THIMUN-Singapore III Leads the Way

With armies of suit-wearing participants marching enthusiastically into Hwa Chong’s battleground of debate, THIMUN-Singapore, Asia’s largest Model United Nations gathering, is boiling hot—in both climate and spirit.
Much has changed since last November. The addition of the Student Activities and Leadership Training (SALT) Centre will serve as the venue for most of the committees this year. "Named after our distinguished alumnus, the late President His Excellency Ong Teng Cheong, it is a new student facility designed to provide students with a viable platform to hone their leadership abilities in various areas," says Mr. Wong Qi Han, Executive Administrative Officer of the Hwa Chong Institution. "This is in line with the school’s vision to eventually produce successful entrepreneurs listed on the Fortune-500 list, the Prime Minister of Singapore as well as a Nobel Prize laureate." Not only does the new location smell nice, look nice, and feel nice, but it also saves the participants from sweating as they might during "marathon training" while trying to find their committee rooms.
This year’s THIMUN-Singapore hosts an increased number of participating schools: 65 from 19 different countries, making a total of approximately a thousand people. Improving and growing in size and fame, THIMUN-Singapore will soon become one of the most prominent MUN conferences in the world.
Many new delegations have been introduced to keep up with the growing number of participants. While last year’s conference had approximately 110 delegations, this year’s session involves 132. "As THIMUN-Singapore is still a relatively new conference in the MUN circle, I would hope that this year sees an even more marked improvement in the quality of debate and the dedication of participants," comments Secretary General Sanam Kader of the Beijing World Youth Academy. "I expect from the delegates an earnestness and eagerness that shows itself in the excellence of their resolutions, as well as evidence of research and intimate familiarity with their topics."
The theme of the third annual session, "Gender Equality," has sparked a heated discussion amongst the participants. Listed as one of the United Nations Millennium Goals, Gender Equality is a fundamental and sensitive issue. "In many cultures, the status quo between men and women is unequal," says Serene Wong, President of the Security Council, from the International School of Beijing. "Often there tend to be more females than males in MUN conferences, but in the real world, this ratio does not continue in politics and the UN."
The issues on the agendas are also designed to kindle energetic debates. In the General Assembly, led by Arrie Pittman from the International School of Beijing, the six committees tackle world conflicts, such as the question of the use of the death penalty and the admission of Taiwan to the UN. The Security Council has prepared to debate issues regarding the current upheavals in Darfur, Sudan and Lebanon. The Economic and Social Council, led by Wan Jin Park of the Shanghai American School, faces controversial issues such as the promotion of women’s contribution to fostering a culture of peace; and protecting children from sexual exploitation by so-called "sex tourism."
Both the International Court of Justice and the Youth Assembly have different operations and procedures. Led by Annabel Tseng of the International School of Beijing, ICJ judges and advocates work together to tackle two cases: Costa Rica and Nicaragua’s dispute regarding navigational and related rights, and Argentina and Uruguay’s conflict over the proceeding instituted by Argentina. The Youth Assembly, on the other hand, will consist of two committees of its own. Issues to be discussed involve global warming, water pollution, poverty, and diseases.
One new addition to the conference, the Advisory Panel which will reflect on the Question of Kashmir, is comprised of twenty-three advisors and four presidents who will put together a final resolution that will be sent to the Security Council. "Do your research ahead of time! You can never do enough research," advises President Haebin Kim of the International School of Beijing.
The agenda also leaves time for entertainment. The dance will be held on Friday, November 23rd, and will include an International Buffet Dinner at Jungle Flavours. The party will be held from seven to eleven in the evening. Participants must bring their tickets and badges to be admitted. "There is the possibility to arrange a night safari through our tour operator, TOUR EAST," says Ms. Katharina Hauke, THIMUN Foundation Project Manager. "The tram ride takes 45 minutes and starts at 23:00 and will cost S$20 per person. TOUR EAST will also offer additional sightseeing tours for the evenings, such as Chinatown, Little India, etc."
In the mere three years of its existence, THIMUN-Singapore has become the largest MUN conference in Asia. Like the conference itself, participating students are also improving as they take on today’s important issues. "[MUN] has also taught me the importance of presenting [myself] to other people," says SG Kader. "These are skills which can be used in the future once we…enter the real world."