KUCHING: 74 young debaters received insights into Sarawak’s corporate sector as part of their final preparation for the inaugural Premier of Sarawak Debate Challenge Cup (PSDC) 2026, which begins tomorrow (Aug 17).
The participants took part in Sponsors’ Day featuring industry partners Bintulu Port, SACOFA and Press Metal, giving them exposure to industry perspectives and the role of businesses in Sarawak’s development.
AZAM Sarawak Strategic Communications manager Mohd Hassnal Hakim Junaidi, who is also PSDC 2026 deputy chairman, said the industry engagement was aimed at developing participants who could understand the realities behind the issues they debate.
“We greatly appreciate the support from Bintulu Port, SACOFA and Press Metal. For AZAM, this support goes beyond organising the competition as it represents an investment in developing Sarawak’s young talents,” he said.
Press Metal Kuching Branch Administration and Operations office manager Nina Melling said debating could equip participants with communication and presentation skills that would benefit them when they entered the workforce.
“The participants are part of Sarawak’s future workforce. Skills developed through debate, such as communication, presenting ideas and making presentations confidently, are very important in the workplace,” she said.
Sponsors’ Day concluded three days of preparatory activities for the competition, which included networking, intensive debate training with Majlis Debat Universiti Malaysia (MADUM) and industry engagement.
The competition rounds begin tomorrow (Aug 17), with the Grand Final scheduled for Aug 18 at Dewan Jubli, UiTM Sarawak Branch, Samarahan Campus.
Held under the theme “Engaging Minds, Advancing Sarawak”, PSDC 2026 aims to develop young people with critical thinking, communication and argumentation skills while deepening their understanding of Sarawak’s development.
