HCCRI 2024

Written by: Tan Le Xuan (24A15)

Edited by: Tan Wen Li, Glenda (24S6K)

On the 3rd and 4th of June, HCCRI returned for its 13th edition as Hwa Chong’s flagship Model United Nations conference, providing students from both Hwa Chong and across the country alike with a platform to engage in lively discourse on all things diplomacy, international relations, and world issues.

Participants at one of the council sessions.

A council session in progress.

Over the course of two days, delegates debated over a wide array of topics that were both thought provoking and incredibly relevant to the real world, ranging from coral reef conservation, to socio-cultural implications posed by NFTs (non-fungible tokens), to the protection of human rights of the incarcerated. This year’s conference also featured a Historical Crisis Council, where delegates took on the roles of various prominent figures in 1939 Japan and grappled with domestic issues and factionalism amidst the backdrop of World War II. Additionally, Press Corps made a return this year, giving delegates a chance to immerse themselves in the world of journalistic diplomacy. Delegates’ minds were certainly stretched as they considered the topics from the various economic, legal, political, and social perspectives. 

A participant during one of the council sessions.

HCCRI XIII was also honoured to have Professor Bilveer Singh, Deputy Head of Department at the NUS Department of Political Science, as the guest of honour this year. At the opening ceremony, delegates had the chance to hear the professor in his keynote address, and engage in a panel discussion with him. Topics discussed compromised of pressing world issues of today, such as the South China Sea, US-China relations, the upcoming presidential elections in America, and the Israel-Palestine conflict, and where Singapore stands amidst this rapidly changing world order, and how we can best navigate it. 

Guest of honour Professor Bilveer Singh speaking at the opening ceremony.

Indeed, in a world increasingly filled with uncertainty, ambiguity, and volatility, educational conferences like HCCRI are essential in cultivating a sense of political awareness in our leaders of tomorrow.