Competitions We Host
Two fully online debate tournaments in 2027, each with Junior and Senior categories: Ipoh Mali Debate in April, and our national Malaysia Youth Debate Championship in May.
From Ipoh, to the world, and back again
Growing up in Ipoh, our founder Sharon Jessy had no way to compete against the best in the world. Years later, after debating in more than 16 countries and judging international tournaments, she’s bringing that stage home.
Ipoh Mali Debate is her thank-you to the city that shaped her: a tournament where Ipoh students test their ideas against each other, judged by invited adjudicators, without leaving home.
Two categories, one week apart
The Junior and Senior categories run on separate weekends, so every team gets the full attention of our judges.
- Fully online: teams debate live from their own school, with a teacher present
- Rounds judged by invited adjudicators, with feedback for every team
- Certificates for every participant, and awards for top teams and speakers
- A great first tournament for new debaters, and a real test for experienced ones
| When | April 2027. Spots open January 2027 |
|---|---|
| Categories | Junior and Senior, held one week apart |
| Teams | Teams of 3 speakers. 20 teams per category |
| Format | Fully online, judged by invited adjudicators |
| Who | Exclusively for Ipoh schools, debate clubs and learning centres |
| Fees | Announced when registration opens |
The road to Ipoh Mali Debate
- Register interestTell us your school and how many teams
- Confirm your teamsRegistration opens, with a briefing for teachers
- Junior weekendJunior category rounds and finals
- Senior weekendOne week later: Senior rounds, finals and awards
Want your team ready? Ask about our competition team training for schools.
Malaysia Youth Debate Championship
Our national tournament, open to students from every state. A bigger stage for debaters who are ready to test themselves against the best in Malaysia.
- Junior and Senior categories, capped at 20 teams each
- Fully online, so teams can join from anywhere in Malaysia
- Rounds judged by invited adjudicators, with feedback for every team
- Certificates for every participant, and awards for top teams and speakers
| When | May 2027 |
|---|---|
| Who | Open to all schools, clubs and students in Malaysia |
| Categories | Junior and Senior |
| Teams | Capped at 20 teams per category |
| Format | Fully online |
| Spots open | January 2027 |
| Fees | Announced when registration opens |
Save your school’s place
Places are limited to 20 teams per category, and spots open in January 2027. Register your interest and you’ll be first to hear.