Teen debaters poised for success

The Malaysian team that took part in the World Schools Debate Championship in Singapore. Form left: Amrit Agastia, 18, Kishen Sivabalan, 15, Evan Wong, 18, Deborah Wong Kai Wai, 18, Nishanth Selvalingam, 19, and Aaron Luke, 19.

MALAYSIA reached new heights in the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) by making it into the quarterfinals. Held in Singapore, the tournament was held between July 27 and Aug 5. It was represented by 53 nations and the Malaysian team finished in seventh place.

The Malaysian World Schools Debate Team – comprising Aaron Luke, 19, Kishen Sivabalan, 15, Evan Wong, 18, Nishanth Selvalingam, 19, Amrit Agastia, 18 and Deborah Wong Kai Wai, 18 – won six out of eight preliminary rounds, beating nations like China, Sri Lanka, Slovenia and Qatar.