On July 1, 2025, the 12th Asia-Pacific Chinese Debate Competition, hosted by the Chinese Language Society of Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), officially kicked off. At this grand event gathering the best debating talents from top universities across the Asia-Pacific region, four students from the Cheung Kong School of Journalism and Communication at Shantou University — Zhang Yuanyuan (Team Leader, Class of 2021, International Journalism and Communication), Zhu Mengcheng (Class of 2022, International Journalism and Communication), Yang Yuxuan (Class of 2024, Journalism), and Zeng Yuquan (Class of 2024, International Journalism and Communication) — fought side by side alongside their teammates. After intense rounds of competition, they ultimately secured the "Top 12" honor, achieving a milestone result for the university in this high-level international competition.
competition venue in Singapore
Under the full guidance of Teacher Zhu Huibin from the College Youth League Committee, the Shantou University debate team traveled to Singapore to participate in the offline competition. In the Group N round-robin matches, the Shantou University students faced formidable opponents head-on, demonstrating extraordinary debating skills and team spirit. Their brilliant performance and sharp critical thinking on the fiercely competitive stage delivered two high-level intellectual clashes for the audience and judges, earning respect and admiration.
competition venue in Singapore
This breakthrough began with the online qualifiers in March 2025. The Shantou University debate team found themselves in a "Group of Death," caught between the defending champion Wuhan University and the quarterfinalist Cambridge University. Facing such formidable opponents, the team pulled off a stunning upset by defeating both rivals through meticulous preparation and on-the-spot adaptability, securing the only qualifying spot for the offline competition. "We never imagined we could beat the strong teams," team member Zeng Yuquan admitted. "But this experience proved that striving without fixating on the outcome can turn the impossible into reality." This crucial victory injected strong confidence into the team for the Singapore showdown.
Shantou University advances to the top 12 match results
Behind the glory lies the arduous effort under months of high pressure. The preparation period coincided with the grueling "hell week" of final exams, where academic and debate pressures were intertwined. "Preparing for the CET-6, reviewing for exams, and working on photography projects while squeezing in time for debate practice was almost suffocating," Yang Yuxuan recalled. "But counting down the days to the Asia-Pacific tournament, I told myself I had to hold on." This perseverance ultimately forged a growth that transcends victory or defeat: "The nights we climbed together, the starlight we shone for each other in the darkness — these gave me the courage to face immense pressure. These are far more precious than any ranking."
the Shantou University team with senior alumnus and judge Liao Yanlin
the Shantou University team
