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

With their victory, the team—comprising Ezmal Padu, Nur Aisyah Aqilah Irwan, Said Yasser, and Nurul Syahirah Sabaruddin—took home RM3,000 in cash, along with a trophy and certificates of achievement.

The closing ceremony and prize presentation were officiated by UPKO President and Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick.

The runner-up title went to RhetoriGoats, a team from UMS consisting of Siti Nadjazuldina, Umair Sarip, Ahmad Faiz Zakwan, and Mohamad Fazli Losimin. They received RM2,000 in cash, a trophy, and certificates.

Third place was secured by Tiga Serangkai Bersatu from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), represented by Muhammad Syakhir Ifwat Abdul Karim, Ninexsionre Sulani, and Chin Guan Rong, who won RM1,500.

UiTM Sabah Branch came in fourth, with team members Mohammad Syafiq Amir, Siti Nurfazuanie Redzuan, Amisha Elyana Isnain, and Maslina Jeferydin taking home RM1,000.

Additionally, six other teams received consolation prizes worth RM500 each.

Ezmal Padu from the champion team was also named Best Debater. He emphasized the importance of such competitions in enhancing youth literacy on government policies and current issues.

“Competitions like this should continue because they help youth, especially in Sabah, gain a deeper understanding of current issues and sharpen their leadership skills,” he said, expressing appreciation to the organizers.

Another team member, Said Yasser, also supported the idea of making the debate competition an annual event.

“This competition has been very beneficial. I’m happy our team won—this was actually my first-ever debate,” he said.

The debate, which started on August 22, featured 10 teams with a total of 40 participants.

Held in conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Month, the competition aimed to instill patriotism, hone leadership and debating skills, and increase youth awareness of current affairs.