Lessons Learned in MUN

We all get nervous before our first speech during an MUN conference as delegates. But have you ever wondered what it’s like for Chairs and/or Secretariat Members as well? Here, we would like to invite you to join the “Lessons Learned in MUN” panel, where we will reflect on different MUNers’ experiences throughout various MUN roles. We will also be touching upon the impacts that participating in MUN has introduced in both our professional and personal lives.

About the Speakers:

• Derek Tong: Born and raised in Hong Kong (China), Derek obtained his Bachelor's Degree from Peking University (Beijing, China), majoring in International Politics, and is currently working at a Hong Kong public policy think tank. He aspires for a career in public affairs so as to serve his hometown, his country, and the international community. Derek's MUN career started in 2016, and was forced into early retirement thanks to COVID-19. In his 3.5 years of MUN journey, he joined over 20 Chinese and international conferences in the capacity of Secretariat, Chair, or Delegate, and was lucky enough to grab a few awards on the way. Alongside his devotion to Model United Nations in China, he has also interned at the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (Beijing), participated as an official Chinese Delegate to the ASEAN+3 Youth Environmental Forum (Phuket, Thailand), and served as the Academic Director for the China-ASEAN Youth Forum 2019, where he oversaw the publishing of all academic materials, including the China-ASEAN Youth Declaration which was adopted unanimously by youth Delegates of 11 countries and submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat. Derek believes that MUN is one of the best platforms for an individual to equip themselves qualities of a diplomat, and believes that everyone is just one step away from their dreams once they start their journey of pursuing it.

• Prily Soetiman: Originating from Indonesia particularly North Sulawesi, Prily Soetiman is a final year undergraduate Russian Studies student at University of Indonesia. Her college life experiences are dominated by Model United Nations Conferences. Kicking off as part of University of Indonesia Official Delegation for EuropeanMUN 2019 and snatching the Best Academic Excellence Award. She then participated in numerous conferences as chair, delegate, and eventually mandated as Secretary General of H!MUN (High School MUN) 2021. Apart from that, she has a keen interest in self-development and youth empowerment which then led her to build @maleosan.id. A nonprofit organization that focuses on connecting and empowering youth to reach their full potential. She believes that experiences accompanied by perseverance will help a person to thrive as it has been proven by her through her latest title of being the 3rd Most Outstanding Student of Faculty of Humanities University of Indonesia 2021 as well as got the opportunity to be a Campaign Management Intern at one of the notable technology companies.

• Joseph Pengelly: A dual-national of the United Kingdom and Spain, Joseph has a profound interest in foreign policy and international affairs with future ambitions to pursue a career in diplomacy and development. Joseph first found his love for Model United Nations at the University of Greenwich where he was a Class of 2020 Economics Graduate and final-year President of Greenwich Model UN Society. He then moved onto King's College London where he has just completed his Master's in International Relations. Having attended a range of conferences from Panamá City to Madrid, Joseph possesses a colorful Model UN career. After participating in LIMUN as a Delegate and Chair (at LIMUN 2020 and 2021 respectively), he undertook the role of “Chief of Staff” and “Under Secretary General for Academics” for LIMUN's 23rd University Conference edition which recently and successfully returned to its normal in-person delivery! Outside of Model UN, Joseph enjoys working on his international political discussion platform "The British Diplomat", playing football, reading biographies and commentaries (as well as re-reading Harry Potter), and is a dedicated Arsenal fan!