BINTANGOR: The Premier of Sarawak Debate Challenge Cup (PSDC) 2026 is poised to expand its reach to more aspiring debaters as Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak explores a strategic collaboration with Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Rajang Campus to strengthen students’ leadership, critical thinking and communication skills.
The initiative was discussed during a courtesy visit by an AZAM delegation, led by Strategic Communications Section’s Manager, Mohd Hassnal Hakim Junaidi, to IPG Rajang Campus recently, where they were received by the institute’s director, Dr Zainal Abiddin Masleh, and the management team.
During the meeting, AZAM introduced PSDC 2026, an inter-higher education institution debate competition held under the patronage of the Premier of Sarawak.
The competition aims to cultivate critical thinking, strengthen debating skills, and develop confident students who are able to articulate ideas effectively and contribute to Sarawak’s development.
The discussion also explored potential collaboration in implementing student development programmes focusing on leadership, communication, public speaking, critical thinking, talent development, and community engagement to produce graduates who are more competitive and prepared to face future challenges.
AZAM also shared information on AZAM Young Souls (AYS), a youth development platform that emphasises leadership, communication, volunteerism and talent development to nurture competitive young leaders with strong leadership values.
Hassnal said educational institutions are key strategic partners in developing quality human capital capable of meeting future demands.
“AZAM believes student development should not be confined to academic achievement alone. Exposure to leadership, communication, public speaking, and volunteerism equips them with the soft skills needed to become credible future leaders,” he said.
He added that strategic collaborations such as this not only provide added value to students but also create opportunities for knowledge sharing, implementation of high-impact programmes and stronger partnerships between educational institutions and development organisations.
Meanwhile, Zainal welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that the collaboration would be translated into meaningful programmes that benefit students while supporting Sarawak’s human capital development agenda.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas including leadership, communication, talent development, innovation and community engagement as part of efforts to produce competent young leaders, and support Sarawak’s long-term development aspirations through education and strategic collaboration.
