Rising to the Challenge

11 November 2024


The 2024 edition of the Australasian Schools Debate Championships, held on 02-03 November, brought together some of the sharpest young minds from across the Asia Pacific region. With participants representing Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, and South Korea, the tournament showcased the power of persuasion and critical thinking in a two-day whirlwind of debates.

 

The tournament follows the British Parliamentary (BP) format, renowned for its dynamic nature and challenging structure, ensuring that all debaters were pushed to their intellectual limits. From intense rounds discussing social issues to heated debates revolving around law and justice, the tournament demonstrated a depth of knowledge and talent across schools in the region.

 

The level of talent displayed from the early rounds to the grand final was nothing short of extraordinary. Each team brought their best, making every round an intense and thrilling experience. We’d like to highlight and celebrate the following debaters for their outstanding performances and unwavering dedication, which earned them the prestigious titles at the Australasian Schools Debate Championships 2024.

Champions, 18-and-Under Category

  • Harry Tong, Knox Grammar School (Finals Best Speaker)
  • Martin Li, Knox Grammar School

Champions, 14-and-Under Category

  • Rachael Park, Korea International School
  • Ein Chung, Seoul Foreign School (Finals Best Speaker)

Champions, 13-and-Under Category

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

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

Ben Wang, Anglo-Chinese School Independent
Sean Ang, Anglo-Chinese School Independent
Huibeom (Daniel) Lee, Seoul Foreign School
Junseo Lee, Seoul Foreign School
Min En Yee, Hwa Chong Institution
Emmanuel Soon

Semifinalists

YeUhn Kim, Seoul Foreign School
Yura Shin, Seoul Foreign School
Bryan ZHU, Chinese International School
Serena Li, Chinese International School
Gabrielangela Adji, Bina Bangsa School
Valencia Elizabeth Wijono, Bandung Independent School
Stacie Chu, Branksome Hall Asia
Jerry Xu, Saint Johnsbury Academy Jeju

Best Speakers per Age Category
Top 3 Best Speakers

Overall Best: Emmanuel Soon
2nd Best: Sean Ang, Anglo-Chinese School Independent
3rd Best: Ben Wang, Anglo-Chinese School Independent

Best Speakers per Region/Country
Top 10 Best Speakers

Overall Best: Jamie Cheon, Yeoksam Middle School
2nd Best: Jua Kim, Eonju Middle School
3rd Best: Ein Chung, Seoul Foreign School
Co-4th Best: Rachael Park, Korea International School
Co-4th Best: Julian Sung, Yongsan International School of Seoul
5th Best: Hosung Kil, Chadwick International School
6th Best: Vivien Gong, Yongsan International School of Seoul

7th Best: Yena An, Seoul International School
8th Best: Eunwoo Yoo, Chadwick International School
Co-9th Best: Junseo Lee, Seoul Foreign School
Co-9th Best: Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-10th Best: Huibeom (Daniel) Lee, Seoul Foreign School
Co-10th Best: YeUhn Kim, Seoul Foreign School

Witness some of the glorious debate rounds that unfolded during the Asia Schools Open – BP Debate below:

This year’s tournament saw participation from over 20 prestigious institutions from all over the Asia Pacific region, each bringing their best to the table. The schools that contributed to this grand showdown included:

Branksome Hall Asia
Chadwick International School
Eonju Middle School
Halla Middle School
Korea International School
Saint Johnsbury Academy Jeju

Seoul Foreign School
Seoul International School
Shindong Middle School
Singapore American School
Yeoksam Middle School
Yongsan International School of Seoul

The diversity of schools and perspectives made this year’s Australasian Schools Debate Championships a truly enriching experience for both participants and adjudicators alike.

 

As this year’s Australasian Schools Debate CHampionships comes to a close, we look back on the wins, the lessons learned, and the friendships built along the way. This tournament remains a great platform for students across Asia and the Pacific to challenge themselves and grow, not just as debaters but also as individuals.

 

More than the awards and titles, it’s the connections made across cultures that really define this event. Year after year, participants leave with more than just better debating skills—they leave as more open-minded and thoughtful individuals, ready to tackle whatever comes next. We cannot wait for the next edition, where new talent will emerge, fresh perspectives will be shared, and the spirit of debate will continue to thrive.