Our Team
Meet Our Expert Trainers
Our trainers are experienced debaters, educators, and youth mentors who specialise in working with children and teens. Each trainer brings a wealth of knowledge in public speaking and critical reasoning, as well as a warm, supportive teaching style that makes learning fun and impactful.
They are carefully selected not only for their technical expertise but also for their ability to inspire and connect with young minds. At Apex Thoughts, we believe in growing a supportive community that engages within themselves like a family. Whether your child is shy or outspoken, our trainers know how to bring out the best in them.
Dr Shantini Karalasingam
Founder & Managing Director
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 Thoughts — Malaysia's premier debate academy for kids and teens aged 5–18+
Over 4 decades of experience in youth development
Over 4 decades of experience in teaching English to students of diverse backgrounds
Trainer
Mr Muhammad Abdul Latif
Debate Coach
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
Trainer
Dr Riasat Amin Imon
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
Trainer
Anas Bin Ahmad Zaharim
Debate 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)
Trainer
Thivagar A/L S Thullasi Nathan
Debate Coach
Academic Qualifications
Completing Bachelor of Law (LLB) at University of Malaya
Debate Experience & Achievements
Chief Adjudicator Panel for 20+ tournaments regionally and internationally
Malaysian Nationals 2026 - Chief Adjudicator
Guangzhou United Asian Debating Championship (UADC) 2025 - 6th Best Judge
Calcutta Debate Open 2024 - Open Champion
Malaysian Nationals 2024 - Open Finalist
2x United Asian Debating Championship - Open Octofinalist
2x SIDO - Open Quarterfinalist
Coached the Johor National Debate Team 2024
2+ years training students in Singapore and Vietnam
Learn from the Best
Our world-class trainers are ready to guide your journey in debate. Explore our programs and start training with champions.