In 2019 Cambodia will host, for the first time, a world-class showcase of the ability of young people to debate and speak publicly in English.

The Cambodia International Debate & Public Speaking Championship Series (CamDEBATE) is a premiere platform for professional development in debate and public speaking in English. Underwritten by IDP Education, a world leader in the provision of international education and student placement services, CamDEBATE aims to cultivate a healthy culture of dialogue and the sharing of different perspectives to foster understanding, friendship and knowledge among young people in Cambodia.

CamDEBATE is generating a great deal of attention, with more than 700 individuals between 15 and 25 years of age from different schools, universities, private companies, civil society and the general public expressing interest in participating in the 2019 competition. Of these, over 500 successfully completed the registration process and will contest an initial Audition Round.

“CamDEBATE seeks to facilitate the open exchange of ideas among Cambodian students and young professionals, and is committed to encouraging and promoting civil discourse. It is also a platform to develop important skills that benefit participants’ academic journeys, personal development and career prospects”, said Mao Sreng, Country Director, IDP Education (Cambodia). Contestants will engage in a series of exchanges of views in a dynamic atmosphere, from the Audition Round to the Elimination Round, the Semi-final Round and the Final Round in August 2019. Accordingly, they will explore and acquire extensive knowledge on important local and international issues.

As Cambodia has continued to develop at a rapid rate, with its GDP having been at about 7% for more than a decade, the demand for quality education has also grown exponentially. It is estimated that 65% of the country’s population is under the age of 30, which makes for a huge demand for education. Critical thinking, presentation and problem-solving skills are among the important skill sets that young Cambodians are developing to ensure their market competitiveness and be able to realise their professional ambitions.

To date, 20 schools, universities, debate clubs and other institutions have partnered with CamDEBATE. These include the Australian Centre for Education (ACE), IELTS Cambodia, the Institute of Foreign Languages, Norton University, Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia, Western University, Beltei International University, Aii Language Center, Westline School, American University of Phnom Penh, University of Cambodia, Angkor University, Mean Cheay University and the University of South East Asia, as well as the Cambridge Education Group, which consists of Stafford House, CATS College and ONCAMPUS.

Contestants will participate in the debate category, the public speaking category or both. Ten champions will be awarded a medal, trophy and 2-week study tour to the United Kingdom, among other prizes.

“Cambridge Education Group and our Stafford House colleagues are looking forward to hosting the 10 winners of the 2019 CamDEBATE Championship here in the United Kingdom. I’m sure they will have a fun, enriching and memorable experience during their two weeks in the UK”, said Leigh McIntyre, Stafford House Deputy Global Sales Director, Cambridge Education Group.

As a CamDEBATE training partner, ACE, which has been teaching public speaking and debate skills and hosting internal public speaking and debate contests within the school for 20 years since 1999, will assist contestants with relevant training and up-skilling sessions.

“CamDEBATE provides an opportunity to individuals who wish to engage in debate and public speaking in English to showcase their proficiency and increase their fluency. I believe contestants will have a rewarding experience even if they don’t win the championship. ACE is pleased to support such a wonderful initiative in Cambodia”, said Ashley Irving, ACE Principal.