BINUS University Teams Shine at 2024 Asian British Parliamentary Debate Competition

BINUS University once again demonstrated its prowess in the international debating arena, sending two highly skilled debate teams and one experienced adjudicator to compete in the prestigious 2024 Asian British Parliamentary (ABP) Debate Competition, held from October 5th to 10th, 2024, in Krabi, Thailand. This competition brought together elite student debaters from across the globe, all vying to showcase their argumentative skills and intellectual sharpness in one of the most competitive and highly-regarded debate formats in the world.

BINUS A, comprising Rachel Chen and Jennifer Marcellyn Cen, showcased their dedication and hard work leading up to the event. Known as two of the most talented debaters at BINUS, Rachel and Jennifer have displayed an impressive level of commitment throughout their journey. They practiced tirelessly, even taking the initiative to schedule additional coaching sessions beyond the regular training hours. Their focus and determination paid off as they navigated through tough debates and were named the 2nd Reserve EFL Breaking Team, a remarkable achievement in an international competition of this caliber. Their consistent pursuit of excellence and their enthusiasm for competitive debating are a true inspiration to their peers and the wider BINUS community.

BINUS B, composed of Bobby Ongkojoyo and Tengku Omar Azfar, also represented BINUS with distinction. Bobby and Tengku are widely recognized for their exceptional debating skills, having already accumulated an impressive record of international achievements before entering the ABP 2024. Their expertise and teamwork enabled them to break through to the Open Semifinals, competing against some of the best debate teams from around the world. Tengku’s individual performance was particularly outstanding, earning him the title of 3rd Best Open Speaker at the competition. This personal accolade highlights his talent as one of the top debaters in the tournament and underscores BINUS’ ability to produce world-class debaters capable of excelling on the global stage.

In addition to the teams, Regina Stephanie Wuisana served as BINUS’ adjudicator at the competition. Regina’s role was critical in ensuring fair and insightful adjudications throughout the tournament, and her experience as a judge proved invaluable. She was selected as a panelist in five rounds during the preliminary stages, demonstrating her sharp analytical skills and deep understanding of the complex arguments presented in the debates. Her involvement further underscored BINUS’ well-rounded representation at the ABP, with contributions not just from debaters but also from the adjudication panel.

The competition itself was intense, with teams from across Asia and beyond participating in numerous rounds of rigorous debate over the course of five days. The ABP format requires teams to think on their feet, constructing well-reasoned arguments on a wide array of topics, often under tight time constraints. BINUS’ teams rose to the occasion, having prepared extensively and strategically for the event. Their success is a reflection of months of hard work, preparation, and passion for debating.

BINUS University’s achievements at the 2024 ABP mark yet another milestone in the institution’s long-standing tradition of excellence in debate. The success of both teams, as well as Regina’s outstanding performance as an adjudicator, is a testament to the rigorous training and unwavering dedication that goes into preparing for such high-level competitions. It also highlights BINUS’ commitment to fostering a vibrant academic environment where students can develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills.

This year’s Asian British Parliamentary Debate Competition not only served as a platform for BINUS debaters to shine but also as an opportunity to further strengthen the university’s presence on the international stage. The hard work and perseverance of the students involved have brought pride to the university, and their achievements will undoubtedly inspire future generations of BINUS debaters to aim high and continue excelling in the world of competitive debating.