This year, the Asian Schools Debating Championship (ASDC) hosted over 600 participants, including 100 teams from 11 countries. Held in Hanoi, Vietnam, this was the largest edition of the tournament in recent history. The event offered several competitive categories, namely the Open category, Under-16 (U16), and Under-14 (U14), in addition to an independent Public Speaking track.

One of the most prestigious debate championships in the region, ASDC is regularly attended by top debaters and adjudicators in Asia. This year’s edition, held from 21st to 24th June 2026, was led by Banun Sabri as Chief Adjudicator, with Raymond Kimura, Asif Mehedi Adi, and Lia Denise Tan as Deputy Chief Adjudicators.

Vocara institute made its ASDC debut with two teams. Vocara A comprised Abbey Catalan (Beta Cambridge School), Lauren Tansio (Beta Cambridge School), and Syed Sohbaan Raza (DPS MIS); Vocara B consisted of Kabir Khanna (DPS MIS), Veer Sharma (DPS MIS), and Gargi Sakharkar (DPS Monarch). The contingent also included team judge Rose Al-Banai. None of the participants had prior international debate experience.

After seven preliminary rounds, Vocara A and B amassed four and two wins respectively. Ultimately, Vocara A ranked 25th in the Open category, just 15 speaker points shy of qualifying to the knockout stages. Team Korea Pink eventually won the Open Champion title. In addition, Vocara A’s very own Abbey Catalan emerged as Public Speaking Champion, after blazing through two preliminary rounds and the semi finals, beating out 70 participants for the trophy.

Ms. Vilma Catalan, Abbey’s mother, said that while Abbey’s success was certainly something to celebrate, the true reward was the invaluable experiences, friendships, confidence and life lessons gained from the event.