THE state government encourages schools in Penang to participate in the state-level inter-school debate competition organised by the Penang Education Department.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said by participating in debates, students would be able to enhance their communication and thinking skills.
“During a debate, students will be required to come up with spontaneous ideas to argue with the debators and this will help them become quick thinkers,” Soon told the media today.
“We hope that schools in Penang will show their involvement by sending their representatives to the debate competition.
“The competition will be a great platform to train students to become future leaders who can voice out for the community,” he added.
The competition will see the participation of primary and secondary students in three different categories – Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin whereby they can only send one team for each category.
“The team for the Bahasa Malaysia and English categories comprises five debaters each meanwhile for the Mandarin category, the team consists of six debaters.
“The winning team in all the respective categories will be sent to the national-level debate competition,” Soon added.
University Science Malaysia (USM) debate team coach Teh Tian Lik said they could assist in forming a debate team for those schools which are interested.
“Some schools might already have their own debate team, but for those who do not have and they are interested in preparing the students for the debate, we can guide them.
“They can contact YB Soon’s office to fix an appointment with us so that we can visit the schools and help set up the debate team for them,” Teh said.
Zabarudin Daud, the assistant director from the
Penang Education Department (Unit Pembangunan Bakat Murid), said this is the first time the debate would be held in English and Mandarin for primary level.
“This year, one of the highlights is that winners will be receiving cash prizes which are sponsored by YB Soon.
“Previously, they received certificates and trophies and I believe this would serve as an encouragement for the schools and students to participate in the competition,” Zabarudin added.
The champion for each category will receive a cash prize of RM1,000 together with trophy and certificate.
The second placed team will receive RM500 while the third and fourth placed teams will get RM300 each plus certificates.
There is also a RM500 cash prize for the best debater, together with a certificate.
Bertam assemblyman Khaliq Mehtab Mohd Ishaq, who was also present, said the competition would be instrumental in unleashing students’ potential.
For further inquiries on the competition, YB Soon Lip Chee’s office at 04-2618744.
Story & Pix by Tanushalini Moroter