Creating Champions

The Limkokwing International Debating Championship is a channel for outstanding young speakers to take their talents to a global audience and win international recognition.

The Limkokwing International Debating Championship adds to the initiatives undertaken by the University and seeks to identify young Malaysian talents who show promise through their skills in public debate. The ability to think with clarity, research with purpose and speak with confidence are important attributes for achieving success. For young people it contributes enormously to career success as it helps them to present their ideas effectively and earn the respect and admiration of their colleagues.

Conducting the debate

The debate will be conducted in English as it is among the most important languages used across the world for commerce, diplomacy and web communications.

The Limkokwing International Debating Championship will follow a format known as the British Parliamentary style. Participants will be briefed on how they should address the audience and their opponents when engaging in this style of debate.

  • Each debate will have four teams of 2 people in each team.
  • There will an opening by the "Prime Minister/Deputy Prime Minister"
  • There will be an opening by the "Opposition Leader/Deputy Opposition Leader"
  • There will be a closing by the "Member of Government/Government Whip"
  • There will be a closing by a "Member of the Opposition/Opposition Whip"
  • There will be 7 minutes allocated to speeches
  • 15 minutes preparation time is given
  • No access to online material is allowed
  • No communication with anyone except your own partner is allowed
  • Time signals will be given by adjudicators/timekeeper at 1, 6 and 7 minutes
  • Points of information will be allowed between 1 minute and 6 minutes

Shaping young minds to think sharply and respond intelligently

Today's youths who are tomorrow's leaders face huge challenges that stem from issues as wide ranging as global warming, terrorism, rising poverty, global financial crises and unemployment, among many others. Building the skills to engage in debate is to prepare a young person to think with strategy and courage and use persuasion to gain acceptance of ideas. The best debaters always do well in life and many move on to leadership positions in society, politics or industry. The purpose of this championship is to identify young people with budding skills in public speaking and sharpen their thinking skills to project their ideas with greater finesse. The University is very excited for this opportunity to sponsor talented youths and provide them with a global platform. Ultimately, these youths will provide the base upon which Malaysia can build a stronger presence in the global marketplace. As we raise the level of our economic performance we will need a strong force to push the national agenda to achieve high income status in the shortest time possible. As a global university we are in the best position to provide the platform for Malaysian youths to achieve the competency they will require.

— YBhg Tan Sri Dato' Sri Paduka Dr Limkokwing, President, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology Worldwide

The power of debate is a mark of a civilized citizenry

The power of logic and clarity of expression are best learned when we engage in debate. It is the most civilized way to handle disputes and disagreements. But you must possess citizenry that is well-trained to respond in this way. The learning begins in school and all schools in Malaysia have embraced this, as we are all aware. I am a great believer in the power of moderation to resolve issues. Therefore, I welcome this initiative by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology to unearth the huge amount of talent the country possesses in its youths. The University has taken the debate platform to global levels. It will provide the incentive for young Malaysians to focus on building their skills. All elements associated with debates build character and calibre. Given the prominence and prestige of the Limkokwing International Debating Championship, I Look forward to seeing more Malaysians participating, benefitting and learning from the experience.

— YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister Malaysia

An avenue to identify talent and build skills for a globalized marketplace

Malaysia has set itself the agenda to become a hi-income status economy by the year 2020. The government has put in place the policies to encourage all stakeholders to upgrade their performance. However, at the very crux of the transformation we wish to achieve we will require human capital that is not only skilled but also creative and innovative so it can respond to the challenges that are arising worldwide. Of vital importance is a corps of skilled negotiators and strategic thinkers able to represent the country in the highly aggressive global marketplace. A platform like the Limkokwing International Debating Championship provides the means for Malaysia to build this base of skills. It not only helps us to identify talent but it also provide the avenue for Malaysians raise their skills to global standards. My warmest wishes to all participants. To those who have come from abroad to participate and to manage the debate I hope you will stay on to enjoy the wonderful attractions this country has to offer.

— YB Dato' Seri Idris Jusoh, Minister of Education II, Malaysia