• Advertisements

Thousands to Join One of Asia’s Biggest Public Speaking and Debate Professional Development Forums: CamDEBATE

• By Cambodianess
• January 29, 2024 10:18 AM

Established in 2019 by IDP Education, a world leader in international education and student placement services, the Cambodia International Debate & Public Speaking Championship Series (CamDEBATE) cultivates a healthy culture of dialogue and the sharing of different perspectives to promote understanding, friendship and knowledge among young people in Cambodia through the development of problem solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills.

The CamDEBATE helps students increase fluency and showcase their English language proficiency, alongside to independently learn, research and form opinions on complex topics that will contribute to the development of well-rounded individuals.

Mr Mao Sreng, IDP Education Country Director and CamDEBATE Convenor, describes CamDEBATE series a premier professional development forum that fosters a culture of dialogue and respectful exchange of opinions.

He added, "As contestants engage in a series of lively and stimulating discussions, this immersive process serves as a catalyst for learning, practical skills enhancement, and expanding their knowledge base for personal development and future career aspirations."

The 2023 CamDEBATE attracted 525 contestants of eight nationalities (Cambodian, Thai, Filipino, Malaysian, Chinese, French, American, Kazakhstani) from over 100 schools and universities across Cambodia. 2024 CamDEBATE anticipates around 1,000 participants.

2023 CamDEBATE contestants at the orientation session

“Joining CamDEBATE was a pivotal decision in my life. I used to be terrified of speaking in front of many people, but I overcame my fear and joined this competition because I knew it could transform my life. And it did. And owing to the training we received, I could enhance my speaking skills to a new level,” said Ms Sodany Chheang, a 2023 finalist.

At CamDEBATE, contestants will receive training from the Australian Centre for Education (ACE) and CamDEBATE’s institutional partners. Such training onboards techniques that enhance public speaking and debate skills, and improve critical thinking and problem-solving capacities, ensuring an enriching experience.

HE Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information, encourages Cambodian youth to join CamDEBATE, a leading and rewarding platform for professional development in public speaking and debate as such skills would boost and improve contestants’ academic and professional growth.

High school and university students (aged 15 to 23) join CamDEBATE to enrich their skills and experience.

CamDEBATE champions will be awarded a two-week study tour to the United Kingdom, supported by Stafford House of CATS Global Schools in the UK along with trophies, medals, and ACE scholarships.

The British Ambassador to Cambodia, HE Dominic Williams, a CamDEBATE judge last year, was impressed by the performance of contestants, demonstrating their hard work and dedication. “The presentations have been outstanding, as contestants have researched their topics thoroughly and presented well-reasoned arguments, using clever rhetorical devices to grab the attention from the audience.”, the Ambassador said.

2023 CamDEBATE champions during their two-week study tour in the UK

CamDEBATE 2024, to date, has received support from institutions locally and internationally, including the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, the Ministry of Information, Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, the British Embassy Phnom Penh, the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, the Australian Centre for Education, IDP IELTS, Stafford House of CATS Global Schools, RMIT University, Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, Deakin University, and Macquarie University.

To participate or to support: www.camdebate.org