On October 17, 2024, the 4th ‘Pioneer Cup’ English Debate Competition, part of the third Knowledge, Science, and Culture Festival series at Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, was successfully held in the university library.
As a major annual academic exchange event organized by the Department of Economics, the ‘Pioneer Cup’ English Debate Competition has now been held for four consecutive years. It not only serves as a platform for showcasing English proficiency but also offers students valuable opportunities to develop logical thinking, integrate interdisciplinary knowledge, and enhance teamwork. Since its inception, the competition has received enthusiastic participation and high praise from both students and faculty.
This year’s debate competition, lasting a month in total, featured all first-year students from the International Economics and Trade and Fintech programs, forming 40 teams. Through multiple rounds of preliminary and semifinal selection, two teams advanced to the final to compete for the championship.
In the final, the teams engaged in an intense debate on the topic “The Popularization of Fintech Accelerates/Hinders the Process of Global Trade Integration.” Representing the affirmative and negative sides respectively, the participants presented in-depth arguments. The affirmative team discussed how fintech enhances global trade by increasing transaction efficiency, reducing costs, and promoting information transparency, thereby facilitating seamless global trade. The opposing team, however, highlighted potential digital divides and unequal competition, emphasizing that technological advances may not benefit all countries and regions equally. With well-structured arguments, solid examples, and fluent English expression, both teams impressed the judges and audience, delivering an outstanding debate.
After a thrilling competition, the judges awarded the top three teams, comprising a total of 12 students. The awards were presented by Zhang Yang, Director of the Student Affairs Department; Wang Manli, Deputy Director of the Academic Affairs Department; Professor Meng Fanchen, the Chinese Director of the Department of Economics; and Russian Director Nikitushkina Irina.
Since its launch, the ‘Pioneer Cup’ has become a flagship event at Shenzhen MSU-BIT University. Each year, students from the Department of Economics actively participate, honing their critical thinking skills, enhancing English communication, and deepening their understanding of international economic issues. The continuation of this event reflects the department’s commitment to upholding the “Pioneer Spirit,” providing diverse academic and practical platforms to support students’ holistic development and empower them to achieve ambitious goals in a globalized world.
