Twelve teams took part in a week-long battle of wits and poise in the Chinese language at the 7th Sentosa International Varsity Debate.
Some were even non-native speakers of the language from universities in Germany, Russia and Australia.
At the end, it was the debaters from China and South Korea who took top honours at the event, jointly produced by MediaCorp News and China Central Television.
Over the past week, the "sharp-tongued" shooters debated on many universal issues from the preference of sons over daughters to whether cosmetic surgery will change one's fate.
China's University of Electronic Science and Technology took top honours at the Group A finals, where Mandarin is not regarded as a foreign language for all members.
They went through heated debates which tested their wits and mastery of the Chinese language.
But competition aside, these participants say the debates were good opportunities for like-minded people to come together, learn and develop the Chinese language and culture."
This was especially so for those in Group B, where Mandarin is a foreign language for all participants.
South Korea's Hankuk University won the honours in Group B.
Kim Min Ju, Best Team, Group B, Hankuk University, South Korea, said: "I'm very satisfied with the results. But most important thing, I think, we can give a chance to know other friends from other countries."
Oliver L Radtke, Best Speaker, Group B, University of Heidelberg, Germany, said: "Being here and receiving this award with Chinese, the smallest amount of vocabulary I can master so far is just a dream come true."
Professor Eddie Kuo, Judge, International Varsity Debate, said: "The Chinese language is gaining such an important standard in the world stage. It's getting more and more people interested and more and more learners from different countries, continents and coming together. I think it will enhance and really reinforce the importance of the language."
The prestigious event, held once every two years, drew about 100 million viewers when it was last held in 2003.
The event in 2007 will be held in Beijing.
Viewers can catch this year's series on Channel NewsAsia, starting next week.
It will be shown with English subtitles, every Monday and Wednesday at 7.30pm from September 5 to October 10. - CNA /ch
