SICS Clubs
SMU Debating Society
ABOUT US
SMU Debating Society is a family of like-minded individuals who come together weekly to share perspectives and challenge each other’s ideas through verbal spars on a wide range of issues. We remain one of Singapore’s top debating societies, representing the university in various regional and international championships, while actively giving back to the sport through our various flagship events.
Join us at our regular training sessions, represent SMUDS at debating tournaments around the world, or play a part in organising some of our very own events. Whether you aspire to be the next top debater, gain organizational experience, sharpen your analytical skills or simply bask in the company of like-minded individuals, SMU Debating Society provides a one-stop platform to give your university life an enriching experience!
Reach us at smuds@sa.smu.edu.sg!
GALLERY
OUR PEOPLE IN ACTION
OUR TRAINING
NEW DEBATERS TRAINING
| Day | Tuesdays |
| Time | 7:45 pm to 10:00 pm |
| Venue | TBC |
REGULAR TRAININGS
| Day | Thursdays |
| Time | 7:45 pm to 10:00 pm |
| Venue | TBC |
*Nearing tournament seasons, expect more trainings with debaters from other institutions as well!
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Ganesha Open 2021
Quarterfinalists - Borneo British Parliamentary Championships 2021
Octofinalists - Peking University Pro-Ams 2021
3rd Best Am Speaker, Semifinalists - Asia E-Debate Challenge 2021
Quarterfinalists - Organised SMU Mini Pro-Ams 2020
An online tournament during the COVID-19 crisis aimed at exposing novice debaters to competitive debating. - United Asian Debating Championship 2019
Chief Adjudicator - Asian British Parliamentary 2019
Grand Finalists - NTU Pro-Ams Debating Championship 2019
Grand Finalists, 2 x Quarterfinalists - Women’s Register-NUS Open 2019
Grand Finalists - Cambridge Intervarsity Debating Championship 2019
Quarterfinalists - SMU BP IV 2019
Grand Finalists, Semifinalists, Pre-Semifinalists - SIM Debate Open 2019
Champions, Finalists, Pre-Semifinalists, Overall Best Speaker - Organised SMU Hammers 2019 and SMU BPIV 2019
Two of our annual flagship debating events.
DO I NEED TO AUDITION TO GET INTO THE CLUB?
No, we welcome all students who are interested in joining us!
“Debate helps me to think sharper and meet fellow debaters in SMU, regionally and around the world. It exposes me to current affairs and ways of thinking that I have yet discovered. SMU Debating Society promises all the above, and that’s why I’m proud to be an SMU Debater”
- Hannah Zou, School of Social Sciences, Year 2
“In SMUDS, you will be bestowed with wisdom, acuity and strength. Wisdom from the exchange between yourself, peers and adjudicators. Acuity from the pressure to come up with something from nothing. Strength from your budding confidence and the supportive peers around you. I never regret the time spent in SMUDS.”
- Alexis Loy, School of Law, Year 3
FAQ
With a mix of both content lectures on key debate themes and sparring sessions among members, benefit from the experience and knowledge from our seniors, alumni, and even other prominent debaters in Singapore!
Absolutely NOT! Trainings are free and open as long as you are interested and participate actively!
Stand a chance to represent SMU at local debating tournaments such as SMU Hammers, SMU BP IV, NTU Dorothy Cheung and WR-NUS. You may also expand your competitive experience to regional tournaments such as Malaysia Debate Open and Asian British Parliamentary Debating Championship, or even international tournaments such as the World Universities Debating Championships!
Trainings are now conducted both online and in-person (when permitted by regulations), so you get to have a good mix of meeting debaters in-person in some trainings, and being in the comfort of your own home for others! Many regional and international tournaments are now also conducted online, meaning you get to compete with regional debaters too!
NOPE! We accept debaters from all levels, and you can be sure that you will get up to speed learning about debating from our seniors.
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