Championing Critical Thinking and Creativity: The 45th SEA Forensics and Debate Tournament at ISKL

From February 6-8, 2025, ISKL was delighted to once again host the annual SEA Forensics and Debate Tournament, welcoming 150 talented high school students from nine other schools, including both Malaysian and international institutions as far as Shanghai. This long-standing event – ISKL’s longest-running tournament – highlights our ongoing dedication to developing critical thinking and creative expression. It also embodies the spirit of community partnership, bringing together schools from Malaysia and overseas to collaborate, compete, and learn from one another.

Since its inception in 1979, the SEA Forensics and Debate Tournament has become an annual event that sees students engage in friendly competition and collaboration. Participants showcase their skills in a range of categories, including debate, acting, oratory, and impromptu speaking, among others. This year, the dedication and performance of all the students involved was truly impressive.

Over three action-packed days, students competed in seven categories: debate, original oratory, impromptu speaking, extemporaneous speaking, original interpretation, solo acting, and duet acting. These categories challenged students to think critically, speak persuasively, and act with confidence, with the chance to earn accolades such as the Alan McLean Sahabat Award, which recognizes the best spirit of friendship and cooperation between schools. Debates touched on a variety of thought-provoking topics, ranging from the impact of social media influencers to the role of AI in education. Other events such as Original Oratory and Duet Acting allowed students to demonstrate their creativity and passion, impressing both judges and spectators alike.

The tournament isn’t just about competition; it’s about connection. It’s a chance for young people to build relationships across cultures, fostering friendships that extend beyond the stage. This spirit of collaboration was evident throughout the event, where mutual respect and sportsmanship set the tone for all activities.

Three-time Tournament Director, Ms. Nadhirah Anwar who was supported by ISKL teachers Andrea Guerra, and Kim Rochon as well as six dedicated student volunteers, tells us, “My personal perspective is it's always such a joy seeing how much participants, coaches, and volunteers enjoy themselves at SEA Forensics and Debate. Though there is a plethora of logistics to manage, everyone's passion, heart, and camaraderie makes it all worthwhile.”

ISKL was delighted to welcome participants from Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar, Kolej Yayasan UEM, SMK Convent Bukit Nanas, SMK JalanEmpat, SMK St John’s, SMK St. Mary, Shanghai American School Pudong, Shanghai American School Puxi, and The International School of Kuantan. In addition to these schools, 40 refugee students from the STEM Savers Club at the Save School, attend the Duet Acting finals as part of their community partnership with ISKL.

A huge thank you goes out to the dedicated volunteers comprising parents, faculty, and staff who gave their time so generously to assist with judging, timing, and supervision, and who helped make the event such a success, from judging to timing and supervision.

Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and courage. It takes courage, confidence, and a great deal of practice to perform in front of an audience, and every student who took part demonstrated remarkable commitment. While there were winners in each category, every participant truly went home a winner, gaining valuable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

As we reflect on this successful event, we look forward to the future of the SEA Forensics and Debate Tournament. ISKL is excited about next year’s 46th tournament and the opportunity to continue nurturing the next generation of eloquent speakers, critical thinkers, and global citizens.