| Aziz Idris |
THE finals of the Great Debate Competition will be held between Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (Maktab Sains) and Sayyidina Ali Secondary School at the Radio Television Brunei (RTB) today.
The competition kicked-off on February 25 with the preliminary and semi-finals rounds held at the Centre for Capacity Building (PPK).
Organised by the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam and the Department of Co-Curriculum Education at the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Great Debate Competition is being held for the second time with ‘Sustainability’ as the theme for this year’s debate, focussing on ASEAN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The competition is supported by CfBT Education Services and Standard Chartered Bank.
Competitors come from sixth form centres across the country, including Sengkurong Sixth Form Centre, Meragang Sixth Form Centre, Tutong Sixth Form Centre, Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College (Maktab Duli) and Hassanal Bolkiah Arabic Boys Secondary School.
The debating topics will touch on areas of sustainability that are relevant to Brunei, including government and corporate roles in encouraging sustainable behaviours, the United Nations’ SDGs, agriculture, environment and gender equality.
British High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Richard Lindsay said, “We are very excited to be able to work so closely with the Department of Co-Curriculum Education at the MoE to help young Bruneians develop and practise their public speaking and debating skills. These are essential skills for sixth form students as they prepare for their further education, and we hope that many of them will choose some of the world leading UK institutions for this.
“The topics chosen for the competition are also intended to encourage young Bruneians to start thinking about sustainable behaviours and the ways that they can contribute towards ASEAN’s goal to become a self-sustainable region.”
