Debate sharpens thinking, builds leaders for nation's future – Zambry

SINTOK: Debating is not merely a contest of arguments but a ‘school’ of leadership, a training ground to shape character and cultivate leaders who are knowledgeable, courageous and principled.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said debating competitions provide students with a platform to sharpen critical thinking, articulate views with confidence, and take responsibility for their arguments.

“From the debate stage, future leaders are moulded — leaders who are mature, people-oriented and unafraid to speak up while maintaining courtesy and decorum,” he said at the closing ceremony and final round of the Prime Minister’s Premier Integrity Debate Cup (DPIPPM) 2025 at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) here yesterday.

Zambry added that debating also nurtures honesty in handling facts and arguments, steering students away from manipulation and slander.

The debate cup was organised by the Malaysian Institute of Integrity (IIM) in collaboration with UUM, the Malaysian Universities Debating Council (Madum) and the Policy and Economic Affairs Centre Malaysia (Peace).

It ran from Oct 24 to 27 under the theme “Youth of Integrity, Foundation of National Resilience.”

The tournament explored motions on governance within the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework, a subject of increasing global and regional concern, including in Asean.

A total of 60 teams participated, representing public and private universities, vocational colleges, and polytechnics, with two teams from Bandung, Indonesia, also joining.

Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) A emerged as champion, followed by International Islamic University Malaysia (second), UPNM B (third) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (fourth).

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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