By, Farha Faqihah binti Mohd Ropi
Ideas met intellect, and voices carried conviction as the Pertandingan Debat Terbuka (PENDETA) Piala Pengarah Pusat Pembangunan Mahasiswa Holistik dan Kepimpinan Pelajar Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) 2025 unfolded on a national stage. Conducted entirely online, the competition brought together some of the country’s most promising student debaters, with the preliminary round taking place on 3 January 2026 in a dynamic virtual setting that demanded clarity, confidence, and critical precision.
Organised by the Pusat Pembangunan Mahasiswa Holistik dan Kepimpinan Pelajar, UMK, PENDETA UMK 2025 showcased rigorous exchanges of ideas across both Malay and English debate categories. Competing in the Malay category were two determined teams. Team A, represented by Muhammad Hariz bin Mesri, Azri Nurhafiz bin Azahar, and Muhammad Khairun Nizam bin Azhar, demonstrated structured argumentation and steady teamwork. Alongside them, Team B, comprising Nik Ahmad Afiq Isra bin Nik Muhamad Norisam, Farah Ainin Sofiya binti Azizan, and Nur Irdina binti Hamka, delivered thoughtful rebuttals and sharp analytical responses. In the English category, Nur Ellysa binti Ariffin, Nur Aleanie Saffiyya binti Zul, and Nur Auni Fathiyah binti Khairul Anwar stood out through their coherent delivery and strategic engagement, navigating complex motions with composure.
The competition reached its most decisive moment in the Final Round, where only the most outstanding debaters advanced. Rising to this challenge were the EDC debaters Nur Alia Humaira Binti Amat Kamal, Danial Hazmi Hamizi, Syasya Arina Bt Mohd Zaimi, and Anwar Haarith bin Adi Arman. Their performance in the final round demonstrated strong teamwork, well-developed arguments, and effective response to opposing views, leading them to secure the win in the English category of PENDETA UMK 2026.
On behalf of the IIUM World Debate and Oratory Centre (IWON) Pagoh, this achievement is a proud affirmation of its mission to cultivate speakers who engage with ideas thoughtfully and speak with purpose. Excelling in a highly competitive online environment underscores not only debating proficiency, but also adaptability and mental discipline.
More than a contest of arguments, PENDETA UMK 2025 was a platform for growth, resilience, and intellectual courage. As IWON Pagoh continues to shape confident and principled debaters, this success stands as a meaningful milestone that inspires future participation and reinforces the centre’s commitment to excellence on the national stage.***
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