“Your TALENT determines what you do. Your MOTIVATION determines how much you are willing to do. Your ATTITUDE determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz

IBSUniversity was proudly represented by the IBSU Debate Team in the 2025 Inter-Varsity Debate Competition (IVDC) that was hosted by the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) from 28^th September to 03^rd October 2025 at the UPNG Main Lecture Theatre (MLT).

This prestigious event brought together some of Papua New Guinea’s brightest student minds, representing the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (UNITECH), Pacific Adventist University (PAU), Western Pacific University (WPU), IBSUniversity (IBSU), and the host university University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG).

The topics debated were broad, challenging, and thought-provoking, requiring participants to demonstrate not only knowledge but also research skills, critical thinking, and eloquence. For IBSU, the journey was not without its challenges. The first two rounds tested our resilience, as we struggled with organization and delivery. However, the constructive feedback from the judges became our turning point. By carefully researching, breaking down complex topics into simpler terms, strengthening our rebuttals, and improving our structure and presentation, we gradually found our rhythm.

Despite the added pressure of examinations coinciding with the debate week, our debate team performed outstandingly. Most nights were spent balancing late-night study sessions for exams with preparations for debate rounds. Their hard work paid off, as IBSU proudly secured third place overall in the competition, with Western Pacific University taking the second place and the host university UPNG won the 2025 Intervarsity Debate Competition.

IBSUniversity extends its appreciation to the 2025 UPNG Student Representative Council (SRC) President, SRC Executives, and the Debate Committee for hosting one of the best debate competitions to date. From 5-star hospitality, excellent dorm facilities, and delicious meals, to the warm and professional service of student volunteers everything was executed to perfection. Our gratitude also goes to the UPNG Management for their invaluable support in making the IVDC 2025 a success.

To our fellow debate teamsfrom UNITECH, PAU, WPU, and UPNG we say thank you. Each round was a battle of intellect, skill, and creativity. By going head-to-head with you, our debate team learned to improve their debating abilities and also learned the values of respect, humility, listening, engaging and steeping out of their comfort zones.

Finally, to our IBSU debate team we sincerely commend you for your perseverance, commitment, and courage. This achievement is just the beginning, and we are confident that greater milestones lie ahead as you continue to uphold the integrity, spirit, and excellence of IBSUniversity.

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