SJI’s Malay Language Debating Team Clinch Runners-Up Trophy
1 August 2025
Led by Overall Best Speaker Ariel Aiman, the team finished Runners-Up to Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah at the 2025 National Debate Competition Grand Final.
SJI’s Malay Language Debate Team had an outstanding season by clinching the Runners-Up position in the 2025 National Debate Competition Grand Final (Secondary) held on Saturday, 3 August 2025. The event was organised by the Malay Youth Literary Association and Bahas 4PM Academy.
The SJI Debating Team comprised Ariel Aiman (LE509), Amir Hamza (FN504), Adrian Maulana (FN502) and Danish Anaqi (FN501).
Leading the charge was Ariel Aiman, who delivered an extraordinary performance throughout the competition, clinching the Overall Best Speaker Award after winning the Best Speaker accolade in every round of the competition.
The journey to the Grand Final was a testament to the team’s skill, determination, and teamwork. In the group stage, SJI overcame opposition teams, Madrasah Al-Ma'arif Al-Islamiah and Singapore Polytechnic, convincingly. The semi-finals saw the Josephians being drawn against Madrasah Al-Ma'arif Al-Islamiah once again, this time in a thrilling rematch which SJI won decisively to secure their place in the championship final.
In the Grand Final, SJI faced a formidable team from Madrasah Aljunied Al-Islamiah in a tightly contested debate on the motion “Dependence on the services sector strengthens Singapore’s economic sustainability”. Both sides delivered sharp, eloquent arguments that captivated the audience throughout the finals, and though SJI narrowly missed out on the championship title, the team’s performance was nothing short of exemplary and our Josephians were able to leave with their heads held high.
This competition continues to serve as a valuable platform for young Josephians taking Malay Language to hone their linguistic finesse, critical thinking, and public speaking skills through debates on relevant and challenging topics.
Well done, Josephians, on your remarkable achievement and unwavering spirit throughout this season. We celebrate your excellence!
Written by: Ruben Mathew Oommen (MN517) and Mohamed Effendi Bin Eddie Fier Ros (FN503)