Setting New Records: Asia Pacific Junior Debate Championships
07 July 2024
EduDrift made history once again on 29-30 June 2024 with the Asia Pacific Junior Debate Championships, setting a new record for the largest junior debate championships ever held in world history. This marks the second time EduDrift has shattered this record, further solidifying its position as a leader in the competitive debating community.
The two-day tournament brought together an impressive 90 teams of young and talented minds, aged 7 to 13, from a diverse range of countries across the Asia Pacific region, including Japan, South Korea, China, Australia, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia. With a total of 270 participants, the event was judged by 61 world-class adjudicators, all of which are EduDrift-certified adjudicators renowned for their extensive experience in both debating and adjudication. This unprecedented level of participation highlighted the growing enthusiasm among young debaters to engage in meaningful discourse and hone their public speaking skills.
The quality of debate during the tournament was truly exceptional. Many of the debaters displayed a level of sophistication and intellectual maturity far beyond their years. We offer our heartfelt congratulations and sincere appreciation to those who excelled with remarkable skill and determination across five preliminary rounds and four elimination rounds, ultimately bagging the prestigious champion title. Your impressive performances are a testament to your dedication and talent.
Champions, 13-and-Under Main Category
- Ian Choi, Dulwich College Seoul
- Ein Chung, Seoul Foreign School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Rachael Park, Korea International School
Champions, 13-and-Under Rookie Category
- Jisung Moon, Daemyeong Middle School
- Yena An, Seoul International School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Christopher Ahnn, Seoul International School
Champions, 12-and-Under Main Category
- Chloe Joo Hee Park, Seoul Foreign School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
- Hyung Eun Choi, Kyungbok Elementary School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
- Yu-Jin Han, Hanyang Elementary School
Champions, 12-and-Under Rookie Category
- Zichen Huang, Qingdao Cornerstone Bilingual School
- Wang Zimu
- Yiqing Wei, Qingdao Qihui Bilingual School (Finals Best Speaker)
Champions, 11-and-Under Main Category
- Sian Song, Seoul Daehyun Elementary School
- Chaeha Lee, Hanyang Elementary School
- BeomJoon Kim, Seoul Academy International School (Finals Best Speaker)
Champions, 11-and-Under Rookie Category
- Claire Chang, Dulwich College Seoul
- Adrianna Lee, Chadwick International School Songdo (Finals Best Speaker)
- Alana Yoon, Seoul International School
Champions, 10-and-Under Category
- Eric Im, Yooseok Elementary School (Finals Best Speaker)
- Jonathan Junyoung Shin, Korea International School
- Jibeom Lee, Seoul Foreign School
Champions, 9-and-Under Category
- Hyunje Park, Unjung Elementary School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
- Green Kim, Chadwick International School (Co-Finals Best Speaker)
- Simo Lee, Seoul National University Elementary School
Stepping into the spotlight takes immense courage and confidence. This year’s finalists have shown incredible talent and determination. We are thrilled to celebrate their achievements and the well-deserved awards they have earned. Their hard work and remarkable performances were truly outstanding.
Finalists
Grandfinalists
Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Yena Choi, Seoul Foreign School
Jamie Cheon, Yeoksam Middle School
Semifinalists
Annabelle YD Lee, Seoul International School
Ah-Young Park, Seoul International School
Aiden Kunwoo Yoon, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Jinwoo Choi, Chadwick International School Songdo
Onew Choi, Korea Liberal Arts School
Rachel Kim, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Quarterfinalists
PEIYAO WU
XUANYI ZHU
CLAIRE LYU
Yeonseo Shin, Seoul International School
Aaron Chin, Seoul International School
Seohyun Hwang, Chadwick International School Songdo
Lucas Lu, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School
Boyue Pan, Avenues The World School Online
Yintong Chen, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School
Brian Zhang, Sydney Grammar School
Julian Tay, Sydney Grammar School
Nathan Zhang, Sydney Grammar School
Octofinalists
Heedan Zun, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Hyoryn Park, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Sihyun Park, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Tobby Xi, Shanghai Pinghe School
Robert Li, Huili School Shanghai
Crystal Hu, Concordia
Alexander Kitto, Cranbrook School
Ian Wu, Cranbrook School
Justin Wang, Cranbrook School
Seungmin Chin, Chadwick International School Songdo
Youngjoon Kim, Sinsa Middle School
Mingeon Kim, Calvin Manitoba International School
Seowoo Choi, Sookmyung Girl’s Middle School
Min Joon Cho, Seoul Academy
Julian Sung, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Yixin Liang, Nanjing Foreign Language School Fang Shan Campus
Xi Yuan Chen, Shu Ren Primary School
Yin Ruoqing, Jinan Thomas School
Nicholas Wu, Shore School
Aaron Zheng, Shore School
Ryan Kwok, Shore School
Yeonsun Chung, North London Collegiate School
Minseong Kim, North London Collegiate School Jeju
Jooan Rue, North London Collegiate School
Best Speakers per Age Category
Top 10 Best Speakers
Overall Best: Charlene Sooin Cho, Chadwick International
2nd Best: Chaeha Lee, Hanyang Elementary School
3rd Best: Pimnara Laohaphan, Chinese International School
4th Best: Sian Song, Seoul Daehyun Elementary School
5th Best: Yeonju Lee, North London Collegiate School Jeju
6th Best: Kenneth Qu, Sydney Grammar School
Co-7th Best: CLAIRE LYU
Co-7th Best: Zi Rui Bai, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School
Co-7th Best: Yixin Liang, Nanjing Foreign Language School Fang Shan Campus
Co-7th Best: Xincheng li, Shanghai Star river Bilingual School
Co-8th Best: Hector Lyu, St Leonard’s College
Co-8th Best: Jianhong Zeng, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School
Co-8th Best: Yuechen Ni, Saint Maur International School Japan
Co-8th Best: Summer Hu, Hongwen School
Co-8th Best: Sienna choo, Seoul Apgujeong Elementary School
Co-8th Best: Sebastian Sun, Knox Grammar School
9th Best: Nicholas Wu, Shore School
10th Best: Mason Gharebpour, Sydney Grammar School
Best Speakers per Region/Country
Top 10 Best Speakers
Overall Best: Annabelle YD Lee, Seoul International School
2nd Best: Rachael Park, Korea International School
3rd Best: Ein Chung, Seoul Foreign School
4th Best: Ian Choi, Dulwich College Seoul
5th Best: Riley Yoo, Chadwick International School
Co-6th Best: Aaron Chin, Seoul International School
Co-6th Best: Jayden Kim, Korea International School
Co-6th Best: Charlene Sooin Cho, Chadwick International
Co-6th Best: Aiden Kunwoo Yoon, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-7th Best: Nayoon Lee, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-7th Best: Abbigail Lian
Co-7th Best: Ah-Young Park, Seoul International School
Co-8th Best: Yena Choi, Seoul Foreign School
Co-8th Best: Chaeha Lee, Hanyang Elementary School
Co-8th Best: Dana Chung, Chinese International School
Co-8th Best: Hyung Eun Choi, Kyungbok Elementary School
Co-9th Best: Seowoo Choi, Sookmyung Girl’s Middle School
Co-9th Best: Julian Sung, Yongsan International School of Seoul
Co-9th Best: Youngjoon Kim, Sinsa Middle School
Co-9th Best: Mingeon Kim, Calvin Manitoba International School
Co-9th Best: Yin Ruoqing, Jinan Thomas School
Co-9th Best: Chaewon Lee, Seoul Apgujeong Elementary School
Co-9th Best: Yu-Jin Han, Hanyang Elementary School
Co-9th Best: Chloe Joo Hee Park, Seoul Foreign School
Co-10th Best: Yeonseo Shin, Seoul International School
Co-10th Best: Yintong Chen, Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School
Co-10th Best: Min Joon Cho, Seoul Academy
Co-10th Best: Pimnara Laohaphan, Chinese International School
Witness some of the glorious debate rounds that unfolded during the Asia Pacific Junior Debate Championships below:
The Asia Pacific Junior Debate Championships is held annually and is recognized as the premier debating competition for elementary school students throughout the region. Supported by a wide array of schools and educational institutions, this flagship tournament continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of debaters.
This year, the following institutions took part in this record-breaking event:
Vinschool Times City Secondary & High School
As we reflect on the remarkable success of the Asia Pacific Junior Debate Championships, it is clear that this year’s edition has not only set a new standard for upcoming junior debate tournaments but also highlighted the incredible talent and enthusiasm of young debaters across the Asia Pacific region. EduDrift’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive debating community is evident in every aspect of this historic event.
We are grateful to all the participants, adjudicators, and institutions that contributed to making this championship a groundbreaking success. The dedication and hard work displayed by everyone involved have ensured that this tournament will be remembered as a milestone in the world of junior debating.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and impact of the Asia Pacific Junior Debate Championships. As we celebrate the achievements of this year’s champions and finalists, we remain dedicated to supporting and nurturing the next generation of debate leaders.