MNMUN Casual Series (25/9/2021-26/9/2021)

 It is back to where my passion for Model United Nations (MUN) began - Malaysia National Model United Nations (MNMUN), we are back again after being on hiatus for a year. For the first time ever, we are going into a different approach, let's just say casually. The casual series is for newcomers and veterans in the MUN scene to have fun and chill out. 

Usually, I would be one of the delegates but this time I decide to switch my role by becoming one of the secretariats. In every pre-MUN conference whether casual or not, preparation is everything! From drafting email templates to sending out emails to preparing the rules of procedure (ROP). The deadline was super tight for the whole team, yikes! 

Since this is a casual series, the delegates don't need to prepare a position paper (PP). All they need to do is research on the topics that are given and debate on the casual series day itself. On the day of the casual series, our opening ceremony is quite chill too! With speeches from the chairs - Hoh Shan and Winnie as well as from the MNMUN secretariats, let's kick off day one of the MNMUN casual series! 

As with any MUN conference, we have implant delegates coming in to spice up debate. I'm almost forced to be an implant delegate to spice up debate but I made my decision that my last MUN, I'm just going to chill. After some consulting with the team, it is best for me to chill and relax, and standby anytime if the delegates need help with some technical issues. 

The challenge in every online conference, we will face technical issues from microphone to internet connection. Always make sure we have all working devices and check before two to three days before the conference. 

On day two and the final day of the casual series, we decide to go on crisis mode in the last session. Crisis councils are big hits in MUN conferences, they are the first ones to be fully signed up. If you're a newcomer and want to try out crisis councils, you can! It will be overwhelming! 

I can't keep my composure at one point in the conference because some of the secretariats switch their roles because they have impressive names. Not sure about my other teammates but I'm laughing inside really hard, and luckily I'm muted. 

Alas, the resolution passes! While waiting for the "news reporters" to settle the story of the crisis. The veterans give some tips and advice to the newcomers in the scene. Always do some research before the conference.  We'll be lost during the debate, but for my first ever MUN conference, I didn't talk much. More of observing and listening. 

Here are some of my personal tips for the newcomers in the MUN scene: 

1. Have the passion and have fun 
2. Listen to rule no. 1 
3. An award or not, it's all about the experience 
4. Explore MUN councils, see which fits you the best 
5. Be kind, humble and diplomatic 

Well, there we have it! One bang on the gavel and the MNMUN casual series is officially done! This marks the end of my MUN journey! When I first joined MUN, the goal was to represent Malaysia at the ECOSOC Youth Forum at the real UN one day, shining a light on mental health, fighting the rights of special needs etc. These are the goals I was aiming for when I stepped in and hoping to be heard one day. 

What is my biggest achievement in MUN? It's definitely attending the virtual ECOSOC Youth Forum in April earlier this year. With MUN, we can be involved in some NGOs. For instance, I'm currently in the Southeast Asia Global Affairs Network (SEAGAN) as well as Malaysia Youth Association for Diplomacy and Policy (MYADP). Even though I'm not in the international relations field, I can use my communication skills to spread the message. 

This is Kar Marn, secretariat team member of the MNMUN casual series, officially signing off from MUN! 

Malaysia National Model United Nations 2019 (5/4/19-7/4/19)

This was where my passion began for Model United Nations (MUN), the Malaysia National Model United Nations (MNMUN). I'm off for the day from university, so that saves time spending hours on campus just to wait. Why not tune in to YouTube for a an episode of Mamak Sessions with JinnyBoy?

My mum drops me off at Sunway International School (SIS), that is where the opening ceremony will be held. As I  make my way to collect my door gift, Zi En recognises me "Kar Marn, do you still remember me?" Yes, I definitely do! We were in the same UNICEF council back in Reform MUN in March. I settle down in my seat to make myself comfortable. I look around the room, most of the delegates are so much younger than me. I have a nostalgic feeling because I'm one of the oldest delegates in the hall.

This brought me back to my very first MUN last year, it was the 2018 edition of MNMUN. I was a first time delegate back then, I didn't feel that I was one of the oldest delegates because some were even older than I am, so I was a bit secured at that point. Back to MNMUN 2019! I saw my friend, Sara, who is sitting across the room. I haven't seen her since we last saw each other at the UN SDG 3rd anniversary celebration.

I get up from my seat and move from across the room, sitting next to Sara. The hall is filling up with delegates. The opening ceremony starts at 4.00pm, starting with the opening remarks from the principal of SIS. Follow by the video presentation of each council, next up we have the brainchild behind Sunway Model United Nations (SUNMUN), Jack. I want to highlight that Jack mentions in his speech, the MUN scene was not as professional as before. He said that he witnessed some of the delegates were being bullied or receiving harassment in council. At one point, it just hits me, and he hopes that the delegates sitting here will not repeat the same mistake. Keep it professional and diplomatic, create life long friendships.

Under the escorts of the admins, delegates move from SIS back to Sunway College for the first council session of the day. It's raining but that didn't dampen my spirits, and luckily I'm wearing pants so somehow it makes the journey easier when walking back to campus.

I'm the Malaysian Youth Council (MYC), representing myself as a Malaysian youth. My chair Kishan, is a absent on the first day. The co-chair Izabelle takes charge of the council. Our first topic is Women Empowerment while the second topic is Race Relations- an issue that the country is still facing today. Personally I want to work on race relations, as women empowerment is a common issue that the world is tackling right now.

Since everyone is keen on Women Empowerment, we just have to follow on majority. In HMUN procedure, we are put on the General Speakers List (GSL). I go off topic a little, but quickly I'm back on track. The debate adjourns at 7.30pm. I'm waiting for my parents to pick up at the university side. I talk to first-timers, Khemi and Ji Xian who are in MYC and DISEC respectively. "Do you have any tips for first-timers?" they ask.

Wow, that's a first! "I don't have any tips for first-timers but it's the best to observe other delegates and pay attention to their points closely. Maybe you'll find some points to debate. Be confident!" I say. "That's the best advice! Thank you so much, Katelyn!" 

The second day of council, we are still on the topic of Women Empowerment. Before that, our chair, Kishan, has a little interactive session before debate is resumed. In mid council, it just gets interesting! Kishan pulls out the Jalur Gemilang from his bag, the council starts to sing the Malaysian national anthem "Negaraku". "I want you all to represent yourself, fight for the country you are in!" he says. Kishan places the flag in front of the council to remind delegates that we are fighting for our beloved country, Malaysia, as young Malaysian youths.

A resolution is passed and now we are moving on the topic that everyone is keen on: Race Relations. The topic is on fire, as this topic is Malaysia still facing today. What can we do as young Malaysians to unite the people of Malaysia? That we can think over lunch time. I hang out with Ji Xian, Khemi and my new friends from DISEC. We dine at Thyme Out- a Mexican restaurant. Jo and I kind of slack off from the gang, Ji Xian and Khemi come back to look for us.

Ji Xian is so considerate that he opens his umbrella to ward the three of us off from the intensive heat. Along the way, we talk about our interests, studies, hobbies and especially age. "Actually Katelyn, you are 22 years young, not old!" Ji Xian says, my heart melts! He is a sweet talker! A quick bite from our lunch, we head back to our respective council to continue the debate which we left off earlier.

After all that debate, it's time for socials! It's tradition in every MUN conference, where delegate can mingle with each other, enjoying good food and music at the same time. We have performances from Taylor's University Music Club! I didn't stay until the end as I'm too tired throughout the day.

On the third and final day, our topic on Race Relations is still on going. We are interrupted in mid debate cause there's a photo session for each council. We head up to the forth floor, where the college rooftop garden is located. I have the chance to drape on to the Jalur Gemilang, I feel a sense of pride and glory.

For the first time in a MUN conference, a debate is suspended which means we cannot come to a conclusion but nonetheless we have done the best to solve the issue of race relations. Prior to the closing ceremony, we have a little interactive session. After that, Kishan asks any one in this room is a Sunway student. I raise up my hand. "Do you know where JC 3 is?" he asks, "Yes, yes I do. It is at the university side," I say.

The closing ceremony begins with a slide shows of upcoming MUNs such as Taylor's, Monash, and of course our very own, SUNMUN! I'm kind of hesitant a little as the dates of the conference clash with my examination period. Awards are given out to delegates for best, outstanding, and best position paper award. The moment we have been waiting for, the best group delegation! Monash takes home as the best group delegation, follow by Taylor's University. Well, I hope Sunway will get one in future MUNs.

We collect the certificates on our way out and I lost my flag! Luckily it is retrieved after that. We have our very own photo session to mark the special day. MNMUN holds a special place in my heart because it was very first MUN. I'm off for a break, I'll make a comeback soon!

Malaysia National Model United Nations (30/3/18-1/4/18)

  Malaysia National Model UN (MNMUN) 2018 was held at APU new campus. I was super excited because this was my first time participating an MUN as a delegate, also representing Sunway Model United Nations (SUNMUN). When we arrived at the venue, I signed myself up and got my name tag for my council. I was in the Cobbold Commission and I played the role of Tun Abdul Razak, the second Prime Minister of Malaysia but at this point he was the Deputy Prime Minister to Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Father of Independence of Malaysia.

  As delegates took their seats at the auditorium, the opening ceremony of MNMUN begun. A short video was presented by the IT & Design department to show the councils and introducing our council chairs. When the Secretary Generals of the MNMUN declared the conference had officially begun, delegate started to make a beeline to their respective council and yet I was left out as always. Luckily the admins were here to help me out.

  The conference started by going through a roll call. Unfortunately, my "boss" was not around so I took over the place for almost half of the council. I had nothing to say much because my "duty" was to "assist" Tunku Abdul Rahman in the formation of Malaysia. Well I did do some talking, as in "predicting" the future which eased the atmosphere. 

 On the second day, delegates arrived to continue their debating on their respective topics. We were still in the process of forming Malaysia. This time we were focusing on education. The second day ended with social night with performances of the 24 season drums by students of Taylor's International School, singing and dancing. In honour of the upcoming general election, our history knowledge was put to the test. The question was: When did Malaysia gain independence? That was easy! And I got a Starbucks card as a reward. The Social King and Queen of MNMUN went to Zack and Megan respectively.

  On the third and final day, we just need to go to through some amendments before "officially" formed Malaysia. Alas, Malaysia was "officially formed! The national anthem- the Negaraku, was played to mark a new federation. That made me realised that forming a new nation was not easy, we had to go through a few negotiations before everyone agreed on the circumstances. Well, we ended a session early so I decided to drop by at the UN Security Council. Everyone was given a certificate of participation. I was super happy when I received mine. 

  Since the time of the closing ceremony was delayed, we were allowed to go to other councils. The UN Security Council had a mock press conference, I was interested to join in as I would experience a little later in the semester. We were given the green light to the auditorium to attend the closing ceremony. Future MUN Conferences and highlights of the three-day event were featured in a video. Awards were given out for best delegate, best position paper, most outstanding group delegate. 

   I'm looking forward to the next Model United Nations, who knows I might end up in the real UN!