Golden waves of rice and fragrant fruits mark the season. To enhance campus culture, broaden students' international perspectives, and stimulate their interest in studying and researching China's economic development while improving their English communication and critical thinking skills, the Economics Department of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University successfully held the final of the 2nd "Pioneer Cup" English Debate Competition on October 14, 2022, at the International Activity Center on the 9th floor of the library. Initiated in 2021, the "Pioneer Cup" English Debate Competition is an English debate contest for first-year undergraduate students majoring in International Economics and Trade. This year's competition continues the tradition of the previous one and is part of the university's first Knowledge and Culture Science Festival series.
The theme of this year's debate was "Digital Economy and the Development of Chinese Enterprises." This theme not only aligns with the trend of digital economic development in China but also reflects the characteristics of the International Economics and Trade major. The rise of digitalization is leading a profound societal transformation, with data becoming a new factor of production and digital technology permeating all aspects of work and life. The digital economy is continuously impacting the global economic structure and competitive landscape, significantly affecting the development of Chinese enterprises.
All students from the 2022 cohort of the International Economics and Trade major actively participated in the competition. Four classes selected eight teams to compete, with two teams emerging from nearly a month of preliminary and semi-final rounds to reach the finals.
As the host announced the start of the debate, both sides immediately engaged in a heated exchange. They meticulously pointed out logical flaws in their opponents' arguments, demonstrating clear thinking, sharp rhetoric, and agility of mind. Their calm and confident demeanor showcased the confidence and style of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University students. The fluent speeches sparked intellectual fireworks, providing the judges and audience with a spectacular debate. In the end, the debate team consisting of Ouyang Yongqin, Chen Yongshi, Jiang Lai, and Ouyang Lu won the championship. The team of Li Ruixin, Ren Zixuan, Huang Xuanhao, and Liu Boya secured the runner-up position, while the team of Zeng Hui, Chen Zhuoran, Lu Jingwen, and Zhang Jingqi took third place.
After the debate, the judges provided feedback on the competition. Professor Yelena Arkhipova, Russian Director of the Economics Department, commended the debaters for their outstanding performance and suggested that both sides could delve deeper into their arguments to avoid merely surface-level questioning. She also offered some professional advice. Professor Meng Fanchen, Chinese Director of the Economics Department, expressed pride in the contestants' impressive performances, praised their courage and determination, and encouraged students to build solid foundations, innovate, and strive for excellence.
President Li Hezhang attended the awards ceremony, presenting the winner's certificates to the champion team and receiving the trophy from the previous winner to award the new champion team. He congratulated all award-winning teams, fully acknowledging the students' English debating skills and enthusiasm for participation. He encouraged students to carry forward the pioneering spirit, strive for scientific excellence, and continue to write beautiful chapters of youth.
"Debate serves to clarify right and wrong, scrutinize order and disorder, distinguish similarities and differences, and uncover truths." This debate competition enriched campus cultural life, enhanced students' critical thinking and moral cultivation, improved their verbal expression and adaptability, and shaped their character and demeanor, showcasing the excellent spirit of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University students.
