KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 (Bernama) --  The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its inaugural Intervarsity Debate Competition, an initiative aimed at igniting a fresh wave of environmental consciousness among university students and the wider public.
 
This remarkable event, designed to actively engage with students, has emerged as a powerful catalyst for raising awareness and comprehension of critical environmental and sustainability issues.
 
The MTC Intervarsity Debate Competition 2023 was held from 1 to 3 December 2023 with the Preliminary Rounds held at the University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, from 1 to 2 December and the Grand Final as well as the prize-giving ceremony at the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology in Setapak.
 
The Debate Competition welcomed participants from 12 universities, underscoring the widespread interest and engagement from higher educational institutions. Out of the competitive pool, 16 teams were shortlisted to advance to the Preliminary Round.
 
In a strategic partnership with Majlis Debat Universiti Malaysia (MADUM) and the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, MTC was assured of a more enriching experience for participants while emphasising the importance for the younger generation to better understand timber’s green credentials and perceive it as a “partner” in creating a sustainable future for all.
 
The debate, with its theme “The Usage of Timber and Its Impact on the Environment”, sparked a palpable sense of enthusiasm among the students. As they eagerly observed their fellow peers engage in a riveting battle of wits, the atmosphere buzzed with intellectual fervour which added an extra layer of excitement in the hall.
 
Present at the event were MTC’s Board of Trustees and MTC CEO Madam Noraihan Abdul Rahman.
 
“Today’s youth play a pivotal role in shaping the future, particularly in the context of environmental responsibility and our goal also extends beyond this competition,” said Madam Noraihan.
 
“MTC Intervarsity Debate Competition will initiate the academic advocacy that is needed to explore the advantages and challenges associated with using timber and understanding its importance in creating a greener world for all,” she added.
 
MTC looks forward to continuing its mission to inspire and empower the younger generation to be environmentally conscious.

About the Malaysian Timber Council
The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) was established in January 1992 to promote the development and growth of the Malaysian timber industry globally. MTC's main objectives are to promote the Malaysian timber trade and develop the market for timber products globally, to promote the development of the industry by upgrading the industry's manufacturing technology base, to augment the supply of raw materials, to provide information services and to protect and improve the Malaysian timber industry's global image. Further information on the Council’s activities can be obtained from www.mtc.com.my.

Issued by the Malaysian Timber Council

Source: Malaysian Timber Council

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Lau Li Har
Strategic Planning & Corporate Communications Division (SPCD)
Tel:  03-9281 1999, Ext: 700
E-mail: lau@mtc.com.my
 
Name: Ms. Nur Amira Faezah Mohd Shaofi
Strategic Planning & Corporate Communications Division (SPCD)
Tel: 03-9281 1999, Ext: 711
E-mail: amira.faezah@mtc.com.my 

--BERNAMA