Best: Elsa Tu, Taipei American School
2nd Best: Jim Yang, Taipei Wego Private Senior High School
3rd Best: Connie Sun, Chingshin Academy
Witness some of the glorious debate rounds that unfolded during the Asia Schools Open – BP Debate below:
The Asia Schools Open – British Parliamentary Debate is held annually and is one of EduDrift’s flagship summer tournaments. Supported by a diverse range of schools and educational institutions, this prestigious event was graced by the participation of the following:
Chingshin Academy
Taipei American School
Taipei Wego Private Senior High School
As the event drew to a close, a palpable sense of achievement and camaraderie was evident among the participants. The feedback reflected the tournament’s significant impact, with many expressing gratitude for the stimulating topics and insightful feedback from the world-class adjudicators. Participants appreciated the well-organized nature of the competition and its high level of competitiveness, noting how much they enjoyed the experience. Many also conveyed their enthusiasm for continuing their debating journey, highlighting the positive and motivating influence of the tournament.
Building on the success of this summer edition, we at EduDrift are excited to continue fostering a deep passion for debating and preparing students to make meaningful contributions to global discourses. As they refine their skills and widen their horizons, we are enthusiastic about the impactful roles they will play. With great pride and anticipation, we eagerly look forward to witnessing their talents flourish in future debate tournaments!