World Schools Debating Championships 2002
"…the most prestigious competition of its kind world wide ..."

Organized by the Singapore International Foundation, this momentous event was held for the first time in the Far East and in Singapore.

Over nine days, more than 230 people comprising teams from six continents took part in debates held in various schools across the island.

SRJC was one such college that played host on 29th January 2002 to delegates from Argentina, Brunei, Bermuda Canada, England and Slovakia.

Arriving as early as 9 am for their preliminary rounds, our foreign guests were welcomed by the traditional Lion Dance and were treated to performances by the Indian Cultural Society, Malay Cultural Society and the Dance Club. Clearly impressed, one Canadian delegate was heard asking, "Does everyone in this school dance so well?"

After a local repast of traditional Malay 'kuihs' and curry puffs, the delegates made their way to the various venues for the debates.

The motion: THIS HOUSE SUPPORTS MISSILE DEFENCE.

Each of the three debates, held simultaneously was just as heated as the others. At the end of the session, Brunei, Canada and England emerged as winners to move on to the finals.

Lunch, an International fare, was a time of mingling and making friends among students, teachers, foreign guests and chaperones. After lunch, many who toured the premises were impressed with the College and her facilities. A delegate from Bermuda was especially impressed with the size of the college library, an important reminder of how fortunate we are.

One of the Canadian students, Gordo, entertained everyone with his card tricks. After half an hour, over thirty people were gathered round watching the impromptu performance.

The foreign delegates were simply impressed and felt that they could not thank the college enough for an exciting afternoon of educational, social and cultural activities. Indeed by the end of the afternoon, numerous email addresses were exchanged.

Kudos to the Student Council, ELDS, student helpers and the two teachers advisors, Mr. Cherry Chacko and Miss S. Latha for the hard work in ensuring that the day's events went on smoothly.