Dr Shantini Karalasingam
Founder & Head Trainer
Academic Qualifications
- PhD, University of Nottingham
- M.Education Guidance & Counselling (Universiti Malaya)
- Diploma in Education (Universiti Malaya)
- B. Arts Honours (Universiti Malaya)
About
Founder of Apex Thought — Malaysia's premier debate academy for kids and teens aged 5–18+
Over a decade of experience in debate education and youth development
Specialist in British Parliamentary debate coaching for children and teenagers
Students have competed at THBPO (Bangkok), SIDO (Shanghai), Kamalig (Philippines), MSSD Nationals, and IIUM IDC
Mr Muhammad Abdul Latif
Grand Finals Adjudicator
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B), IIUM
- Master of Comparative Laws (M.C.L), IIUM
Debate Experience & Achievements
World Universities Debating Championship - Grand Finals' Adjudicator, Tabulation Director for several years
World Universities Debating Championship, Melbourne (1994) - Runners up (ESL Category)
All Asian Intervarsity Debating Championship, Manila (1996) - Champion
Prime Minister's Cup Debate (2024) - Grand Final Adjudicator
Malaysian Timber Council Debate (2024) - Co-Chief Adjudicator
Australasian Intervarsity Debating Championship, Sydney (2004) - Deputy Chief Adjudicator
Majlis Debat Universiti Malaysia - Anugerah Hakim Tertinggi
Dr Riasat Amin Imon
Advanced Debate Coach
Academic Qualifications
- PhD in Economics
- Master of Economics
- Bachelor of Economics
Debate Experience & Achievements
IIUM Debate Team Selector (2010 – present)
IIUM Advanced Debate Coach/Trainer (2010 – 2020)
Malaysia World School Debate Education Society (MWSDES) – Private Trainer (2023-2024)
Nous Academy Debate Trainer (2014 – 2020)
World University Debate Championships – Vancouver, Canada (2007)
Frequent adjudicator at IIUM School Debate Championships tournaments
Ms Sarah Chinoy
Finals Adjudicator & Workshop Facilitator
Academic Qualifications
- Bachelor of Economics
- MSc. Finance
Debate Experience & Achievements
Worlds Debating Championship, Dublin (2005) - Quarterfinalist (ESL)
Finals Adjudicator, Asian Debating Championship (2009)
Adjudicator, Asian Universities Debating Championship (2010)
Debate Trainer at IIUM (2006-2010)
Taught 'Niche Debate', 'Public Speaking', and 'Presentation Skills' courses (2006 - present)
Trainer, Methodist Boys High School (2008 - 2009)
Conducted full-day debate workshops at local and international schools
Anas Bin Ahmad Zaharim
Core Adjudicator & Competitive Coach
Academic Qualifications
- Completing Bachelor of Law (LLB) at IIUM
Debate Experience & Achievements
Panama Worlds University Debating Championship (2025) - Partial double Octofinalist, best in Malaysia, best in ASEAN, second best in Asia and 41st in the world
Guangzhou UADC (2025) Core Adjudicator - 1 of 6 Core judges nominated and voted on by the whole of Asia
Jakarta Australs (2024) - Octofinalist and second best ESL speaker
Krabi ABP (2024) - Quarterfinalist
Debate Trainer at IIUM (2024 - present)
Melaka State Debate Trainer at High School Level (2021-2023)
Thivagar A/L S Thullasi Nathan
Champion Debater & Chief Adjudicator
Academic Qualifications
- Completing Bachelor of Law (LLB) at University of Malaya
Debate Experience & Achievements
Malaysian Nationals 2026 - Chief Adjudicator
Calcutta Debate Open 2024 - Open Champion
Guangzhou United Asian Debating Championship (UADC) 2025 - 6th Best Judge
Malaysia United Asian Debating Championship (UADC) 2024 - Open Octofinalist
Malaysian Nationals 2024 - Open Finalist
Kuantan Asian British Parliamentary (ABP) 2025 - 16th ranked team