SEGi University held an online opening ceremony for the inaugural Malaysia-China Intervarsity Chinese Debate Competition 2021/2022 today at its flagship campus in Kota Damansara.
The debate competition is jointly organised by SEGi University, Confucius Institute at SEGi University and Hainan Normal University, and co-organised by Confucius Institute at University Malaya, Confucius Institute Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Confucius Institute Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and Confucius Institute at University College of Technology Sarawak.
It is supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia and sponsored by Xiaomi Global Campus Ambassador.
The objective of the debate competition is to encourage more cultural exchanges between the youth of China and Malaysia, as well as strengthen the friendship between both countries.
Distinguished guests who attended the online opening ceremony include Zhao Chang Tao, Education Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, Hainan Normal University Vice President Professor Guo Jian Chun, debate advisors, panel of judges, and representatives from co-organising Confucius Institutes, participating universities and debate teams.
Counsellor Zhao Chang Tao represented the Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Ouyang Yujing to deliver his speech.
He said participating students will experience the profound cultural heritage and rich spiritual connotation of the Chinese language through their debates.
“I hope the students will admire the beauty of the Chinese language together and build a strong bond between China and Malaysia towards a better future.”
In her welcoming speech, Professor Hew Moi Lan, SEG International Berhad Group Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “We wish this event will become a platform for youth exchanges between China and Malaysia to be engaged in mutual dialogues and learning experiences.”
She extended her deepest gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia for showing great confidence and support to the Confucius Institute at SEGi University. She also thanked Xiaomi and participating universities for supporting the inaugural debate competition and welcomed the debate teams.
Teams participating in the debate competition are from SEGi University, University of Malaya, University Malaysia Pahang, University Malaysia Sabah, University College of Technology Sarawak, Hainan Normal University, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Hebei University, Changsha University of Science and Technology, and North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power.
Attendees from China and Malaysia attendees also shared a moment of cultural exchange when they enjoyed the performances of gamelan ensemble “Timang Burung” by Sanggar Seni Malaysia, University of Malaya and China folk song “Blue Moon” by volunteer teacher at the Confucius Institute of SEGi University Xu You Dan.
The Malaysia-China Intervarsity Chinese Debate Competition 2021/2022 preliminary round will be carried out on 26-27 February 2022 and 5-6 March 2022 before the finals take place on 26-27 March 2022.
The preliminary round matches are as below:
- Beijing Foreign Studies University vs University College of Technology Sarawak;
- Hainan Normal University vs SEGi University;
- and North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power vs University Malaysia Pahang;
- Hebei University vs University Malaysia Sabah;
- Changsha University of Science and Technology vs University of Malaya.