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HELD at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium Arena, unlike past contests, debaters had to present their arguments and speeches to an audience of hundreds. Under the spotlights and stares of a few hundred pairs of eyes, the debaters displayed exceptional calm and clarity.
The captain of the affirmative Shaman Chau (周尚融) broke the silence with her opening speech, “Allowing Uber to operate in Hong Kong not only solves the problems of a monopolistic market in the hired-car industry but also brings enormous benefits to the daily commuters who had to rely on hired-car services.” She spoke as her arms moved in rhythm. “Our first speaker will explain why the government should allow Uber to operate in Hong Kong, and our second speaker will speak at a higher position of ideology and the principle of our free market society.” The captain introduced her team and set out the agenda, the frame and the scope of the debate.
Despite some thinking the opposition had a tough time defending their case, the captain of the opposition did a brilliant job presenting their own arguments. “Please do not confuse free market competition with unfair competition.” Captain of the opposition Valkyrie Suen (孫愷然) said, stunning the audience, “Uber has the technological advantage, such as the use of apps, but it has no limitations and restrictions from government regulations. And more importantly, it exploits the so-called contract drivers by stripping 25 percent of their revenue and walking away with no obligations.”
Feasting on Main courses
LIKE eating out at an expensive restaurant, starters get diners excited but only the main courses bring people satisfaction. Deep into the arguments, the affirmative raised some interesting points, “Referring to the opposition claiming that Uber has exploited the contract drivers,” the first speaker of the affirmative, Daniel Wong (黃鈺泓), rebutted, “Uber drivers are freelancers. They are self-employed! Freelance drivers and Uber have mutually agreed on the arrangement. If what you have said is true, then you might as well oppose all forms of self-employment.”
On another occasion, the opposition did a great job defending their stance, “This is not about advocating a ‘big government’ policy but about a responsible government implementing regulations on the market,” The first speaker of the opposition, Lauren Chan (陳樂澄), stressed. “Taxi licenses are tightly controlled so to prevent an over-saturated market plus making sure our roads are not overloaded with hired-cars.”
Desserts to finish off
AFTER the fast-paced debate contest, the free debating session and the opening of the floor to a bombardment of questions was the important wrap up: an eye opening remark on debating skills delivered by Paul Shieh, the former Bar Association Chairman.
“Two quick notes on the already very high standard debate contest,” Paul said, trying to make his speech short, “when debating on a heavy subject such as the freedom of occupation or the principle of a free market, it would be very helpful to add a light-hearted human touch on the debate. For instance, one could emphasise how red taxis refuse to take passengers on a rainy Friday night or how Uber drivers rely solely on an electronic device for navigation.”
He quickly jumped onto the second point, “Never attempt to say too much when you have very little time left. When we, the adjudicators, can’t follow your statements, you lose points.” The perfect icing on the cake.
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| Champion |
| PLK Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College |
| Best Debater |
| Jacky Pang |
| 1st Runner up |
| St Paul’s Co-educational College |
| 2nd Runners up |
| Bishop Hall Jubilee School |
| PLK Ngan Po Ling College |
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| Best Motion Awards |
Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College
Motion: That environment takes priority over property rights |
| Most Improved Schools Awards |
| Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College |
| St Francis’ Canossian College |
| Most Outstanding Debaters Awards |
| Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College | Merton Poon Shui Sung |
| St Mark’s School | Kwok Hang Wai |
| PLK Ngan Po Ling College | Douglas Lau |
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Vocabulary
impeccable (adj) 完美的
top-notch (adj) 第一流的
clarity (n) 清晰
rhythm (n) 節奏
ideology (n) 意識形態
exploit (v) 剝削
obligation (n) 責任
icing on the cake (idiom) 錦上添花
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The captain of the affirmative Shaman Chau (周尚融).
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L-R: Jacky Pang, Daniel Wong and Shaman Chau of PLK Centenary Li Shiu Chung Memorial College.
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L-R: Valkyrie Suen, Lauren Chan and Helaine Liao of St Paul's Co-educational College.
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