In order to enhance students’ English debating skills and expand their cross-cultural communication experience, the Student Affairs Office of Macao Polytechnic University organised an academic exchange visit to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (hereinafter “PolyU”) for its English Debate Team. The visit fostered in-depth interaction between the two institutions’ debating cultures.

The MPU delegation was warmly received by the PolyU English Debate Club. Accompanied by the club’s advisor, Professor Dr. Anne Schluter, the MPU staff and students were given a campus tour, immersing them in PolyU’s academic atmosphere and campus culture. The two teams subsequently engaged in friendly debate matches. Through this practical experience, they further developed their English Debate techniques, stimulated critical thinking through rhetorical exchanges, and learned from each other in the clash of perspectives, fully demonstrating the quality and spirit of debate.

The event also featured an observation session, where staff and students from both universities gathered in a lecture hall to watch a high-level demonstration debate delivered by senior members of the Chinese University of Hong Kong English Debate Team. The debaters’ rigorous logic, fluent expression, and superb technique greatly inspired all in attendance. A live question-and-answer session then provided students with a deeper grasp of strategic and technical intricacies. Participating students stated that the exchange was highly beneficial for elevating their debating standards and fostering a greater understanding and respect for multiculturalism, describing it as an immensely rewarding and fruitful experience.

The Student Affairs Office of Macao Polytechnic University stated that the exchange fully reflects the University’s commitment to whole-person education. Through collaborations with renowned institutions at home and abroad, the University effectively broadens students’ horizons and enhances their cross-cultural communication skills. It will continue to develop more academic exchange programmes overseas and in mainland China, supporting students in becoming outstanding talents with international competitiveness.

MPU staff and students visit the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus

The MPU and PolyU teams engage in friendly debate matches