‘It’s fantastic’ Team Singapore celebrate crushing victory in World Schools Debating Championship final

The fate of Colonel Gaddafi notwithstanding, hardline rulers may be here to stay.

That was the outcome of the World Schools Debating Championship final at the Caird Hall in Dundee, where Team Singapore trounced their Australian rivals 7-2 in a judges’ vote.

The Singaporeans successfully opposed the motion: “This house believes that autocracy in the age of Facebook is doomed” to score their first championship win.

Captain Teoh Ren Jie said: “This is for every member of Team Singapore since our country joined the championship 16 years ago. This is the first time Singapore has won and it’s fantastic to be a member of the winning team.”

The final was watched by several hundred people, including the 48 teams of teenage debaters who came to Dundee from all over the world to take part. Pupils from local schools also attended.

Lord Provost John Letford described the event as a “fantastic success” for the city.

He said: “It’s been estimated that hosting the championship will have boosted the local economy by over £1 million but the boost it’s given to the reputation of Dundee is immeasurable.”