KUCHING – The 2026 Sarawak Regional Selection Competition of the National Secondary School Chinese Debate Tournament officially commenced on 28 May with an opening ceremony and welcome dinner hosted by the Youth Section of the Kuching Hokkien Association.
The event brought together students, teachers and parents from seven secondary schools across Kuching, Miri and Sibu.
The participating institutions included Chung Hua Middle School No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4 in Kuching, SMK Jalan Arang Kuching, Pei Min Middle School Miri, SMK Chung Hua Miri, and Wong Nai Siong Middle School Sibu.
The competition aims to identify the strongest team to represent the Kuching Hokkien Association at the 28th National Secondary School Chinese Debate Tournament, organised by the Federation of Hokkien Associations of Malaysia.
The national contest is recognised as one of the most prominent platforms for young debaters to showcase their skills and compete at a higher level.
In his remarks, Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the Member of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly for Batu Kawah, emphasised the importance of debating in today’s technology-driven era.
He noted that while many people rely heavily on digital tools, communication and fluency in expression remain essential.
Dr Sim highlighted that debating is not only about oratory ability but also involves analytical thinking, critical reasoning, quick responses, teamwork and leadership.
He congratulated the participating schools, their teachers and parents for supporting the students in developing these vital skills.
“Debating is important communication skills, as it is not just the necessary oratory skills but analytical skills, critical thinking skills, street smarts, fast thinking and responding… top notch teamwork and leadership skills,” he said.
The welcome dinner provided an opportunity for participants to network and build camaraderie before the competition began.
Organisers expressed hope that the event would inspire students to embrace debating as a means of improving their confidence and communication abilities.
The Sarawak Regional Selection Competition is expected to be a spirited contest, with teams demonstrating not only their debating techniques but also their ability to think critically under pressure.
The winning team will carry the pride of Sarawak to the national stage, representing the Kuching Hokkien Association and showcasing the region’s talent in Chinese debate.
The initiative reflects Sarawak’s commitment to nurturing youth development and promoting intellectual engagement among secondary school students.
It also underscores the role of community organisations such as the Kuching Hokkien Association in supporting education and cultural activities.
