Pioneering Debate Excellence
28 June 2024
EduDrift brought together some of the brightest young debaters for this year’s iteration of the Asia Pacific Schools Debate Championships last 22-23 June. Hosted via Zoom, this competitive tournament attracted a total of 171 participants from leading institutions in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. With a wide array of talents on display, the tournament offered a vibrant platform for students to challenge themselves on a broader stage.
The tournament featured a rigorous Asian 3v3 debate format, where 57 teams engaged in discussions on complex and interdisciplinary topics, including education, politics, laws and justice, the environment, international relations, economics, feminism, health, and psychology. Debaters, regardless of their experience, dived into challenging topics and showcased their ability to argue effectively. As the competition progressed, several teams and individuals distinguished themselves with remarkable performances. Their ability to navigate challenging topics and present compelling arguments made a lasting impression, underscoring the exceptional talent and dedication that define not only this tournament but all EduDrift events.
Champions, 18-and-Under Category
- Yuna Kim, Korea International School Jeju Campus (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
- Wei Feng (Jerry) Xu, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju
- Ain Lee, St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju
Champions, 17-and-Under Category
- Caelan Smith, Anglican Church Grammar School
- Lucas Lu, Brisbane Grammar School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Doris Wei, Mansfield State High School
Champions, 16-and-Under Main Category
- James Lim, Hwa Chong Institution
- Daniel Chew, Hwa Chong Institution (Finals Best Speaker)
- Xi Cheng Huo, Hwa Chong Institution
Champions, 16-and-Under Rookie Category
- Zainab Nabihah, Compassvale Secondary School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Nichole Ho, Compassvale Secondary School
- Loa Chun Jun, Compassvale Secondary School
Champions, 15-and-Under Main Category
- Hankun Wang, Anglican High School
- Yanjun Liu, Shanghai High School International Division
- Fuqin Lian, Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to SISU
Champions, 15-and-Under Rookie Category
- Serena Li, Chinese International School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
- Bryan Zhu, Chinese International School
- Emma Hu, Chinese International School
Champions, 14-and-Under Category
- Rachael Park, Korea International School
- Ein Chung, Seoul Foreign School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Michael Noh, Korea International School
Champions, 13-and-Under Category
- Lakshi Rajeev, Pymble Ladies College
- Maran Rajeev, Sydney Grammar School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
- Ayaan Rais, Sydney Grammar School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
Champions, 12-and-Under Category
- Charlene Sooin Cho, Chadwick International School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Jamie Jae In Cheon, Yeoksam Middle School
- Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
In addition, we also would like to acknowledge the finalists and top speakers. Their outstanding performances and commitment to excellence were surely instrumental in elevating the level of debate at the Championships.
Finalists
Grandfinalists
Hyeeun Lee, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Seoyeon Shirley Park, Chadwick International School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
Chris Lee, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Best Speakers per Age Category
Top 10 Best Speakers
Overall Best: Harry Tong, Knox Grammar School
2nd Best: Eric Chen, Shanghai American School
Co-3rd Best: Seunghun Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-3rd Best: Elsa Tu, Taipei American School
Co-3rd Best: Martin Li, Knox Grammar School
4th Best: Ethan Kim, Chadwick International School of Songdo
Co-5th Best: Seungmin Lee, Chadwick International School
Co-5th Best: Dong-Yeob Daniel Hyon, Seoul Foreign School
Co-6th Best: James Lim, Hwa Chong Institution
Co-6th Best: Shiyu Zheng, YK Pao School
Co-6th Best: Jihoo Ko, Korea International School
Co-6th Best: Ryan Qin, Trinity Grammar School
Co-6th Best: Kitty He, Pymble Ladies College
7th Best: Hankun Wang, Anglican High School
Co-8th Best: Ran Sheng, YK Pao School
Co-8th Best: Nichole Ho, Compassvale Secondary School
Co-9th Best: Bryan Zhu, Chinese International School
Co-9th Best: Yee Min En, Hwa Chong Institution
Co-9th Best: Tianmi Liu
Co-10th Best: Zimo Kang, Sydney Girls High School
Co-10th Best: Angela Li, Abbotsleigh
Co-10th Best: Fuqin Lian, Shanghai Foreign Language School Affiliated to SISU
Co-10th Best: Chris Lee, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Best Speakers per Region/Country
Top 10 Best Speakers
Overall Best: Ravipat Rodphothong, International School Bangkok
2nd Best: Patchat Kantakom, Concordian International School
3rd Best: Lapusrada Vatanalikit, Concordian International School
4th Best: Kittikhom Kriamorn, Newton Sixth Form School
5th Best: Thadparich Sakulsaksri, Newton Sixth Form School
6th Best: Pornpannakorn Sakulsaksri, Newton Sixth Form School
Co-7th Best: Kantaphol Sunirand, Concordian International School
Co-7th Best: Apinara Vanichayakosol, Concordian International School
Co-7th Best: Piyabha Tummavaranukub, Concordian International School
Witness some of the glorious debate rounds that unfolded during the Asia Pacific Schools Debate Championships below:
This year’s Asia Pacific Schools Debate Championships saw a wide range of institutions participating, each contributing to a rich and stimulating intellectual environment. We commend the following institutions for their vital role in advancing the competitive debating scene, fostering a space where both experienced and budding debaters could engage and excel.
Concordian International School
International School Bangkok
Newton Sixth Form School
Debating has traditionally been a space for showcasing a range of perspectives conveyed through excellent articulation and intellectual skill on a global stage. EduDrift stands at the forefront of integrating technology and education to nurture young debaters to acquire excellence in national and international debate circles. The Asia Pacific Schools Debate Championships 2024 exemplifies EduDrift’s commitment to advancing the field and developing future debate leaders. We commend our outstanding participants for their achievements and eagerly anticipate continuing to build on this tradition in future editions of the Asia Pacific Schools Debate Championships.