China's best debaters take on Sydney team
14 October 2009
With pride on the line, the world's best University debating squad, the University of Sydney Union debate team, challenged China's number one debating team from Tsinghua University to determine if higher education should be free for all students.
The University of Sydney debated the negative position and made a persuasive case but with more than 450 of the University's Chinese student population filling McLaurin Hall it was easy to pick the crowd favourite.
Director of the University of Sydney Union and organiser of the debate, Alistair Cowie said the "Tsinghua -Sydney University Friendship debate" is a way to reach out across cultures.
"The University of Sydney Union debating team takes very seriously its ranking as the world's best in the British Parliamentary style of debate and in 2007 were able to send 4 debaters over to Tsinghua University for the inaugural friendship debate."
"In both 2007 and the 2009 visits, our debaters also spent some time sharing tips on debating in English and in the British parliamentary system."
"We often reach out to our neighbours with sport but it is nice to do it in a way that is more cerebral," said Alistair.
The debate was just one part of Tsinghua Day activities held at the University of Sydney on 13 October.
The University of Sydney, led by Professor John Hearn, Deputy Vice Chancellor (International) officially welcomed the high-level delegation to the University of Sydney. The delegation included Professor Shi Zongkai, Vice Chairman of Tsinghua University Council, along with faculty representatives from Tsinghua's School's of Engineering, School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences and Aerospace.
While here, academics from Tsinghua University will be examining our approach to student services, strategic planning and development and will explore numerous new collaborations.
Tsinghua Day celebrates the University of Sydney's collaborations with China's Tsinghua University. This long-term partnership with Tsinghua University was strengthened through the successful "Sydney University Day" program at Tsinghua on 7th November 2007.
Contact: Michelle Wood
Phone: 02 9351 3191