Model ASEM Conference, Singapore 2004
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"The Model ASEM was a great chance to experience how international politics really work. The simulation with its long and very intense debates was a brilliant lesson for everyone who is interested in the European-Asian relations, and moreover gave us a possibility to deepen our personal friendship with the other participants."
-Claas Schmahl, Germany (representing China)
"Model ASEM was one of the greatest, most instructive and realistic exercises in diplomacy I have taken during my studies."
-Bjoern Seibert, Germany (representing Korea)
"What can I say about the Model ASEM 2004? It was one of the best experiences I have had. Generally speaking all the events organized by ASEF(UAN) I have joined since my lucky election to be a participant of the ASEF University 10 in Tokyo have been unique and enriching experiences. The organizers did a great job in organising the presenters, facilities and the strict timetables of the Model ASEM. Congratulations again! It was indeed very interesting to see how real ASEM meetings are structured and what dynamics can be arising from the lively discussions we had/what the real chief of governments have. I would be very interested and looking forward to participate in a new edition of the MODEL ASEM and cannot wait for the official request to launch the Model ASEM 06 off."
-Bernd Pfeiffenberger, Austria
"I am very proud to be among pioneers participating in the first Model ASEM in Singapore 2004. Even though it was the first time of preparation, Model ASEM was evaluated to achieve fruitful success. Being the one in organization team as well as the one representing Belgium, I indeed treasure the memorable experience that Model ASEM brought in. This was the moment in life when I were someone else, a diplomat, giving statements for and on behalf of my own country about the pressing world issues, it was an experience when I could listen to the voices and ideas of many other simulated diplomats of the same generation and it was also the time when we could share and make friends with each other. Thanks everyone and see you again in the second Model ASEM in Bangkok with more terrific things to be awaited !!!"
- Duong Huong Giang, Vietnam (representing Belgium)
"Participating at the Model ASEM was a wonderful opportunity! Although I was - unfortunately - representing my home country, the preparations and the discussions helped me to get into a different mind-set and look at politics and dialogue from a new angle. I think it would be especially interesting to have students from a big and influential country represent a smaller one and vice versa. Thus a simulation like the Model ASEM really will help to change your own perspectives."
- Norzin Dagyab, Germany (representing Germany)
"Model ASEM was really awesome! This simulation profoundly deepened my understanding of international politics between Asia and Europe. And, apart from academic aspect, I also made lots of incredible friends over there. I have learnt from Asia-Europe big differences that actually we also have a lot in common. You must not miss it!"
-Chawapol Fahumnuayphol, Thailand
The most thrilling experience of the model ASEM simulation for me was to play a representative of an European country as an Asian, and to see other European members playing as Asian representatives and the other way around!"
-Seiko Yamashita, Japan (representing Italy)
"Model ASEM gave me the opportunity to share and create knowledge in a rare environment of students representing a multitude of educational backgrounds from many countries. This experience forced us to take our theoretical presuppositions to a realistic discussion of important issues of our time. I would strongly recommend participation in the Model ASEM to anyone who is looking to challenge their ideas and gain friendships with a group of exceptional students."
-Sarah Hempel, Denmark (representing the Philippines)
"It was really a good experience for me to learn about how an international conference is operated and how each representatives of their country think and act through this course. Although I didn't always have enough time to prepare for all sessions, the atmosphere during the discussions was very lively and made me excited. I would like to recommend this course to anyone who's interested in Asian and European countries and their policies. "
-Kouta Yasumura, Japan (representing Greece)
"All the participants gave their view on the various issues that were discussed at the model ASEM. It was incredibly interesting to hear how different the views were and how differently they were phrased. There were so many different arguments to the same issue. The role-playing part was so much fun. I did the European Union and during our lunch we had to stick to the role, so I needed to talk to all the European countries to know their views and at the same time lobby some of the Asian countries.
I learned a lot about Asia-Europe politics when I researched for my role in the model ASEM. I could find a lot of information on the internet, and when we did the model some of the participants could tell me even more. You could easily imagine the real-life politicians when the German guy stated Japans views or a Korean girl demanded "corporate social responsibility" on behalf of Sweden.
It was like we were actually at an ASEM summit. We WERE Singapore, Sweden, France and the Philippines. When I met some of the participants from the Model ASEM again, they even still remembered me as "Ms. European Union", which was my role at the model ASEM."
-Mette Lykke Knudsen, Denmark (representing the European Commission)
"I think the greatest part of the Model ASEM conference was the role-playing for example during the lunch retreat. We were supposed to be discussing and trying to convince other delegates to stand at your side on behalf of your country, which in my case was the Netherlands. I remember we were having a profound discussion on the most up-dated issues happening aroung the world, trying to meet consensus with other colleagues. It was too much fun when Asian participants got chances to get to know more of the European countries, and I believe European participants (now my good friends!) also benefited a lot from this unique experience. I strongly recommend you to participate to the Model ASEM event! See you soon!
-Lu Shan, China (representing the Netherlands)