The Hong Kong Debate Open(HKDO) is an international parliamentary debating event  for debate enthusiasts held in the ‘British Parliamentary’ competitive debate format.  The tournament is one of Asia's largest BP debating competition.  The inaugural Championship was hosted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2010.  Since then it has dramatically expanded to an event that hosts over 120 teams(each composed of two individual students) representing over 80 universities of 16 different nations.

 

Before the first edition held 7 years ago at HKPU, Hong Kong did not have a marquee debate event to contribute to the Asian debating community.  It has since become a very well known international debate event which top Asian debate teams and top judges actively plan to attend because it is well known for its efficient organisation, warm hospiltality and high quality judging pool.  The event has been held at HKPU, CUHK, HKCityU and HKUST once, and twice at HKU.  HKU hosted the 6th HKDO in 2015.  HKUST hosted the HKDO in 2013 and is hosting the event for the second time in 2016.

 

Students from the Asia and Oceania’s best universities regularly compete at the HKDO.  As a result, being crowned ‘HKDO Champion’ is one of the most prestigious titles a debater could attain.  As the HKDO is always held in late October or early November, it is an ideal time of the year to tour the world city of Hong Kong, sharpen one's debating skills, make friends and prepare for the annual WUDC.