By Isabel Koh (24A01A), Alexander Mark Amaraganthan (24A01A), Snow Heng (24S03D)
Enter a MUN conference for the first time and you will likely be bewildered by debate, lengthy and confusing rules of procedure, and the formally formatted documents that are known as resolutions.
So, what exactly is MUN?
This odd acronym stands for Model United Nations which serves to, well, model the United Nations. Typical conferences last three to four days, with several hours of council sessions. Students become delegates representing different countries in various councils like the Arctic Council, Food and Agricultural Organisation, or UN Security Council, debating a multitude of issues concerning the environment, societal welfare, or global security risks.
In MUN, delegates learn a plethora of skills. First, research skills as they understand their stance and topic better. Second, public speaking skills as they make speeches to represent their stance, Last but not least, diplomacy skills as they lobby with other delegates to work together on solutions.
But we promise you, MUN is not all academia and debate. In fact, some of the closest friends we have made are from MUN. It serves as a bridge between one’s pursuit for knowledge and forging shared experiences with others. During MUN conferences, we bond over our councils’ inside jokes and make new friends.
Now that you know what MUN is, how is HSTA any different?
What We Do
HSTA is the Historical and Strategic Affairs Society of RI. Deceptively named, we are a club focusing on MUN. Members learn various general and MUN-specific linguistic skills, explore current affairs, and of course, organise our annual flagship event, Raffles MUN (RMUN).
RMUN is Singapore’s oldest MUN conference. With RMUN 2024 being its 32nd iteration, it has grown to become a conference known for its high academic standards and prestige. All our HSTA members are deeply involved in the preparation process, ranging from chairing councils and writing Study Guides, to working tirelessly in order for tedious admin work to be sorted out. Some members even train as political actors, a novel role seen only in MUN.
Apart from the tiring but extremely fulfilling RMUN preparation, we also have weekly sessions on improving speaking, writing, and lobbying skills. Each session touches on a wide range of engaging, novel activities. Rest assured, if you think HSTA revolves solely around MUN, think again! Just recently, our CCA members enjoyed themselves in a three hour Amazing Race to relieve the stress of our never-ending workload.
Why should you join HSTA?
HSTA also fosters an environment for bonding and camaraderie. We have weekly CCA lunches after CCA, some of us even study together before heading to our various Wednesday Enrichment Programmes (WEP). We do not shy away from making CCA sessions as lively and spirited as possible. After all, the 8 month long process of preparing for RMUN is inevitably a bumpy road, and we need strong bonds with each other to face these challenges together.
HSTA gives everyone a chance to develop their own interests. Through member proposed sessions and activities, anyone who has a vision or interest will be granted a platform to make it a reality.
Will you be a good fit for HSTA?
Anyone interested to learn about general issues and willing to put in the work to improve themselves is instantly a good fit for our CCA. With our differentiated training approach, rest assured that we have a place for anyone ranging from a beginner to someone already invested in the MUN circuit. Every HSTA member will be equipped with the necessary skills to go forth confidently and excel in their respective councils.
“It is not the journey that matters, but the friends you make along the way”. Although the skills learnt in HSTA will be quintessential in your future endeavours, it is the friends and connections that you make along the way that will accompany you for a lifetime.
HSTA Sessions and MUN conferences have one thing in common, they push you out of your comfort zone and provide an avenue to become a better version of yourself. So, will you rise up to the challenge?
