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SMU Debating Society
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Where everyone's welcome to argue
Our Story
SMU Debating Society invites you to join a community where excellence meets inclusivity. We pride ourselves on being more than just competitive debaters — we're a group of passionate individuals who support each other on our journey to master the art of spoken combat.
We're dedicated to helping everyone — from complete beginners to seasoned debaters — find their voice and hone their communication skills. From our twice-weekly training sessions, to our signature 'Debating for Dummies' introductory workshops, to the opportunities we offer for participation in local and international tournaments, we provide multiple pathways for achievement and growth.
Whether you're starting out on your debate journey or ready to represent SMU as a competitive debater or judge, there's a place for you in our community. Join us to sharpen your analytical thinking skills, forge lasting friendships, and develop the kind of confident eloquence that will serve you well beyond SMU!
Notable Achievements
Borneo British Parliamentary Debate Championship 2021
(Octofinalists, 9th Best Novice Speaker)
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Organized by UNIMIAS Debating Society in Borneo, the tournament provided our debaters an opportunity to pit their wits against various varsity teams in Southeast Asia and beyond.
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SHEL-NTU Inter-Varsity Energy Transition Debate Championships 2021
(Champions, Overall Best Speaker)
The Shell-NTU Inter-varsity Energy Transition Debate is a tournament jointly organized by NTU and SHELL, with an emphasis on the opportunities in Singapore’s energy transition journey.
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NTU Pro-Ams Debating Championships
(Quarterfinalists)
With a view of developing our new intake, SMUDS sent a team to NTU Pro-Ams Debating Championships, which provides an opportunity for new novice debaters to pair up with experienced debaters.
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UMSU International Debate Open 2021
(Grand Finalists, Pre-Semifinalists)
Organized by UMSU Indonesia, SMUDS sent 4 teams that saw our debaters take on top teams from Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Japan.
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Asia e-Debate Challenge 2021
(Quarterfinalists)
The Asia e-Debate Challenge attracted world-class debaters from all across Asia and served as a preparatory tournament for the upcoming Asian Championships.
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Ganesha Debate Open 2021
(Quarterfinalists)
Ganesha Debate Open saw our members pit their wits against top debaters in Malaysia and Indonesia in their preparation for the upcoming World Championships.
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Peking University Pro-Ams Debate Championship 2021 Semifinalists
(Semifinalists, Overall Best Speaker and 3rd Best Novice Speaker)
Organized by Peking University, the Peking University Pro-Ams offered SMUDS an opportunity for seasoned debaters to compete with and guide our novice debaters in the Northeast Asian circuit.
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Malaysia British Parliamentary Debating Championships 2021
(Semifinalists, 8th Best Speaker)
The Malaysia British Parliamentary Debating Championships saw our debaters take on the top debaters from all across Asia.
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World Universities Debating Championships
The World Universities Debating Championships is dubbed the “World Championships” of debating. This year, we are proud to have sent 2 teams of debaters to the Championships.
