SICS Clubs
SMU Debating Society
ABOUT US
Worried about class participation? The SMU Debating Society (SMUDS) community will teach you how to engage with classmates' responses, ask thought-provoking questions to impress your professors, and present your ideas effectively. This coming August, we will offer introductory workshops and guided debates for beginners to hone their debating skills.
In addition to debating, we actively engage with the community by organising and hosting events such as our annual tournament, the SMU Novice Debating Championship. This year, we hope to open it up to those who are new to debate to maximise access to debate — it's never too late to learn a new skill.
For those who aspire to debate competitively, SMUDS is home to champions of VinUni 2023, semifinalists of the Hong Kong Debating Championships 2023, and other debating achievements. Our seniors have extensive debating and coaching experience, and are committed to providing extensive feedback sessions to prepare you for competitive debating. If you have any other questions, talk to us @smudebate or follow for updates on our training and tournament dates.
REACH OUT TO US
GALLERY
OUR PEOPLE IN ACTION
OUR TRAINING
FRESHMEN TRAININGS
| Day | Tuesdays |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm |
| Venue | TBC |
REGULAR TRAININGS
| Day | Thursdays |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm |
| Venue | TBC |
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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Champions - VinUni Debating Championship 2023
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Semifinalists - Hong Kong Debating Championships 2023
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Quarterfinalists - DTU Summers Pre-UADC 2023
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Semifinalists - Malaysia British Parliamentary 2022
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Pre-Quarterfinalists - ASEAN Youth Debate 2022
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Organised the SMU Novice Debating Championship 2022
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Grand Finalist - UMSU International Debate Open
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Quarterfinalists - Ganesha Open 2021
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Octofinalists - Borneo British Parliamentary Championships 2021
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Semifinalists - Peking University Pro-Ams 2021
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Quarterfinalists - Asia E-Debate Challenge 2021
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Organised SMU Mini Pro-Ams 2020
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Chief Adjudicator - United Asian Debating Championship 2019
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Grand Finalists - Asian British Parliamentary 2019
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Grand Finalists - NTU Pro-Ams Debating Championship 2019
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Women’s Register - NUS Open 2019
Grand Finalists
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Quarterfinalists - Cambridge Intervarsity Debating Championship 2019
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Grand Finalists - SMU BP IV 2019
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Champions - SIM Debate Open 2019
HOW TO JOIN THE CLUB?
Students do not need to audition/interview to join us, we welcome all students who are interested in joining us!
https://t.me/+avJcDfqyC2xkMmQ1
This is the link to our recruitment tele channel
“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
Trainings for new debaters will focus on fundamental techniques and feature more accessible, beginner-friendly motions for debating. Regular trainings which are conducted on Thursday will be slightly more competitive with harder motions. However, both trainings will be conducted by accomplished and experienced debaters!
No. There are plenty of competitions that are catered to novices. You will also receive the support of our accomplished debaters when training and preparing for competitions!
Yes. There are plenty of competitions that are frequently being organised, and you can choose to participate in one that suits your schedule. However, do note that if you sign up for a major tournament, you will likely be expected to commit more time into training
No. While there are many competitions that you can participate in, it is perfectly fine for you to attend debate as a recreational activity or hobby.
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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