Harvard Model Congress Asia 2014

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 9^th to January 12^th 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 9^th, 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 10^th, 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 11^th, 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?