20 April 2015

Sunway Hosts the Malaysian Model United Nations

Youths make up a quarter of the world’s population and many young people today step up to take ownership for a world they want, a better world. Today’s youth are our future, able shape the world’s social and economic development, challenge social norms and values. These are the ones who can shape the future, the future of our country, the future of this region and ultimately the world.

In its continuos efforts to empower today’s young people, Sunway played host to more than 500 delegates from 6 universities, 10 colleges and 11 schools at the inaugural Malaysian National Model United Nations (MNMUN) conference. The conference themed Malaysia’s Future – Malaysia’s Youth, is the biggest so far held in Malaysia.


Secretary General Haris Khan, a Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) student at Sunway College in his speech addressing the delegates said through the conference, the committee hopes to harness national unity and forge tolerance among the youth, raising awareness on issues that affect lives within and beyond Malaysia in order to empower this generation to become proactive stakeholders to ensure a better world for the next generation.

In her welcome speech, Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director of Sunway Education Group and Sunway University praised the Secretariat for their commitment and vision in organising the platform for the exchanging of views stating that at conferences such as this, delegates hone vital skills in negotiation, public speaking, problem solving, conflict resolution, research and communication. She believes the conference helps to nurture delegates who are ready to cross borders and Sunway is proud to contribute and be a part of that cause.


“As we move into the future, we need to equip you, our young people and the coming generations with new knowledge, new skills and values needed in a competitive global setting, while at the same time nurture them to be responsible adults, good citizens both of our country and the world. We definitely need a generation better educated, in the broadest and most profound sense more than ever before” she said.

The conference is the first to host a bilingual committee of the Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of the Malaysian parliament, in line with the theme of promoting civil participation and activism amongst a generation increasingly passionate about politics.

With a goal of providing delegates new experiences, the conference introduced for the very first time at MNMUN, the spell-binding International Confederation of Wizards on top of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee.

The Secretariat of MNMUN, comprising 18 young people from 15 institutions worked hard in planning and organising the conference, they have even managed to forge ties and receive collaborative help from the MUN community of the National University Singapore and the University of Pennsylvania through the Ivy League Model United Nations which boasts over 3,000 delegates and 24 committees.

On his role as the Founder and Secretary-General of MNMUN, Haris commented “My responsibilities included managing a diverse secretariat effectively, setting strategic goals and ensuring the success of the conference. Although it was hectic, it was an incredibly satisfying experiences, especially when I heard from many students that it changed their lives, some said how they have decided on their future careers through attending MNMUN.”

In June this year, Sunway will host the inaugural Sunway Model United Nations Conference, the first to be organised completely by students of the Sunway Education Group.

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