Middle School MUN Team Represents TAS at MY-MUN Conference in Singapore

Earlier this month, Taipei American School’s Model United Nations (MUN) travel team participated in the annual MY-MUNOFS conference hosted by Overseas Family School in Singapore. Held just before Lunar New Year break, the event brought together Middle School delegates from across the region for a weekend of structured debate and collaboration.

Students began preparing in November, researching their assigned countries, analyzing current global challenges, drafting resolutions, and refining opening speeches. Representing nations ranging from Norway to Venezuela to Pakistan, each delegate entered the conference ready to advocate from their country’s perspective.

Committee topics challenged students to grapple with complex and timely issues, including combating wildlife trafficking, examining reparations for former colonies, and addressing the impact of armed conflict on children in the Middle East and North Africa. Throughout the conference, delegates relied on research, clear communication, and diplomacy to negotiate amendments and develop collaborative solutions.

Ms. Savanna Kuisle, Middle School History teacher and Middle School Head Coach for the team, reflected on the students’ experience. “What stood out about this group was their teamwork and diplomacy. They supported one another while preparing for the conference and built connections with students from other schools in their committees. By approaching debate with kindness and respect, they were able to find common ground when discussing complex topics such as child labor and the legacies of colonization.”

 

A distinctive aspect of this year’s experience was the involvement of four Upper School students who attended as conference chairs. In addition to mentoring the Grade 7 delegates, they led debate rooms, managed parliamentary procedures, and guided discussion. Their leadership added a meaningful cross-divisional dimension to the trip and provided younger students with steady support in a fast-paced environment.

For many delegates, the conference marked their first experience participating in an international Model United Nations event. Over the course of the weekend, students demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and growing confidence as they navigate formal debate and responded to new perspectives.

The MY-MUNOFS trip reflects the depth of learning possible through the Model United Nations. Beyond public speaking and research skills, students practiced listening closely, thinking critically, and collaborating across differences. It was a meaningful opportunity for Grade 7 students to represent TAS on an international stage while developing the skills of responsible global engagement.