By Jane Dava, for BAC Engage 2026

BEYOND THE ARGUMENT, THERE’S A CONVERSATION

The 1st Shi Wu Bei Chinese Debate Competition 2026, organised by the BAC Chinese Debate Club, was successfully held over two weekends from 19 to 26 September 2026. The inaugural competition provided students with a platform to develop their debating, critical thinking and public speaking skills, while encouraging greater participation in Chinese debating within the BAC community.

Preliminary Rounds
The preliminary rounds were conducted online on 19 and 20 September 2026, featuring thought-provoking motions centred on life, relationships, memory and technology. Topics included whether people should be allowed to freely buy and sell their lifespan, whether a loved one should be revived if given the opportunity, whether certain memories should be deleted, and whether people should accept the use of mind-reading technology.

A total of eight preliminary matches were scheduled across the two days and adjudicated by experienced debaters and adjudicators, including Loo Xuan Tong, Amanda Kah Pei Ru, Lo Xiang Yi, Toh Li Na, Tang Jia Xin, Hew Wei Yee and Chen Qian Fang. One scheduled match was subsequently decided by walkover following the withdrawal of the opposing team.

Semi-Finals
Following the preliminary rounds, four teams advanced to the semi-finals, held physically on 26 September 2026. In the first semi-final, Koh Jia Han and Zoe Tham Qiao Hui of Foundation in Law (FIL) faced Yap Ken Yao and Saw Li Xin of UKT Year 1 on the motion:

“Faced with the ‘996’ work culture, should young people resist or not resist?” Koh Jia Han and Zoe Tham Qiao Hui secured an 8–1 victory, with Zoe Tham Qiao Hui named Best Debater.

The second semi-final saw Chen Yu Xuan and Koh Zhao Xuan of UKT Year 1 compete against Ng Chun Ler of UKT Year 2 and Lee Xin Yee of UOL Year 1 on the motion:

“A high-paying job that you dislike vs. a low-paying job that you love — which would be better?”

Chen Yu Xuan and Koh Zhao Xuan advanced to the Grand Final following a close 5–4 victory, with Chen Yu Xuan named Best Debater.

The semi-finals were adjudicated by Lee Ming Jun, Foo Ji King, Hew Wei Yee, Chung Yu Hao, Amanda Kah Pei Ru and Toh Li- Na.

Grand Final
The Grand Final was held at the BAC Moot Court, with Team “我说了算”, represented by Koh Jia Han and Zoe Tham Qiao Hui, facing Team “风雨无组”, represented by Chen Yu Xuan and Koh Zhao Xuan. The finalists debated the motion:

“If everyone in the world were incapable of lying, would the world be a better place?”

The Grand Final was adjudicated by three distinguished adjudicators:

• Chai Jie Yang — Champion, 19th National Varsity Chinese Debate Tournament; Runner-Up, International Chinese Debating Competition
  
• Chong Zhao Xian — Champion, 16th National Varsity Chinese Debate Tournament and 2nd FAB International Varsity Chinese Debate Open
  
• Nyat Kai Wen — National Varsity Chinese Debate Tournament Champion, practising lawyer and founder of Debate Academy
  

After an engaging final round, Koh Jia Han and Zoe Tham Qiao Hui of Team “我说了算”emerged as Champions with a 7–2 decision.

Team “风雨无组” finished as 1st Runner-Up, while Koh Jia Han was named Best Debater of the Grand Final.

Congratulations to all our winners!

🥇 Champion — 我说了算
🥈 1st Runner-Up — 风雨无组
🥉 2nd Runner-Up — 十五碑第一保安大队
🥉 2nd Runner-Up — Ice Cream
🏅 Overall Best Debater — Ng Chun Ler, 十五碑第一保安大队

The competition concluded with a prize-giving and closing ceremony, where awards and certificates were presented to the winners, Best Debaters and participants in recognition of their achievements and contributions throughout the tournament. The successful conclusion of the inaugural competition marked an important milestone for the BAC Chinese Debate Club. Across the preliminary rounds, semi-finals and Grand Final, participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas, sharpen their debating skills and gain valuable competitive experience.

The BAC Chinese Debate Club extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, adjudicators, organising committee members and BAC staff whose time, effort and support contributed to the success of the competition.

As the inaugural edition ended, the Club looks forward to building upon this foundation and creating more opportunities for students to engage in Chinese debating, critical thinking and meaningful exchange in the years ahead.