Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Haein Jeung- No Exception to the Excitement


By Debra Chen
What does it take to become a Deputy Secretary General (DSG) for THIMUN Singapore? Certainly charisma, responsibility, an interest in international relations, and a passion for MUN represent some of the most crucial qualities that a DSG must possess. Haein Jeung, one of this year’s DSGs, is of course, no exception. Haein joined her first MUN conference (MUNOS- Model United Nations in Seoul) the summer of 2004. “I was, at the time, interested in international relations, so I joined MUN. I was at first afraid of writing resolutions and speaking at the podium,” she admits, “but the joy of meeting new people made me continue MUN.” Who knew that the once-shy girl, Haein, could ascend to the important position she holds today solely on an interest in international relations and love for meeting new people? It is just nearing the end of September, but Haein is already busily working alongside the other members of her delegation, “The Association of Korean Schools” as well as the other DSG, Kaylee Sager, and this year’s Secretary General (SG), Sanam Kader. Although she is already experiencing pressure in preparing for THIMUN-Singapore, she just can’t seem to keep her excitement about the upcoming conference bottled up. “Am I excited? Of course I’m exited!” she enthusiastically answers, “YES! I definitely am excited about the conference. I've participated in THIMUN-Singapore since its inaugural session, so it means a lot to me to serve as DSG at my final year at the conference.” Serving as DSG this year, not to mention her anticipation to seeing old friends and experiencing the warm weather (“I hope it’s not sweltering!”), have definitely gotten her all fired up for November. So what does a Deputy Secretary General do? A DSG is someone who assists the Secretary General in the various responsibilities assigned to his or her office. One of the responsibilities given to the SG is to “speak and act for peace.” Not surprisingly, when asked what Haein thought about this year’s agenda, she remarked that it was well thought out, so that “all member states do have certain roles in at least one topic…with a general issue which raises the question of peace, a universal goal, included as well.” Obviously, Haein knows how to play her role well. Aside from looking forward to the THIMUN-Singapore conference itself, Haein plans to spend her “off duty” hours sightseeing Singapore. As this year is her last year to attend the conference, she find herself overjoyed at having her own “tour guide” to show her what the island is really all about. It is almost impossible for anyone destined to attend this year’s THIMUN- Singapore not to be excited about it. Whether doing research, preparing to have fun, or—just like Haein—both, we all know that this will be another unforgettable conference.

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