ABOUT US
Find your voice with SMU Debating Society!
Scared of public speaking, or can't convey your thoughts clearly in class discussions? Feel like you lack the confidence to speak up when it matters? Come join the SMUDS community, where excellence meets inclusivity.
We're a group of passionate individuals supporting each other on our journey to master the art of spoken combat, and we're dedicated to helping everyone — from complete beginners to seasoned debaters — hone their speaking and argumentative skills. We’ll train you to engage thoughtfully, present your ideas effectively, and communicate well under pressure. Never worry about class participation again!
We provide multiple pathways for achievement and growth for novices and seasoned debaters alike to sharpen your skills and strengthen your resume, including:
- Twice-weekly training sessions
- Our signature 'Debating for Dummies' introductory workshops
- Participation in local and international tournaments
- Opportunities to organise large events as part of SMUDS’ series of signature tournaments
Whether you're starting out on your debate journey or ready to represent SMU as a competitive debater or judge, there's a place for you in our community. Join us to sharpen your analytical thinking skills, forge lasting friendships, and develop the kind of confident eloquence that extends beyond the debate floor!
REACH OUT TO US
Key Events
'Debating For Dummies’
Our introductory beginner workshop series, where we’ll introduce you to different debate formats, take you through the fundamentals of debating in a structured, step-by-step manner, and let you practice speaking in a supportive and comfortable environment.
SMU Novice Debating Championships
An SMU signature, SNDC is Singapore’s only novice-exclusive British Parliamentary (BP) tournament, usually held in early December each year after term closes. Join us as a debater, judge or help out behind the scenes!
WUDC Sofia (27 Dec 2025 – 4 Jan 2026)
This year, SMUDS is sending two teams to Sofia, Bulgaria for the World Universities Debating Championships!
SMU Hammers
SMUDS’ signature Asian Parliamentary (AP) tournament, held during summer break. SMU Hammers 2025 had over 150 participants, and we hope to make next year’s even better. Join our OC to learn more about organising large events!
Other Local & International Tournaments
Our debaters have the opportunity to attend both local and international tournaments, supported by the school. Major ones we’ve attended include the United Asian Debating Championships (UADC, Asia’s largest university debating championship) and the Asian British Parliamentary Championships (ABPs)!
GALLERY
OUR PEOPLE IN ACTION
OUR TRAINING
INTRODUCTORY SERIES (Semester 1, Week 1-5)
| Day | Tuesdays |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm |
| Venue | TBC |
REGULAR TRAININGS (Semester 1)
| Day | Tuesdays & Thursdays |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm |
| Venue | TBC |
REGULAR TRAININGS (Semester 2) (subject to change depending on members’ schedules)
| Day | Tuesdays & Thursdays |
| Time | 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm |
| Venue | TBC |
OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- Krabi ABPs, 2024 - 9th Best Judge
SMUDS members travelled to Krabi, Thailand for the annual Asian British Parliamentary Debating Championships (ABPs), where our member Su Let earned a coveted spot in the judge break! - VinUni Intervarsity Debating Championships, 2023 - Champions
Our members Lai Chee Yuen, Su Let and Wong Zi Yang travelled to Hanoi, Vietnam to debate their unique and inspiring ideas, clinching the champion trophy! - Intertext Pre-WUDC - Finalists, Semi-Finalists, and Top 12 Best Speakers
SMUDS earned speaking accolades at preparatory tournaments for the World Championships, with all finalists and semi-finalists placing amongst the Top 12 speakers! - UT Mara & DTU Summers Pre-UADC, 2023 - Quarterfinalists and Top 20 Speakers
SMU team Gong Jiao A gave a terrific showing across various preparatory tournaments for UADC (Asia’s largest university debating championship), breaking 7th (out of 108 teams) at DTU Summers! - Hong Kong Debating Championships, 2023 - Semi-Finalists
- Intertext ProAms Debate Open, 2023 - Quarterfinalists
- Makiling Debate Open, 2023 - Quarterfinalists
- Malaysia British Parliamentary, 2022 - Semi-Finalists
- ASEAN Youth Debate, 2022 (Cambodia) - Pre-Quarterfinalists
- UMSU International Debate Open, 2021 (Indonesia) - Grand Finalists
- Ganesha Debate Open, 2021 - Quarterfinalists
- Borneo British Parliamentary Championships, 2021 - Octofinalists and 9th Best Novice Speaker
- Peking University Pro-Ams, 2021 - Semi-Finalists, Overall Best Speaker, and 3rd Best Novice Speaker
- SHELL-NTU Inter-Varsity Energy Transition Debate Championships, 2021 – Champions and Overall Best Speaker
- NTU Pro-Ams Debating Championships, 2021 - Quarterfinalists
- Malaysia British Parliamentary Debating Championships, 2021 - Semi-finalists and 8th Best Speaker
- World Universities Debating Championships (WUDC), 2021 - Participation (2 teams)
- United Asian Debating Championships (UADC), 2019 - Chief Adjudicator
Our member served as Chief Adjudicator for UADC 2019, overseeing motions and adjudication for Asia’s premier debating championship. - Yogyakarta ABPs, 2019 - Grand Finalists
- NTU Pro-Ams Debating Championship, 2019 - Grand Finalists
- Cambridge Intervarsity Debating Championship, 2019 - Quarterfinalists
SMUDS advanced to the quarterfinals of one of the world’s most prestigious intervarsity debating competitions! - SIM Debate Open, 2019 - Champions
- NUS Open Women's Register, 2019 - Grand Finalists
A debate tournament highlighting women’s voices in competitive debating.
HOW TO JOIN THE CLUB?
We welcome all interested students — total beginners, novices and experienced debaters alike!
Join our recruitment channel for more updates: https://tinyurl.com/SMUDS-Tele-Vivace
“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.
Nope! You don't need to be a debater or know about debating — all are welcome at SMUDS. We provide training for debaters of all skill levels and experience, so you're sure to get up to speed :)
For new debaters, our introductory training series will focus on teaching debate fundamentals and feature more accessible, beginner-friendly topics and motions.
Regular training sessions are practice-oriented, with more challenging motions. However, novice debaters are more than welcome to join — our community is friendly and the focus is always on learning!
There are plenty of tournament opportunities throughout the year, including many catered to novices — such as our very own SMU Novice Debating Championships (SNDC)! The club will support you in training and preparation, so don't worry if you're a less experienced debater.
Do note that if you're attending one of the major tournaments (e.g. Worlds), you may be expected to commit more time to training.
Nope, you don't need to debate competitively to be a member of SMUDS! It's perfectly fine to debate recreationally or as a hobby, and we have many members who do so.
Yes — we believe debate should be accessible for everyone, and we allocate funding for both local and international tournaments!"
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