SIM Hosts Eighth Edition Of Model UN Preparatory Conference

Bright smiles from delegates to mark yet another successful UNASMUN Conference. (Photo Credit:   UNAS Model United Nations Preparatory Conference)

SIM welcomed over 680 delegates from various schools nationwide as the host of the United Nations of Singapore Model United Nations (UNASMUN) Preparatory Conference from 18 to 21 December 2018. This is the sixth time that the institution has hosted the conference which is a simulation of the UN where students role-play as representatives of countries to discuss and debate on problems and solutions in their respective communities.

In his opening address, Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin, the guest of honour at the event, encouraged delegates to immerse themselves in their roles to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that exist globally and in Singapore. “It is really important for us that in the process of debating and negotiating with one another that we don't just arrive at a common understanding and hopefully consensus but I hope that in this process, you will get a taste of some of the challenges that we face globally, especially through the lens of Singapore.”

In alignment with the conference theme, ‘Towards A More Sustainable Future', Dr Lee Kwok Cheong, Chief Executive Officer of SIM, also shared anecdotes of SIM's humble beginnings and how the institution had grown in tandem with Singapore, meeting manpower needs at different phases of the nation's development.


A delegate presenting his case at the conference.

Over the four days, delegates debated on various topics such as ‘Increasing Humanitarian & Disaster Relief', ‘Reduction of Global Food Waste' and ‘Ethical Treatment of Prisoners'. They also heard from guest speakers of diverse fields of expertise. “UNASMUN is, as always, still a work in progress. My past six years with UNASMUN has taught me that while it may not be possible for a single person to change the world, ideas can. I have watched as the UNASMUN ethos guided many - including myself - towards creating a Model UN circuit that prizes the importance of learning over winning and that is accessible to all, yet one that is also rigorous and challenging for experienced delegates,” said Yohanes Ng , Conference Secretary-General UNASMUN 2018.

Posted Online, 08 Feb 2019