Shanghai University hosted the award ceremony for its "International Students English Debate Competition" on Jan 8.

The competition attracted over 20 students from 12 countries, who engaged in debates on three topics: Empowering the Younger Generation, Shaping the Future of Humanity, and Focusing on the Future of Nature.

The first debate was held on Dec 11, 2024, and focused on the role of technology in education. The participants included Amukoma Collins, a master's student in control science and engineering from Kenya, and Arafat Abdallah Abusaba, a master's student in finance from Tanzania. The discussion concluded that over-reliance on technology may diminish the value of traditional education and face-to-face interaction.

On Dec 13, the second debate featured Zikonda Nyirenda, a master's student in computer science and technology from Zambia, and Kimi, a large language model, debating whether artificial intelligence has a positive impact on employment. Zikonda's team won with the argument that the development of artificial intelligence creates new job opportunities and stimulates economic growth.

The third debate, which occurred on Dec 20, involved Waqar Ali Shah, a doctoral student in environmental science and engineering from Pakistan, Avome Mba Marossia from Gabon, and Zikonda Nyirenda from Zambia, who debated the merits of a low-carbon lifestyle. The debate highlighted that a low-carbon lifestyle relies more on changing mindsets and personal behavior.

Source: Official WeChat account of SHU College of International Education College at "StudyatSHU"