By Nick Sen Chua and Cat Van

About MYMUN XIX

Collaborating for a Brighter Future was the theme of the Nineteenth Annual Malaysian Model United Nations conference (stylized as MYMUN XIX), held at M’KIS from the 24-26th January 2025. The event brought together 67 delegates and 16 chairs from seven schools across Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Malaysia to foster diplomacy, debate, and problem-solving on prevalent global issues.

Opening Ceremony 

Secretaries-General Nick Sen Chua and Maëllys Lepine emphasized that “we need to rely on collaboration more than ever, working hand-in-hand to solve problems rather than pointing fingers at a singular country or nation.” 

The ceremony also featured remarks from MS/HS principal Mr. Kevin Ritchlin and Head of School Mr. Robert Cody. The opening ceremony also showcased a piano solo by 10th-grade student Adam Petreny, music and dance performances guided by Ms. Yi Chien Chew and Mr. Kenny Shim, and a captivating duet from seniors Jan Sen Chua and Shayona Chatterjee. 

Opening Speeches and Lobbying

Once the conference was officially declared open, the delegates went to their respective committees to deliver their introductory opening speeches. 

Following the opening speeches, the delegates began the lobbying process. They collaborated to draft resolutions on the topics of their respective committees, which ranged from “Ensuring the Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence to Safeguard Data Privacy” to “Combating Global Terrorism and Transnational Crime.”
 

Debate

Over the next two days, delegates participated in vigorous debate. They presented their resolutions, answered questions about their proposed solutions, and defended their country’s position on various issues. Debates lasted hours, and delegates had to negotiate, compromise, and persuade fellow delegates to pass resolutions. In some instances, delegates created and debated amendments to add, amend, or strike clauses to improve the resolutions being debated. Ultimately, the vast majority of resolutions at the conference were passed.

An experienced student officer team chaired the debates. The chairs ensured the house was kept in order, procedures were applied correctly, and advice was given to promote higher-quality debate and diplomacy. 

Building International Bonds

Beyond committee sessions, the conference also fostered moments of camaraderie. The lively social night on the second night featured a beach-themed gala dinner where delegates and student officers participated in an open mic session. Students also had the opportunity to play games such as table tennis in the Sports Hall.

Closing Ceremony 

As the final debates wrapped up, some chairs introduced engaging crisis scenarios to challenge the delegates’ ability to resolve world issues. These scenarios included new global health threats to disputes about the legal sovereignty of space. 

During the closing ceremony, the chairs presented three awards per committee: Most Improved, Most Passionate, and Most Diplomatic. All award winners received certificates and a special souvenir: a M’KIS Tiger plushie!

With the awards given, the Secretaries-General declared the 19th Annual Malaysian Model United Nations Conference closed.

Thank You and Looking Forward!

MYMUN XIX would not have been possible without the guidance and significant effort of the following teachers, leaders, and staff:

• The Secretariat, including Maëllys Lepine, Nick Sen Chua, Ruey Whuan (Emily) See, and Cat Thien Van.

• MUN Advisors Tamara Garner, David Chen, Simon D’Rozario, David Herbert, and Zamira Cure,

• Accounts and Payroll Coordinator Poh Leng Tan,

• School Photographer Mr. Ng Kwang Wee (Vee), and

• VAPA Teachers Yi Chien Chew and Kenny Shim!

Finally, special thanks go out to the participating schools, teacher directors, student officers, Mr. Robert Cody, Mr. Kevin Ritchlin, conference admins, and the maintenance and support staff, whose commitments made MYMUN XIX a reality.

As preparations begin for the 20th Malaysian Model United Nations Conference (MYMUN XX), the MUN leadership team looks forward to welcoming more schools, expanding the conference’s reach, and continuing to provide an enriching experience for MUN enthusiasts!