Dharma D’Gaya Crowned Champion of UPKO President’s Cup Debate

KOTA KINABALU: The Dharma D’Gaya team from the Gaya Campus of the Institute of Teacher Education (IPG) emerged as champion of the UPKO President’s Cup Debate Competition, held at the Postgraduate Auditorium of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

The winning team – comprising Ezmal Padu, Nur Aisyah Aqilah Irwan, Said Yasser, and Nurul Syahirah Sabaruddin – walked away with a RM3,000 cash prize, a trophy, and certificates of achievement.

The prize-giving ceremony was officiated by UPKO President and Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick.

The RhetoriGoats team from UMS, made up of Siti Nadjazuldina, Umair Sarip, Ahmad Faiz Zakwan, and Mohamad Fazli Losimin, secured second place, earning RM2,000, a trophy, and certificates.

Third place went to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Tiga Serangkai Bersatu team, represented by Muhammad Syakhir Ifwat Abdul Karim, Ninexsionre Sulani, and Chin Guan Rong, who took home RM1,500. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sabah Branch claimed fourth place with a RM1,000 prize, represented by Mohammad Syafiq Amir, Siti Nurfazuanie Redzuan, Amisha Elyana Isnain, and Maslina Jeferydin.

Six other participating teams each received consolation prizes of RM500.

Ezmal Padu of the Dharma D’Gaya team was named Best Debater, describing the competition as a crucial platform for strengthening youth literacy on government policies and current issues.

“Competitions like this should continue as they help young people, especially in Sabah, to deepen their understanding of national issues while developing leadership skills,” he said, expressing gratitude to the organisers.

His teammate, Said Yasser, echoed the sentiment and suggested making the debate competition an annual event. “This competition has been very beneficial, and I’m happy our team came out on top,” he said.

The debate, held in conjunction with Independence Month, ran from Friday to Sunday with 10 teams and 40 participants. The event aimed to promote patriotism, sharpen debating skills, and enhance youth awareness of national issues.