Straits Students Speak Their Way to Yale University

Straits International School Penang students are competing in the final round of the World Scholar’s Cup at Yale University, USA, on 11 – 16 November 2022.

Nine of our students are travelling to Yale after successfully speaking their way through the Penang and Bangkok qualifying rounds to reach the Tournament of Champions of the prestigious global debating tournament.

We will be represented by two senior teams and one junior team for the Tournament of Champions. The students previously participated in the Penang and Global Rounds in Bangkok, competing against 1,300 students to win 20 gold and 15 silver medals with one trophy – providing them the qualifications to advance to the final leg of the tournament.

It is Year 10 Matthew’s second time joining the competition, but it is his first time – together with his schoolmates – heading to Yale University for the Tournament of Champions, he said:

“I look forward to the new experience and I hope to meet different people from the various countries represented, while experiencing new cultures. The competition has improved my social skills and I really hope to portray that in the Tournament of Champions.”

Year 10 student Deseree shared: “The World Scholar’s Cup has helped me discover new ways to explore different world topics. I wish my fellow friends and schoolmates all the very best in getting their individual achievements in various categories.”

International Learning Opportunities for Students (ILOS) leading teacher Ms Kasturi, who has been with the students every step of their competition journey said: “The students have been working hard, gaining confidence, knowledge and skills. They have been practising in their own time and they are improving individually and growing together as a team. I’m proud of how far they have come. The whole community wishes them all the very best for their Tournament of Champions at Yale!”

Travelling to compete at Yale is Jarrell (Year 7), Lakshana (Year 8), Gervaise (Year 8), Matthew (Year 10), Deseree (Year 10), Vaishnavi (Year 10), Ivan (Year 10) Jayden (Year 10) and Aidan (Year 11).