Over 180 Students Demonstrate Public Speaking and Critical Thinking at Inaugural National Secondary Schools Chinese Debate Competition
Published on: 15 Aug 2026
逾180名学生在第一届全国中学生华语辩论赛中展现公开演讲与批判性思维能力
186 students from 28 secondary schools participated in the inaugural National Secondary Schools Chinese Debate Competition, and the top four teams were recognised at the awards ceremony today. Guest-of-Honour Mr Xie Yao Quan, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Member of Parliament for Jurong Central Single Member Constituency and Leader of the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL) Preschool Group, delivered a speech and presented awards to the winners at the event.
2 Jointly organised by the CPCLL and the Tan Kah Kee Foundation (TKKF), the competition aims to boost students' public speaking and debating skills, cultivate their critical thinking skills, and strengthen their confidence in using the Chinese language.
3 A total of 31 teams competed across three preliminary rounds and the semi-finals, with Hwa Chong Institution (High School) and Evergreen Secondary School emerging as the finalists. Please refer to the Annex for the list of participating schools and finalists.
4 In the lead-up to the competition, around 200 students – comprising student participants and student helpers from the two organising schools, CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls' School and Catholic High School – attended three virtual workshops which covered the fundamentals of debate, from critical thinking and argument construction to questioning techniques and debate strategies.
5 For more information, please visit cpcll.sg.
About the Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning
The Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL) was established in January 2005 by the Ministry of Education to bring together schools, community organisations, the media and professional bodies to foster the learning of Chinese language, literature and culture beyond the classroom. The CPCLL actively organises engaging and interactive activities that inspire students and develop in them an abiding interest in Chinese language and culture. For more information, please visit cpcll.sg.
About the Tan Kah Kee Foundation
Established in 1980, the Tan Kah Kee Foundation honours the legacy of Tan Kah Kee（陈嘉庚）, a philanthropist, entrepreneur and educationist dedicated to advancing education and serving the community. Inspired by his lifelong commitment to education, the Foundation supports students and promotes lifelong learning, innovation, cultural development and community engagement through scholarships, awards, and educational and cultural programmes. The Foundation also partners with educational and community organisations to create opportunities for future generations and uphold the values of learning, service and social responsibility. For more information, please visit singaporetkkf.com.sg.