InSIGHT 2025: Arkana — Unveil the Truth

Following the successful participation in the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) 2024 in Boston from 15 to 18 February 2024, the International Affairs Society (IAS) MUN team sent its next group of delegates to Taipei from 10 to 14 March 2024, for the Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) 2024.

The Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) conference, held annually in different cities since 1992, provides a global platform for young leaders to discuss pressing global issues. In its 32nd edition, HWMUN aims to instill in delegates fundamental principles like leadership, innovation, and cooperation to effect tangible change.

This marked the inaugural participation of the IAS-MUN team in HWMUN 2024. The 7-member delegation from various SIM GE degree programs, represented the nation-states of Kuwait and Greece across four committees, led by Student Advisor, Ms. Gobinath Atchayah from the SIM-UOL program.

After months of preparation, including research and training, the team gained valuable diplomatic experience. One of the delegates, Ms. Syaqila Binte Suzaini, representing Kuwait in the Economic and Financial Committee, received the Verbal Commendation Award.

Moving forward, the team intends to support future IAS-MUN delegations with their expertise.

Participating students: Angel Lim, Anusha Fatima, Anub Sathia Joshan, Azrah, Fathima (Student Advisor), Chen Yanyou, Chew Kai He Dillon, Dave Aarohi Keyur, Jedidiah Asaf Tallulembang, Rajpal Simran, Siti Hajar Binti Mohd Azam and Yeo Hui Qi.

Syaqila

It was a whirlwind of excitement and growth, constant adrenaline that left an indelible mark on my journey. We delve into intense speech practices and immersed ourselves in research about our respective – Kuwait and Greece. In the Economics and Finance Committee, I found myself diving into fruitful discussion and tackling the intriguing topic of global retirement age. It was challenging, yes, but incredibly rewarding. And the connections made with delegates from across the globe? Absolutely unforgettable. HWMUN 2024 wasn’t just about debates, it was a voyage of discovery. It opened my eyes to the complexities of global issues and diplomacy in ways textbooks never could. It’s not just a conference; it’s a catalyst for change and raising awareness. Reflecting on this experience, one thing stands out: the importance of listening, speaking up and staying true to yourself. Oh, and cherishing the connections you make along the way – they’re what make the journey truly memorable.

Hanan

“My trip to Taiwan to attend Harvard World MUN was definitely one for the books. The rush of being in a foreign land, experiencing a new culture (or many new cultures in this case!), being surrounded by friends all while meeting exciting new people and debating global politics is truly a unique experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity as I learned a lot about myself and hard work, communication and presentation, and how the world works—especially finding commonality where sometimes, you can only see differences. One of the best parts of immersing yourself in such a diverse setting is meeting new people and forging real international friendships! Coming together with that many like-minded, change-driven people is an invigorating, motivating experience. I would truly recommend this experience to anyone, as in many small ways, I am a changed person from this for the better.”

Miraa

“HWMUN sparked my joy in public speaking and debate after so many years of being an introvert. The whole process from research to the actual committee sessions built up my courage and confidence to face others with strong opinions. I was able to speak up despite the fear of what others would think as I felt more confident in how I could add value to the sessions instead of what others thought of me. After HWMUN, I feel like a new person as I find so much joy at even the thought of joining future MUNs. It has truly inspired me to inspire others to speak up and say what they think without worrying about what others think or feel. It helped me navigate social and negotiation skills which has broadened my communication skills with those around me.”

Eager to dive into the world of financial analysis and gain invaluable hands-on experience? Look no further than the CFA Institute Research Challenge! This prestigious annual competition is your gateway to a realm of opportunity. Offering tertiary students’ mentorship and immersive training in financial analysis. The challenge is your chance to sharpen your skills alongside industry experts. Participants will work in teams to craft a comprehensive research report and deliver compelling recommendations. Read to find out more!

Teams will conduct research and analyze a designated publicly traded company; prepare a written report on that company that supports a buy, sell or hold recommendation; receive advice and support from a faculty advisor and industry mentor; and present and defend their findings to a panel of industry experts within 10 minutes. Winners from local competitions advance to subregional competitions, then on to regional competitions other parts of the world, ultimately until the global final.

The competition emphasizes and upholds impartiality and fairness. To mitigate any potential biases from judges, participants are identified by their team names rather than the institutions they represent. 

Following intense preparation and countless hours of dedication, we had the privilege of interviewing Team Blue Capital, who competed in the local finals held on 3rd February 2024. The team consists of Lin Wei Jie (Team Leader), Hah Min Da, Chang Qi Qian and Hendrick Kwok En Rong.

How did you pick your teammates?

Qi Qian: We were all members of the same clubs, the SIM Investment and Networking Club, where we shared a common interest in finance. Three of us had previously collaborated in another case competition, gained valuable experience in working together. Recognizing the importance of chemistry within a team, especially in this competition, we aim to ensure effective collaboration, with each member contributing their part.

Wei Jie: I would advise anyone reading this article to carefully choose group members who align with your expectations and commitment level. Given the extended duration of this competition, people usually delay and drag time their time, they may –

Min Da: They may want to give up halfway.

Qi Qian: Delay or sweep assignments under the rug. It’s important to stick to the timeline!

Hendrik: Slowly, they might find it difficult to commit (to their tasks).

Wei Jie: Agree! They don’t tend to focus well. Finding people of the same interest and same drive as you to participate in the competition is pretty crucial.

Hendrik: While intelligence is valuable, the significance of hard work tends to be overlooked. The effort required in the background, both in producing the report and the speech, plays a major role in this competition.

Wei Jie: No matter what you do, creating report and slides takes time. Start early to ensure a well-prepared work submission for the judges.

How has this entire journey like helped picking up relevant skills?

Wei Jie: The skills that we learned from this competition includes market research skills, your understanding of the industry, financial modelling, and evaluation. These are key skills that are essential in the field of finance. Specifically, focusing on financial modelling, being in charge for it has significantly enhanced my proficiency. Handling more complex company models from scratch has been instrumental in deepening my knowledge and skill set. The challenges faced during the process have been invaluable in grooming me for more intricate financial modeling tasks.

Hendrik: Getting the full picture is crucial and that is what research is all about. While the annual report gives you good insights but it’s essential to consider other sources as well to truly understand what Sembcorp represents. It’s a matter of piecing information together from various channels to paint a complete and accurate picture of the company.

Min Da: When conducting researching on a company or a specific spot, the value extends beyond technical skills; it encompasses essential soft skills crucial for entering finance industry. It only teaches technical aspects of the finance world but hones soft skills such reading through reports, efficiently scanning for vital information and internalizing the acquiring knowledge.

Qi Qian: For me, it boiled down to discipline, especially since I had a full-time internship. Time after work was limited and I often found myself stretched to capacity. Despite the exhaustion, I recognized that importance of fulfilling my responsibilities. No matter how tired I was, meeting deadlines became a non-negotiable commitment. I pushed through and ensured that I delivered what was expected of me.

Students who are interested to find out more about CFA, you may check out this link: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/societies/challenge