unrinews. The importance of a forum in improving the quality of graduates and student development in higher education. In 2023, the University of Riau (UNRI) was entrusted to hold the Regional Level I Selection of the 2023 Sumatra National University Debating Championship (NUDC), which was officially opened by UNRI Rector Prof. Dr. Sri Indarti SE MSi, Friday (26/5/2023) at the Gurindam II Hall of the Swiss Belinn SKA Hotel Pekanbaru.
The Head of the Indonesian Talent Development Center (BPTI), Asep Sukmayedi SIP MSi, in his remarks, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to UNRI for being willing to host the 2023 NUDC.
"We are very proud to collaborate with UNRI. Since the start of this debate competition in 2008, we have recognized the importance of this platform in improving the quality of graduates and fostering student development at universities," he said.
Therefore, we consistently implement NUDC, even while all student achievement development activities are underway. All talent competitions are centered on national achievements, currently run by the Indonesian Talent Development Center.
He further explained that we will continue to maintain and develop NUDC. This event will be a platform that will spark students' enthusiasm to improve their achievements and identify debating talents to represent Indonesia at the national level.
This is also an opportunity for students to develop themselves, develop their potential and talents in developing thinking, reasoning, communication, and other soft skills that are very necessary for students when pursuing a career.
"Congratulations to all the participants who took part in this talent show. We hope you will do your best. We look forward to the participants at the national level of NUDc," he said.
In 2023, NUDC changed the format of the regional selection scheme. From 2020 to 2022, during the pandemic, regional selection was conducted using a video submission system. However, this year, regional selection was implemented using a debate tournament system with six preliminary rounds and three elimination rounds divided into seven regions.
"We're holding this competition in each region, with the goal of eventually bringing it together at the national level. Therefore, we are very excited and pleased to welcome the participants," he concluded.
UNRI Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sri Indarti SE MSi, when opening the event, expressed her gratitude to BPTI for trusting UNRI as the organizer of the 2023 Sumatra National University Debating Championship (NUDC) Region I Selection.
"In this activity, 93 teams or universities participated in the competition, along with 186 debaters," said the Chancellor.
UNRI is collaborating with BPTI to develop Indonesian student talent. As a university, UNRI appreciates BPTI's consistent efforts to develop Indonesian student talent through NUDC activities.
This is in line with the government's Independent Learning and Independent Campus (MBKM) program. NUDC is present to develop students' talents in debating and communication.
This event is organized by the National Achievement Center (Pupresnas) and BPTI, with Core Judges from the University of Lampung and the Bandung Institute of Technology, as well as representatives from Surabaya State University, the University of Indonesia, Atmajaya Catholic University Jakarta, and Professionals. (wendi. ed: rion. photo: m.rizki. januardi) ***
