Sing Tao Inter-School Debating Competition crowns champions in 40th edition

The Sing Tao Inter-School Debating Competition celebrated its 40th edition on Wednesday. This year’s contest featured 216 competing teams, with Carmel Pak U Secondary School clinching the Chinese-language title by a narrow margin—marking their first championship win in 18 years—while Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai Secondary and Primary School triumphed in the English-language category. Both winning teams’ lead debaters were also awarded “Best Debater” honors.

Addressing the audience, Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin encouraged students to integrate the spirit of “discerning truth and upholding justice” into their daily lives.

Chinese final: infrastructure alone won’t make HK an ‘events capital’

The Chinese-language final tackled the motion, “The completion of Kai Tak Sports Park will effectively promote Hong Kong as an ‘International Events Capital.’” 

Arguing against the proposition, Carmel Pak U’s lead debater, Tam Ching-tung, drew from personal experience, recounting her trip to Singapore last year to attend Taylor Swift’s concert. 

She contended that a city’s appeal as an “events capital” hinges not just on venue capacity or uniqueness, but also on government support, transport efficiency, and hospitality offerings—factors that ultimately sway global stars and event organizers.

Her team edged out rivals from S.K.H. Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary School to claim victory, with Tam named Best Debater Award.

English final: medical fee reforms can optimize resources

In the English-language debate, the motion was “The public healthcare reform on fees and charges will promote the effective use of Hong Kong’s healthcare resources.” saw Hong Kong Baptist University Affiliated School Wong Kam Fai S.P.S. argue in favor, securing their return to the winner’s podium after a one-year hiatus. Lead debater Tang Hau-in also took home the Best Debater Award.

Amid roaring cheers from supporters, the champions received their trophies from Choi, while Sing Tao News Corporation executive director Cai Jin presented runner-up awards to S.K.H. Tsang Shiu Tim Secondary (Chinese) and St. Paul’s College (English).

In her speech, Choi praised Sing Tao’s four-decade commitment to nurturing critical thinking through debate, urging students to carry forward the ethos of “seeking truth and clarity” beyond the competition. “Treasure the profound friendships forged in your debating journeys,” she added.

Marking the milestone, this year introduced the Sing Tao Debating 40th Anniversary Outstanding Achievement Award, honoring historically dominant schools. 

Cai presented the accolade to St. Joseph’s College, St. Paul’s Convent School, St. Paul's School (Lam Tin), and Diocesan Girls’ School—all past powerhouses in the contest’s legacy.