Harvard Model Congress Asia 2014: Three Days Seemed Not
Enough!
By: Hayatun Nafysa
Recently, I along with two other students represent ERC
Institute for Harvard Model Congress Asia (HMCA) in Hongkong. For those who
might not be familiar with it, HMCA is a government simulation conference held
entirely by Harvard University Students whereby delegates, who will each
portray a role in the US’ congress or International organizations, discuss
global issues and provide insights of possible solutions. The conference, which
took place at HongKong University from January 9th to January 12th
this year, is conducted using parliamentary procedure (parli pro), which is a
formal way to conduct debate. It is a
very prestigious event attended by about 600 International students this year,
coming from all over the world including USA, Jordan, Philippines, Japan,
Korea, China, Taiwan, HongKong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and of course,
Singapore.
On the first day that is the 9th, after
registration for the conference the next day, we went to tour the University of
HongKong campuses guided by the friendly HKU’s student ambassadors. The
campuses, located in Pok Fu Lam, are so green and cozy, providing a nice
atmosphere for students. They are also completed with adequate amenities for
students. After familiarizing ourselves with the venue, we were so ready for
the conference tomorrow!
The next day, the conference was opened with an opening
ceremony before we went for our respective committee. I portrayed the role of
minister trade of Malaysia as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO),
Steven represented Canada in Intergovernmental Group of TwentyFour (G24), and
Annisa acted as Secretary of Energy of the USA’s Presidential Cabinet. That
day, the 10th, was the first day of the formal conference. The
competition was already tight on the first day. Delegates were very opinionated
and intelligent in uttering their point of view. It’s so formal it almost felt
like we’re the real ministers of trade (in my case) debating to resolve green
energy subsidy issue and fair labour law. We even had to make points just to go
to the toilet! There were so many motions and potions to be used for the parli
pro. Thankfully, after the intense debate session, there was social night where
it was conducted like a sort of a bazaar where there were a lot of booths such
as snacks booth, Chinese calligraphy, fortune-telling, and instant photography.
There was also music! We danced and on the floor we made a lot of friends. The
staff joined us too!
On the 11th, before our next committee session,
we had a full session, where all parties gathered to discuss resolutions or
bills that the committees had come up with.
The full session was even more intense with all the critical pro and con
debates. Afterwards, we had committee meetings again just like we did the day
before to prepare our next resolution for yet another full session the next
day.
Incidentally, there was a Harvard University Panel where all
the Harvard Students staffing held a Q&A session on how to get into
Harvard, the requirements, applications, and their Harvard experience, each one
told so remarkably and unique. In response to what kind of essay that should be
written for application and interview preparation, they answer that Harvard
would want to see “you as a person instead of just a file.”
The last day, we had our last committee meetings and full
session. The full session went as intense as the previous one. Delegates were racing
to voice out their insights and point-of-views. At the end of the session since
it was the last day, a joke was even pulled to lighten up the mood despite the
formality on the first session. A resolution on “Renaming Kim Kardashian’s baby
from North West to South West” was introduced! And It was debated! We all had
so much fun despite having to part ways. The conference went successfully and
was closed by the president of HMCA and a speech by vice-chancellor of HKU in a
closing ceremony.
Sheer sadness could be seen from all the delegates’ faces,
as we had to continue our respective study. I felt sad too having to separate
with my newly found friends. I found myself missing parli pro already even
though it was relatively complicated to follow. But we did not forget to
exchange our contacts and facebook to keep in touch!
The three of us learned a lot about the government,
legislature, current affairs, negotiations, business, and many more! We also
met a lot of friends from various countries. It is amazing meeting new friends
from different countries, even more when you can click with them and has the
same mindset as them. It expands your network too, you know! The experience is
eye opening in its own unique way.
I’m hoping that there will be more delegates representing
ERC Institute next year. The event was very memorable, and I hope future
delegates will feel the same way I do. Tune in their website http://hmcasia.org to know if registration for
next year’s is opened. Don’t worry, there is definitely another one next year! Speaking
of which, the students’ council should make our very own debate club, how that
sounds?
