We extend our congratulations to Minh Anh (Sofia) Ta, a 8th-grade student at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on becoming an Ambassador for the Vietnam Nationwide Public Forum Debate Club, founded and develoved by Vietnam Public Forum Academy – an organization recognized by ISDI (Harvard and University of Kentucky Debate/TOC) and invited Speaker at the ASEAN Youth Volunteer Forum 2025.
Let us hear from Sofia herself sharing her thoughts:
“Greetings, everyone,
My name is Minh Anh (Sofia) and I’m an 8th grade student from the Trần Đại Nghĩa High School for the Gifted. As an Ambassador for Vietnam Nationwide Public Forum Debate Club, I am actively eager to share my knowledge and collaborate with other passionate students across Vietnam.
The reason why Public Forum (PF) stands out to me the most among other formats of debate that I have participated in, namely WSC or MUN, is that it allows you to do in-depth research beforehand and requires a higher level of logic and scientific evidence compared to merely theory. Contrary to popular belief, being able to research before the official tournaments take place does not impede our critical thinking skills as PF forces you to constantly come up with new ideas and respond to your opponent, particularly during the crossfires between every two speeches. PF provides the invaluable research skill that is not offered in numerous other formats. In addition, PF requires a considerable level of practicality and reality as opposed to hypothetical arguments, which ultimately helps us think more analytically.
Debate, as a whole, has opened many doors for me personally. Debate is not simply two sides arguing with each other with a motive to win, it helps us boost our confidence and convey our ideas more fluently and assertively. Debate should not be an activity that is forced upon us, it should be a passion. Thus, my objective as an Ambassador is to connect with a community that shares the same enthusiasm regarding debate as well as share my eagerness with a wider audience,” said Sofia.
We wish Sofia every success in her mission as an Ambassador, aiming to expand access to free Public Forum debate among young people in Ho Chi MInh City and across the entire country.