Reflecting on the Oxbridge and KTJ Debating Forum

Last weekend, the KTJ Sixth Form Team welcomed the re-establishment of the annual KTJ & Oxbridge Debating Forum. Though this event is a long-standing KTJ tradition, it is still novel in its format as it places a larger emphasis on the preparation and idea development portion of case-building, as opposed to the speeches themselves. Therefore, the outcomes of this event are unique to other debating events or tournaments in that participants leave with their own developed style of debating, but also a sharpened ability to research and critically think.

The event was kicked-off with a plenary debate by esteemed speakers from the Oxbridge Society of Malaysia, on the motion “This House Believe That the climate crisis is not the preeminent crisis of our time”. Moderated by KTJ’s very own Mr Mark Disney, an EXCO of the Oxbridge Society, the plenary debate served not only as food for thought on the complexities of balancing the world’s multiple crises, but also as an example to the participants, giving them an idea of what to expect from the event. 

The 130 participants from across Malaysia, were split up into workshop bubbles based on the themes of their debate, ranging from Education, Economics, and Technology, to Society and Environment. Students were then led by the Oxbridge alumni, to build and structure their arguments in teams, yielding fruitful discussions and commentary on current affairs. For example, in preparation for the Society-themed motion, which reads “This House Believes That Social Media Has Made Finding and Enacting Solutions to Global Problems More Difficult”, a student commented that “social media is dangerous as the advanced algorithms create echo chambers, narrowing minds and radicalising ideas”.

The event concluded with 5 student debates on their respective themes, as well as 10 impromptu speeches, for which participants only had 5 minutes to prepare. These brave and articulate students were briefed and individually given prompts by Ms Nina Disney, KTJ Forensics Team Coach. These highly competitive rounds were judged by Nadia Nasir, Milla Chong, and Timothy Ko, Lower Sixth students and representatives of the KTJ Debate Union. 

Prizes were then given out, with the support of MABECs, to the Top 3 First Time Debaters, Top 3 Best Speakers, and Top 3 Best Impromptu Speakers, Top 3 Best Argument, and Best Overall Team. 6 KTJ students managed to win prizes at this event, namely Kevin U6, Wen Juin U6, Mayada L6, Lydia L6, Seth F5, and Annabelle F5. Winners were each awarded a RM100 voucher to LitBooks, allowing them an opportunity to support a local boutique bookshop. 

In conclusion, this year’s edition of the KTJ & Oxbridge Debating Forum reaffirmed its role in discovering and developing young talents, and facilitating articulate discourse on pressing world issues. As the tradition continues, it stands as a testament to the dedication of both KTJ and Oxbridge in nurturing the next generation of leaders and changemakers in Malaysia.

- Nadia, Lower Sixth, Jawahir