- Edgar Cheng’s early struggles with communication led him to the world of debate, which opened many doors for him
- The German Swiss International School student sees debate as a way to change students’ lives and encourages them to discuss social issues
Edgar Cheng has bagged first runner-up at the Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards in the Linguist (English) category. Photo: HandoutWhen German Swiss International School student Edgar Cheng recalled the time before his first foray into debating, he said communication used to be a struggle.
“I remember being a fairly shy and reserved person as a kid, and I’d often stutter over my words,” said the 18-yearold, who is now in Year 13.
Edgar said that trying to overcome his personal challenges led him to debate, where he found an unexpected passion: “I did not expect to enjoy the experience of debating that much; it was just a way to improve my self-confidence.”
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As his journey progressed, Edgar developed a deep intellectual curiosity for the strategic elements of debate. “Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate debate as an intellectual exercise in pattern recognition,” he explained. This shift from a focus on self-improvement to broader intellectual engagement is a testament to his evolving relationship with the art of debate.
One memory that stands out in Edgar’s debating career is the 2017 Shanghai International Debate Open.
Recalling the tense atmosphere and the overwhelming joy of being announced as qualifiers, he said, “I remember sitting in the hotel lobby with a computer on my lap, watching the qualifying teams get announced one by one, then jumping up in celebration when our names were called.”
Despite not winning the tournament, this experience was a milestone in his journey that filled him with pride and a sense of achievement.
Edgar’s participation in international debating events offered him a unique perspective on global issues.
He described the challenges of arguing for positions contrary to his beliefs: “In a debate, you do not get to choose your side ... I was forced out of my personal comfort zone of beliefs.” These experiences were instrumental in broadening his understanding of complex global topics.
While discussing the skills developed through debate, Edgar emphasised the importance of well-structured arguments over mere rhetoric. He highlighted how debate can transform shy individuals and give them self-confidence, recalling his own transformation.
“When you give a debate speech, you usually have to speak for between three and eight minutes without interruption,” he explained, adding that this experience is an unparalleled way to foster speaking skills.
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Edgar’s proficiency in language and debate was recognised when he won first runner-up at the Student of the Year (SOTY) Awards in the Linguist (English) category. The awards are organised by the South China Morning Post and solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
The judges described Edgar as passionate about debating. He shares his passion by coaching other students, which he has done for more than three years. He sees debate as a springboard for changing students’ lives and encourages them to discuss social issues further by producing podcasts.
Edgar offered some practical advice for debate beginners: “A good, concise four-minute speech is easier to judge than a rambling six-minute speech.” He encouraged new debaters to focus on the substance of their arguments and seek continuous improvement.