As the reporter of your school’s newsletter, you have to report the inter-house debating contest just held last Friday. Write the entry.
Trust brings home Championship
Last Friday, Virtue House and Trust House finally faced each other at the final of our Inter-House Debating Contest! Meeting at the English Room, they kicked start the battle with the motion ‘Hong Kong has done enough to preserve its unique culture’.
Being the first speaker of the affirmative side, Chris Wong from Virtue House pointed out at the beginning of the debate that Hong Kong’s unique culture must include its cultural diversity and the East-meets-West atmosphere, which can still be found nowadays in society. Quoting relevant examples like Hong Kong cuisine being the fusion of food from different countries, Chris was able to deliver his argument that as the uniqueness can still be found in Hong Kong, Hong Kong has done enough to preserve its culture.
On the other hand, Pat Li from Trust House stated clearly her side’s opposition towards the motion. While acknowledging the government’s efforts on certain aspects to preserve Hong Kong’s culture, like the setting up of the Xiqu Centre at West Kowloon Cultural District for Cantonese Opera, Pat criticised that such efforts are simply not enough for helping preserve Hong Kong’s culture. ‘Promotions for performing arts started only at the very late stage so the public are unaware and uninterested in them. But it is an important part of our culture,’ said Pat. ‘It’s part of our integral culture and the government has NOT done enough to protect it. Yet it is allowing the city’s tangible culture to be replaced by economic development as well.’ Pat ended her speech by referring to how Hong Kong’s historical buildings were demolished for reclamation and urban projects.
Both sides were able to highlight the arguments which best supported their stance. Jason Tang from Virtue House claimed that the Hong Kong Tourism Board has done a great job in promoting Hong Kong culture through tourism and thus some Hong Kong movies are also well-known in foreign countries. May Yeung rebutted that even if Hong Kong’s culture is known by other countries, it cannot change the fact that Hong Kong has not done enough. ‘The government did not even intervene when Hong Kong’s iconic “cha chaan tengs” are gradually replaced by international franchises,’ said May, stressing how little the government has done to protect Hong Kong culture. ‘Allocating more resources on cultural aspects like traditional handicrafts and performing arts will definitely play a role in preserving Hong Kong culture. It’s a suggestion that is hoped to be safeguarding Hong Kong’s cultural heritage.’
One of the adjudicators of the match, Mrs. Chan, showed her appreciation towards the students after the announcement of the results. ‘They were all able to make sound arguments confidently and with a broad smile on their faces. Of course, it would have been better if they could compare the situation of Hong Kong with those of other countries, but overall it was a satisfactory match. I can see that all debaters have done their preparation diligently and even though not all of them are winners, they can still gain a really cherishable learning experience.’ The junior form students who watched the debate also expressed their amazement and admiration towards the debaters. ‘I would like to be like them too!’ one of them chirped and many others nodded with agreement.
In the end, Trust House took the debate and won the championship of this year’s Inter-House Debating Contest. May was also awarded the best debater. Congratulations!
In fact, there are many other House activities coming up soon, so if you unfortunately missed the debate, make sure to support your House with your active participation! Or, see you next year in the Inter-House Debating Contest!
Chong Mei Sze
5C 2017-18