What an inspiring event!

Recently, I was invited to be a Judge at the UEH University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City & International School of Business (ISB) Debate Finals.

I am thankful for the invitation from the ISB Academic Team. This group is such a pleasure to work with.

The student volunteers at ISB are always so helpful, and pleasant.

[𝐔𝐄𝐇 𝐃𝐄𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 - ISB ROUND] MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF THE GALA NIGHT - ENGLISH LEAGUE

The journey of the UEH DEBATE 2023 - ISB Round has officially ended with an unforgettable Finale with so many emotions and memorable experiences. See more info on their Facebook page here.

I never participated in Debate when I was in high school or college. Not even sure that my schools had debate teams.

Here I am reviewing the rules with fellow Judge Daniel who is an adjunct Professor of International Business on the side and an executive at GSK for his full time job.

Final Debate Topic: Degrowth

Degrowth is a purposeful strategy to stabilize economies and achieve social and ecological goals, unlike recession, which is chaotic and socially destabilizing and occurs when growth-dependent economies fail to grow. - Nature Journal

I have to admit this is a very challenging topic! I found myself swinging back and forth from one side to another as the students passionately argued their positions.

For more info, see here.

Both teams got to say a few words before the event began. If I could summarize the students in one word it would be HUMBLE.

After the 2 teams brilliantly performed, the Judges were invited to share some feedback.

Mr. Pham Dinh Que Chuong - MBA Lecturer, Operation Director of GSK

Mr Nguyen Manh Hung - Former President of HCM Toastmasters Club

Mr. Chris Le - EAP Lecturer, Former President of UEH-ISB Toastmasters Club

I did my best to encourage them, but they don’t need much! They’re already superstars!

And by this time…the pressure was off for the two final teams!

Here is a pic of the 2nd Runner Up team, along with my good friend Chris Le.

Here is the 1st Runner Up team, TEAM ACE, who performed beautifully, but alas, there is only one winner in this event.

And now, here is the winning team, TEAM FERN!!!

A huge highlight of the night for me was after the event ended, and we were chatting with the students on stage. When I went to congratulate Team FERN, two of the students told me that they attended my November workshop “Level Up Your Charisma” and they incorporated some of what they learned in the Debates!

I can’t adequately express how happy this made me feel.