WR-NUS Pre-UADC Debate Championship 2020
The WR NUS Pre-UADC Debate Championship 2020 is the 6th of the Debate Series which started in 2011 with the aim of raising awareness for gender equality and engaging our forthcoming generations of thought leaders to discuss their concerns and express their future aspirations, with a focus on women’s issues.
Unlike previous years where debaters debate face-to-face, the unprecedented times have challenged us to adapt and get used to the new normal – going virtual. The championship which was open to all secondary, pre-tertiary and university students was held on the 28th and 29th November via Zoom. A total of 26 teams of 78 speakers and 16 adjudicators (local and overseas) took part in the championship. WR’s Co-chair, Ms Cheryl Chong, gave an opening address and kickstarted the debate championship officially on 28th November. The teams debated on motions surrounding themes of “Women in Work”, “Education” and “Women in Movements” on 28th November.
The championship was graced by Mr Richard Tan – Senior Director, Women’s Development & International Relations Division, Ministry of Social and Family Development on 29th November. He gave an inspirational speech to the debaters, encouraging them, as the next generation of leaders, to dare to dream and to aim high. The Grand Final motion was on “Feminism” and teams debated with tenacity and enthusiasm on the motion “The House, as a feminist, would opt to never enter into long-term romantic relationships.” It was an intense debate with many interesting views brought up.
The championship drew to a close with the proposition team, SAC (a combination of debaters from LSE, NUS NTU) taking home the championship title and 2nd proposition, Viha, being awarded the final’s best speaker. Congratulations to the winners and kudos to all participants! By way of this debate tournament, WR hopes to provide a platform for youth to start conversations on women’s issues, promoting gender equality locally, regionally and internationally. We strongly believe that the youth are the future – we hope that this brings us a step closer to creating change for a better society.
It is WR’s vision to inspire and empower women to take charge of their lives and lead them with confidence, compassion and courage. We thank all participants as well as our corporate partner and speakers for joining us in working towards this vision.
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