Y10 Delegates Excelled at SUZMUN XII
We are thrilled to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of sixteen courageous Year 10 students from our school who attended the recent three-day SUZMUN XII conference hosted by Suzhou Singapore International School (SSIS) from May 17-19. Accompanied by the head of the economics department, Ms Eileen Law, and two dedicated economics teachers, Mr Tony Winton and Mr Philip Wangila, our students demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination.
his year, the theme of SUZMUN XII is ‘The Golden Hour’, which represents the global effort to restore equilibrium after the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgency for immediate action to address pressing global challenges. SUZMUN XII aims to inspire delegates to embrace this theme and foster collaboration and dialogue for a better future.
Despite the majority of participants being native speakers from international school backgrounds, our Year 10 students, many of whom were first-time MUN participants, showcased their remarkable abilities by meeting all the required speeches and points of information (POIs). We are incredibly proud of their courageous spirit and steadfast perseverance in the face of this challenging, yet transformative experience.
Let us share some of the comments given by our Y10 students about the conference.
Students' Insights
Stephanie S
"Attending the SUZMUN conference was an emotional rollercoaster for me - I felt anxious and nervous, yet also deeply excited and joyful. Initially, I faced numerous challenges, as I lacked knowledge on how to properly write a resolution or propose a POI. However, over the course of the three-day event, I learned a tremendous amount about MUN. The moment I raised my placard to speak was a transformative milestone for me, going from zero to one. I felt nervous, but ultimately more joy. I was elated to contribute and acquire new knowledge during this SUZMUN journey. Despite the initial difficulties, this experience has been profoundly impactful, broadening my perspective and equipping me with invaluable skills. I am already eagerly anticipating the next MUN conference, where I can apply the lessons learned."
Savannah C
"We enjoyed the MUN so much! I stretched my boundaries and forged new friendships. I became more confident! It is an extraordinary opportunity. I am greatly honoured to be a part of MUN! And for sure I’ll still attend next time!"
Gerald W
"Initially, I encountered several challenges on the first day, including navigating the complex MUN rules and procedures. However, I remained determined to overcome these obstacles. On the second day, I actively listened to my fellow delegates, diligently taking notes on their resolutions, which allowed me to engage through well-informed points of inquiry. In the end, I had successfully delivered one speech and three POIs, a remarkable accomplishment that not only enhanced my English proficiency but also strengthened my critical thinking and public speaking skills. It was a great experience for me!"
Ellie Y
"Despite initially feeling daunted, I would eagerly attend future MUN conferences throughout my high school years. The event was far less serious than I had anticipated, with delegates passionately contributing ideas while also enjoying moments of levity. Observing the lively discussions to address global challenges was truly enlightening. Beyond the academic merits, the conference provided a wonderful opportunity to connect with students from across China, broadening my cultural awareness and challenging my tendency to oversimplify complex issues. This transformative experience has opened my mind, and I am now better equipped with the essential skills to be an engaged global citizen. Most notably, the kindness and helpfulness of the chairs have inspired me to strive for more active participation in the future conferences."
Daisy W
"As a first-time MUN participant, I faced significant challenges. Unfamiliar with the procedures and limited in my English proficiency, I struggled to communicate effectively. When reviewing resolutions, I encountered many unfamiliar terms that I could not comprehend, and I refrained from asking questions during the first two days due to shyness. At one point, I even questioned whether I would attend another MUN event. However, on the third day, I had no choice but to speak in order to fulfill the required tasks. Surprisingly, delivering my first POI was not as daunting as I had anticipated. In fact, I wished I could go back to the previous days to provide more support for my group and ask more questions. While that was impossible, I am determined to be more proactive at the next MUN conference. Overall, this experience has been profoundly impactful, and I am eagerly anticipating the next MUN event, where I can apply the lessons learned and contribute more meaningfully to the discussions."
Hassen W
"As a first-time MUN participant, I initially felt both nervous and anticipatory during the preparation period. However, our dedicated teacher encouraged us to simply do our best. Our main submitter had prepared a draft resolution and welcomed our amendments to make it more comprehensive, which inspired us. Lacking prior experience, I was unsure how to effectively craft POIs and speeches. Fortunately, our supportive chairs provided written guidance to embolden us to actively engage in the debate. In the end, each of us successfully completed the required tasks. From my perspective, the true aim was to overcome our own limitations and gain valuable experience for the future. This inaugural MUN journey has been a transformative step in becoming a more globally-minded citizen."
Felix X
"MUN, is a very interesting educational activity that allows us to develop crucial skills such as public speaking, writing, reading, and active listening. These skills are essential for achieving academic success both at high school and undergraduate levels. As a newcomer to MUN, it's understandable to feel uncertain about the process. However, the experience can be highly rewarding, as it provides an opportunity to enhance your English proficiency and engage with like-minded individuals. Sometimes, I don’t even understand what the other delegates were talking about and could only get the points they said from the resolution. One of the most important things to do in MUN conference is to write resolutions as a group, and it’s better to prepare a supporting speech for the resolution. The most challenging task for me is to prepare POIs after speeches given by other delegates. This requires active listening and the ability to identify opportunities to engage with the content presented. With practice and focus, this skill can be developed and refined. MUN is an eye-opening experience that allows us to meet new friends and take up challenges that we would not normally have at school."