Nguyễn Thị Thu Trang (second from left), Phạm Khánh Linh (third from left) and Bùi Thu Thảo (second from right) of Light Switch team became winners of the first ISME Debate Contest held by the National Economics University in 2022. Photo courtesy of the organiser

HÀ NỘI — In its first time being held, Hà Nội's ISME Debate Contest found its winners on Saturday.

Debating against the resolution: "Legislators should put monetary values ​​into the construction of their national environmental conservation system," the Light Switch team, with Bùi Thu Thảo, Phạm Khánh Linh and Nguyễn Thị Thu Trang from HNUE High School for Gifted Students (Hanoi National University of Education), convinced all the judges with clear ideas and rigorous arguments.

The trio had to compete against 34 other teams from top high schools and universities in Hà Nội through two qualifiers and two phases in the final.

Following the three girls were Dư Tiến Vinh, Trần Hải Linh and Lê Minh Anh from the VVV team, who grabbed second prize while LAD, CDC and The Bulls finished third.

"Our feeling can be summed up in two words: happy and emotional," said Thu Trang.

"We want to convey to everyone that environmental protection is essential, but achieving it through converting or measuring it with other values isn't the only way.

"For us, education is the key to improving the environment."

Vũ Quỳnh Trang, a jury member, said: "I was delighted to know that young students organised the contest as it was professional. The training sessions for candidates were much better compared to competitions that I used to join during my time at the university."

For judge Trần Bình Minh, this year's topic was close to daily life, and the contest will be the future format of debate competition.

"I was impressed by the excellence of the students. I like the format because it includes two skills: debating and giving solutions in business. I think this contest will give young people an entrepreneurial mindset, and I look forward to joining the competition in the next years," Minh said.

Vũ Quỳnh Trang (left), top 10 Miss Universe Vietnam 2019 and Google's Digital Marketing Strategist Trần Bình Minh were among this year's contest judges. Photo courtesy of the organiser

The ISME Debate Contest 2022, organised by The International School of Management and Economics (ISME) - National Economics University, aims to enhance students' analytical thinking, logic and research skills through debate.

The contest also focuses on solving business problems to find future sustainable development initiatives. VNS