My Experience as a Debator in the EU Debates

By Marcus Lim

Year 3 student, pursuing a double degree in Business and Law


INAUGURAL DEBATE: Marcus Lim Tao Shien (third from left) together with debate judging panel, debate team members and NTU's Senior Associate Provost Prof Meng-Hwa Er. Here are the snapshots of my little adventure in the recent inaugural NTU-NUS-SMU Business Schools Debate on whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the key to a competitive European Union (EU).

I recall being slightly intimidated by the atmosphere on the day of the debate. It did not help that the auditorium was huge or that we were to debate before a host of European Ambassadors (who probably knew more about the subject matter than we did). We reminded ourselves that we had prepared all that we could, having done two months worth of research to back up our arguments and field questions. What helped the most was that we could rely on each other for help and reassurance, an indication of a unique team spirit forged from different backgrounds.

The debate was one of the most engaging ones I had ever participated where there was a half an hour question and answer segment to respond to the audience as well as the other team.

It was good that we were given the chance to elaborate further on our points as; our speeches were limited to five minutes. For instance I was able to give examples of how CSR translated into real and meaningful benefits for companies. I illustrated how companies could save retention costs through integrating CSR into the organisation's value system because employees who feel that the company's beliefs are aligned with their own have a higher retention rate. This was not just logical in theory because countries like Norway and Australia have identified this growing trend among employees. This dealt with a particularly tricky issue in proposing the effect of CSR on a company's competitiveness because most people find it hard to visualise how CSR can be more than just about giving the company a better reputation.

Being the anchor speaker for the team meant that I had the job of analysing almost an hour's worth of information that had come before me. It was no easy task especially since I too was restricted to only six minutes of speaking time. My strategy then was to try and characterise the debate in easy to remember parcels of information.

I started by pointing out that while both teams were quoting fairly similar sources of data, my team was the one who could draw the most realistic and complete interpretations. I re-emphasised the nuance of our team's position that CSR was the best strategy for the EU not just because CSR had benefits, but also because CSR complemented the EU's set of competitive advantages.

Some say that the worst part of any competition is waiting for the results. It was no different that day. We were even more anxious when the audience voting was completed because we had only won by a narrow two to three percent- margin. When the Chief Judge Ambassador Holger Standertskjöld, Head of the Delegation of the European Commission, announced that we won, we almost could not believe our ears. Though we were already very happy with our performance and knew that we had given our best, it was always good to have that effort acknowledged and rewarded. It was doubly so for me because I was also credited as the best speaker.

I will take away with me an enriched perspective of CSR. While I have not transformed into a subject matter expert, the in-depth research that we did to prepare for this debate has nonetheless given me some insight into a whole new world - a world that looks set to become the new order.

I will always remember my teammates. After all, how often do you get to compete in a team consisting of a student from each of the three universities in Singapore? We had fun meeting together as a team and bonded over late night meals after long discussion sessions. None of us had any prior experience with CSR and I suppose there is a certain charm about beginning a journey together (and of course, ending it very well).

Finally I will always remember when I was first asked to represent NUS at this event. I had no inkling then about the work involved though I doubt that I would have been deterred anyway given my strong belief that one stands to learn a lot from such extra-curricular activities. I will always be grateful to have been chosen to take part in this event ... for I now have the opportunity to work in the Maldives.

Marcus Lim was also named the Best Speaker at the Debate.