Model ASEM Conference, Singapore 2004
Testimonials
Kevin McCarthy, Ireland (representing Singapore)
The Model ASEM Summit held in Singapore in August 2004 was, from a personal point of view, a profoundly enriching experience that considerably broadened my horizons on Asian culture and politics. As I was to represent Singapore, the “host nation”, and act as chairperson of the summit, I did my best to familiarize myself as much as possible with Singapore’s foreign policy. Making considerable use of the excellent Singapore Ministry of Foreign affairs website, I immersed myself in information regarding the position of the Singapore government on issues that affect Asia’s relations with Europe, as well as its stance on pan-Asian issues. Furthermore, through reading speeches delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Prime Minister, I attempted to absorb the tone and type of language used by senior Singaporean government officials. I believe that I was fortunate in that the nation I was chosen to represent is, to all intents and purposes, an English-speaking one – had I to represent a country with less well-developed internet resources, my task would have been somewhat more difficult.
I was particularly impressed with the amazing facilities provided by ASEF for the Model ASEM Summit, and these undoubtedly added to the realism of the simulation. The debates were particularly fascinating, as all the participants had enthusiastically assumed the roles of the leaders of the nations they were representing, and it was not long before we were engaged in heated, passionate debates on the issues that most affect Asia-Europe relations: trade, terrorism, human rights and, most controversially, the burning question of whether the Union of Myanmar should be permitted to take part in the process of inter-regional dialogue. Even as we ate lunch we stayed “in character”, launching diplomatic initiatives, gathering consensus, pushing for compromise and concessions. Although we were unable to reach any clear agreement by the time the simulation came to an end that evening, we had all learned a considerable amount about each other’s cultures and systems of government.
I believe that the Model ASEM is an excellent way of opening one’s eyes and expanding one’s knowledge with regard to Asia-Europe relations. I was representing a country I knew very little about prior to my participation and passionately defending views that differed substantially from my own. It was the closest I will ever come to seeing the world through Asian eyes. As the representative of the “host nation”, I was also fortunate in that officials from the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present as observers and were able to provide me with feedback regarding my “performance”. Although I felt that I was taking a hard line on most issues, I was told that, in fact, I was much more compromising than they would have been in reality.
In conclusion: if you are European and want to learn more about Asia, or if you are Asian and want to learn more about Europe, then I wholeheartedly recommend participation in the Model ASEM Summit. It will give you a totally new perspective on world affairs.