By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 2: Over 200 students representing more than 40 secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Sarawak will be given the chance to showcase their abilities and sharpen their essential skills as they prepare to compete in the Premier of Sarawak’s English and Bahasa Malaysia Debate Challenge set to take place from Nov 6 to 8.
The final showdown will take place on Nov 8 at Borneo Cultures Museum.
The Premier of Sarawak’s English and Bahasa Malaysia Debate Challenge for Secondary Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning in Sarawak 2023 is organised by Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) in conjunction with the 60th anniversary celebration of Sarawak’s Independence.
MEITD Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that the aim of the debate challenge is primarily to enhance students’ proficiency in both English and Bahasa Malaysia languages.
“English is important for Sarawak to master as we move forward as a nation. However, Bahasa Malaysia is still our national language and should be held in equal importance,” he told a press conference at the Ministry’s Office in Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA) Tower, The Isthmus here today.
Roland Sagah added that the event also aims to hone students’ abilities to analyse and think on their feet, formulate solid arguments, express their thoughts confidently while encouraging intellectual discourse and to become more aware of local and world events.
“We don’t want them to just be critics but develop critical thinking skills and intelligence.”
Organised by MEITD for the first time in partnership with Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak branch and Dewan Bahasa and Pustaka Sarawak, Roland Sagah said they hoped to make it into an annual affair.
The Bahasa Malaysia category will see the participation of 45 students from 16 secondary schools from Kuching, Serian, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Dalat, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang.
In the English category, the debate is divided into two segments: secondary schools (Category A) and Institute of Higher Learning including Form Six students (Category B).
The competition will engage over 160 students, with Category A hosting 93 students from 18 secondary schools, and Category B involving 68 students from eight institutions and six secondary schools.
MEITD permanent secretary Datu Azmi Bujang was also present. — DayakDaily
