Curtin debate competition draws over 100 students, crowns Sarawak’s next generation of young speakers

Miri, Sarawak – 6 August 2026 – More than 100 secondary school students from across Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia put their critical thinking, public speaking and leadership skills to the test at the Curtin Interschool Debate Competition (CIDC) 2026, as the tournament concluded with an exciting Grand Final at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri.

Now in its second year, CIDC 2026 attracted 106 students from 14 secondary schools, including nine schools from Miri, four from Kuching and one from Perak. The tournament was adjudicated by 11 experienced judges from universities and schools across Malaysia, further strengthening its reputation as one of the region’s emerging debating competitions.

Representing Curtin University Malaysia Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Professor Vincent Lee, Dean of the Faculty of Business Professor Pauline Ho officiated the closing ceremony and presented prizes to the winners.

Also present were Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, Dean of the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE); Edison Ricket, Regional Manager of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri; Amy Ho, representing Eva Kemajuan Construction Sdn Bhd; and Awangku Zuhairi Awangku Feazirroeddi, President of the Curtin Malaysia Debating Society.

Addressing the participants during the closing ceremony, Professor Ho praised the students for demonstrating confidence, intellectual curiosity and respectful engagement throughout the competition.

“Today, we celebrate more than the winners of a debate competition. We celebrate young people who have demonstrated the courage to speak with confidence, think critically and engage respectfully with different perspectives,” she said.

She noted that the ability to analyse complex issues, articulate ideas persuasively and listen to differing viewpoints are among the most important skills for future leaders.

“By bringing together students from across Sarawak and beyond, we are nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers, confident communicators and ethical leaders. We hope CIDC will continue to grow as a flagship annual event that inspires many more young minds in the years ahead.”

The Grand Finals featured lively parliamentary-style debates, with teams presenting well-researched arguments and rebuttals in fast-paced exchanges between the government and opposition benches.

In the Senior Category, SMK Lutong emerged as champions after successfully debating the motion, “The Rise of East Malaysian Nationalism.” St Joseph’s Private Secondary School, Kuching claimed the Junior Category title by winning the debate on the motion, “This House Would Permanently Delete Its Social Media Account.”

Outstanding individual performances were also recognised during the awards presentation. Andreia Lauren Sim Jia Xin of SMK Batu Lintang, Kuching, received the Senior Finals Best Speaker Award, while Chan Huai Ze of St Joseph’s Private Secondary School was named Junior Finals Best Speaker.

Lean Yii Zhen of SMK Lutong won the Senior Category Best Speaker Award, while Sebastian Kho of St Joseph’s Private Secondary School received the Junior Category Best Speaker Award.

CIDC 2026 was organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Debating Society and supported by the Malaysian Timber Council and Eva Kemajuan Construction, with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak serving as the official venue sponsor.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Professor Ho (front row, 8th left), Associate Prof Tiew (behind Prof Ho), winners, teachers, adjudicators and the organising committee in a group photo.

Professor Pauline Ho (left) and Edison Ricket (right) presenting the Senior Category championship trophy to the SMK Lutong team.