Model ASEAN Conference: One ASEAN, Our ASEAN

Date: 9 Dec - 19 Dec 2007
Location: National University of Singapore

Programme Schedule

The NUS Students’ University Scholars Club, in affiliation with the University Scholars Programme of the National University of Singapore is organising a conference named Model ASEAN 2007 for all the universities in the ASEAN University Network.

ASEAN envisions the South-East Asian region as outward looking, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership in dynamic development and in a community of caring societies by the year 2020. In the ASEAN vision 2020, ASEAN has resolved to strengthen the Economic Integration, ASEAN security and Socio-cultural environment, the three main pillars of the Southeast Asian region, as per the Kuala Lumpur Declaration of 1971. However, despite the implementation of policies by ASEAN, the region has been plagued with constant problems in the three areas since the formation of the association.

Model ASEAN aims to provide a platform for the students to explore the issues presented in the ASEAN Vision 2020, and to give them the opportunity to initiate their own policies or to “amend” the existing policies. Model ASEAN’s primary objective is to foster an environment where student representatives can critically and creatively address ASEAN related issues based on each country’s capacities and then achieve a regional consensus on them.
The theme of the conference: Model ASEAN 14 March, 2008eakout and preparatory sessions, field trips to relevant organizations as well as other such events devoted to promoting awareness of ASEAN and its operations. The theme of the conference: “One ASEAN, Our ASEAN”, aims to inspire the students to reflect deeply on how they perceive ASEAN and to instil in them a sense of ownership for their region through the opportunity to initiate desired changes.

The conference will be held within boundaries of the encompassing main theme, three pressing issues have been chosen to be addressed in the course of Model ASEAN 2007:

• Social-Cultural Committee:     Ethnic Diversity and Minority Rights
• Economic Committee:             Poverty Alleviation and Micro-finance
• Security Committee:               Counter Terrorism Cooperation

Each student can join one of the above committees to participate in during the conference. Every applicant is required to write one essay of 800-1000 words on the topics provided below. The student must write the essay on the topic pertaining to the specific committee he/she wants to apply for.

Social-Cultural Committee:
Human Rights in ASEAN: A Community of Caring Societies?

Economic Committee:           
Microfinance and Development in ASEAN: Tackling the Challenges of Sustainability and Regulation

Security Committee:
Counter Terrorism: Is ASEAN doing enough?

Committee Details

Besides the essay, applicants are required to submit the following:

• A 500 word Personal Statement explaining why you are interested in participating in Model ASEAN 2007
• CV/ Relevant credentials (Optional)
• Contact Details