NIMS University is delighted to announce the organization of the 2nd AUAP Students English Debate Competition (SEDC), in cooperation with the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP the Master’s Institute Development Academic and Seminary (MIDAS), and Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand, the competition will be held from 5th-8th April 2025, in Bangkok and Ayutthaya, Thailand.

The debate competition will revolve around four thought-provoking topics: the necessity of LGBT+ inclusive sex education in universities, the effectiveness of standardized tests in measuring students’ abilities, the impact of technology on intelligence, and the sustainability of organic farming as a future food production method.

The competition aims to provide contestants with opportunities for skill development, knowledge enhancement, improvement in critical thinking and listening skills, confidence building for effective public speaking, and broadening viewpoints. It also aims to enhance self-expression, self-esteem, research skills, logical and clear thinking, and to help students acquire critical life skills essential for future academic and professional success.

Debates are key to students’ skill enhancement and overall personality development. Such competitions shape students’ opinions on various subjects and prepare them to face the world with confidence and professionalism. NIMS encourages all students to participate in this elevating experience to develop into responsible, articulate, and potential leaders.

On behalf of the AUAP Secretariat, the cordial invitation for nominations for more than one team from each institution to participate in the 2nd AUAP Students English Debate Competition is acceptable. Each team must consist of three contestants and one coach. A total of thirty-two teams will be entertained based on first-come, first-served.

The registration fees for members are USD 550 per person for early bird registration until June 30, 2024, and USD 650 from July 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. For non-members, the fees are USD 650 per person for early bird registration until June 30, 2024, and USD 750 from July 1, 2024, to January 31, 2025. The fees include hotel accommodation, meals, airport pickup and drop-off services, awards, certificates, tours, and gifts.

Prizes for the competition include cash awards, medals, and certificates. The winner will receive USD 1,200, the 1st runner-up will receive USD 800, and the 2nd runner-up will receive USD 500. In addition, there will be awards for the best public speakers, with USD 100 and a certificate for both male and female categories. The deadline for registration is February 28, 2025.

NIMS encourages enthusiastic participation and contributions to this competition of its students.

About AUAP

The Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) was established on July 28, 1995, and serves as a primary platform for interaction and collaboration among member universities and to be an effective voice for universities in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognized by UNESCO, AUAP is dedicated to promoting higher education through cooperation and collaboration among its members.

For more information and to register, please visit: [AUAP SEDC 2025] https://auap.org/sedc2025?#scrollTop=0