Have you ever been to a debate competition? Well if you have, you would know that debate is like the sport karate, but instead of throwing kicks, they throw formal arguments at each other. Though it may seem easy through the observer’s eye, it is much more complex and has a much more intricate thought process than you may think. MyPSA aims to use this skillful challenge to create the National Pharmacy Debate Competition (NPDC). Uniting pharmacy students in the country in a way that nourishes the mind and the body.
Marking the 10th year of the competition, held on the 28th to the 29th of September 2024 at the University of Cyberjaya (UoC), six teams from five universities across Malaysia sat together and fought for the title Champion of NPDC 2024. The six teams included two from University Malaya (UM), one from Taylor’s University, Monash University, UoC and yours truly, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). On the first day, the participants sat together for the three preliminary rounds, testing their engines before giving full throttle. Despite being first timers, UKM’s team showed their efforts and managed to place third after finishing the preliminary rounds.
The second day started with fire in their soul, as participants got ready for the semi finals and finals of the competition. The top four from the preliminary rounds prepared to make structured and organised disputes against each other, as UKM defended themselves against Monash University. As sweat and tears were shed amidst the debate, Monash rose secured their place in the finals and pushed UKM to the bronze medal match.
As the finals ran through against Monash and Taylor’s university, UKM and UM debated their way through the 3rd place match. However, even with all their efforts in making sure their points come across, it was destined for them to become fourth in the competition. The closing ceremony proceeded with the announcement of the winner for the competition. As the drum rolled for the champions (Monash University), UKM’s team looked at them with admiration and maybe a tint of wistfulness. But as they held their heads up high, turning this loss into an opportunity, UKM’s team is determined to use this experience to the upcoming NPDC, and with the hope and will power they hold, maybe they will be crowned champions of the 11th MYPSA NPDC.
Written by: Melisa Iman Binti Mohd Rashidi
