The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) proudly celebrates another milestone in its Arabic debating journey with a strong performance at the AFKAR Arabic Debate Competition 2025, organized by the Elkaffah Centre from Indonesia. This year’s participation marked a significant step forward for the university, as newly recruited debaters took to the stage, guided by the wisdom and experience of their senior teammates.
The strategic decision to feature new debaters alongside experienced ones was aimed at providing early exposure to the intensity, format, and standards of competitive Arabic debating. This mentorship approach allowed the fresh talents to not only gain firsthand experience in a prestigious tournament but also to develop their skills in real-time under the guidance of seasoned debaters.
A Clean Sweep to the Quarter-Finals
IIUM’s participation this year was remarkable for another reason — the university sent three competitive teams, and all three broke into the Quarter-Finals stage. This is a rare feat that highlights the depth of IIUM’s debating talent and the effectiveness of its preparation system.
The results were as follows:
- IIUM [A] – Quarter-Finalists | Ranked 6th Overall
- IIUM [B] – Semi-Finalists | Ranked 3rd Overall
- IIUM [C] – Quarter-Finalists | Ranked 5th Overall
These achievements secured IIUM the title of 2nd Best Institution Overall, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse in the Malaysian Arabic debating scene.
Beyond Trophies: Building the Next Generation of Debaters
The AFKAR Arabic Debate Competition 2025 was not just a contest of arguments, but also a training ground for IIUM’s next generation of debaters. Through their active involvement, the new members experienced the full spectrum of tournament life, from intensive case preparation and high-pressure rounds to the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the debating community.
Senior debaters played a vital role as both teammates and mentors, ensuring that the newcomers were supported at every stage. This experience is expected to lay a solid foundation for future tournaments, as the club continues its mission of sustaining excellence while nurturing emerging talent.
Looking Ahead
The strong performance at AFKAR 2025 serves as both a proud achievement and a motivating force for the IIUM Arabic Debating and Public Speaking Club. With its blend of experienced leaders and promising new talents, the club is poised to achieve even greater heights in the months and years ahead, in shaa Allah.
IIUM congratulates all participants for their resilience, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. May their success inspire future cohorts to embrace the art of debate as a means of learning, growth, and service to the community.