Frequently Asked Questions
What is Model United Nations?
Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the United Nations and other international bodies, where delegates take on the roles of diplomats, ambassadors, journalists, NGO agents, renowned experts, and government ministers. These delegates come together to discuss, debate, and negotiate over solutions for some of the world’s most pressing issues.
Why participate in NTUMUN?
NTU Model United Nations (NTU MUN) is one of the most prestigious international events organized by the NTU Debate Society, one of NTU’s premier clubs. Since 2006, students from around the world have come together to discuss important geo-political and social issues in the annually-held conference. NTUMUN is a unique platform for you to meet, discuss and collaborate with equally motivated and talented peers on the most relevant issues from across the globe. Over 300 participants from more than 25 countries attended NTUMUN 2019, and our network continues to grow to bring to you a challenging and enriching environment in 2020. In the past, NTU MUN has been graced by guests such as His Excellency Mr Paul Madden, British High Commissioner to Singapore; Her Excellency Ms Amanda Brooks, Acting British High Commissioner; Ambassador Barry Desker, Dean S Rajaratnam School of International Studies; Prof Rohan Gunaratna, an International Terrorism Expert; Ms Yeo Law Hwee, Director of the European Union Centre in Singapore; and Mr Geoffrey Yu, Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Singapore.
Where will the conference be held?
NTUMUN 2020 will be held at the Nanyang Executive Centre in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
Do participants need to possess MUN experience?
Delegates do not require any past experience in Model UN, or even in the field of international relations to participate in the conference. Students of all backgrounds and levels of experience are eligible to register for NTUMUN, as long as they have the ambition to learn something new and to meet other like-minded students from around the globe. The range of councils in NTUMUN 2020 will provide learning opportunities for both new as well as experiences delegates. Please note that details on the difficulty level for each council are indicated in our Registration Form, which can be found here.
Who can attend NTUMUN?
Students aged 15 to 25 years at the time of the conference are eligible to attend NTUMUN.
How many delegates can represent a school?
There are no restrictions on the number of delegations that can represent a school. However, please note that each delegation must consist of a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 delegates.
How do I register?
Participants can register via our website, at Apply. They may also contact our delegate affairs team at contact@ntumun.com for any issues or queries regarding the registration process.
When will registration open?
Early Bird Registrations open on 21 October 2019.
How do I know that my registration is confirmed?
Once you register, you will receive a mail from us within 5 days confirming your registration. If you do not receive a mail from us within 5 days, please mail us at contact@ntumun.com to confirm that we have received your registration.
What if my university does not have a delegation?
Delegates are allowed to participate as individuals if their university does not have a delegation.
Am I allowed to choose my country in a council of preference?
While we understand that the country you represent will shape your experience at the NTU MUN 2020, we cannot in all fairness allow you to choose your preferred country. However, we can assure you that your choices will be taken into consideration. This said, all countries within each council are such that they will have a significant scope for participation.
I don’t have a passport yet, is that a problem?
Not while you are registering, but you will need one to travel to Singapore. However, if you intend to apply as a delegate with accommodation, we will require your passport number by late December for administrative matters.
How do I reach to NTU? Will there be an airport pick-up for international delegates?
Please note that there will be no airport pick-up for international delegates. Transport will be provided post check-in (i.e. to and from the conference and Socials venue). Singapore is a very tourist-friendly place, making it easy to get around. Nonetheless, if you need any assistance with regards to transportation, please reach out to our Delegate Affairs team at contact@ntumun.com.
Do I need a visa to travel to Singapore?
Please check the ICA website to see if you require a Visa. Link: https://www.ica.gov.sg/#/visitor/visitor_entryvisa
How do I apply for a visa? How long does it take?
Participants who have a local contact with a SingPass account – a password used in Singapore Government online services, which all Singapore citizens/Permanent Residents/Employment pass holders should have – can apply online through the ICA website ( Link: https://www.ica.gov.sg/#/ ). This type of application takes one working day to process (excluding day of submission). If you do not have a local contact, please apply through the Singapore Overseas Mission in your country. Please check the respective mission’s website for more details, as the application period varies. Also, please take note that the organizing committee will NOT be able to act as local contacts for visa applicants. However, we can assist you with any letters needed by the Embassy for the purpose of the visa.
Will insurance be included in the fees?
No, the registration fee does not include any form of travel insurance. International participants are advised to get your own insurance before travelling to Singapore.
What is the climate in Singapore? What clothes should I prepare?
Weather in Singapore is generally hot and humid. However, the buildings are mostly always air-conditioned and tend to get slightly cold. Participants will be expected to be in business attire during all council sessions. On socials night, smart casual attire will do.
If I travel with a teacher/guardian, do you provide facilities for them as well?
The registration fees does not include accommodation for any teacher/guardian. However, teachers/guardians wishing to accompany delegations/delegates are welcome to apply for all the services such as accommodation, transport and meals with an additional charge. Do write to our Delegate Affairs team at contact@ntumun.com should you wish to apply for these facilities.
Will NTUMUN provide any training to the delegates?
NTUMUN will provide study guides to participating delegates for preparation. However, no physical training will be provided.
Are position papers required for NTUMUN?
Delegates will be required to submit position papers to their respective chairs prior to the conference start date. More information on this can be found on our Timeline page.
Are pre-written resolutions allowed at NTUMUN?
No, pre-written resolutions are not allowed in NTUMUN conference.
Is attendance taken at committees?
Yes, attendance will be taken at the committees. Delegates are not allowed to miss more than two sessions without valid reasons in order to be eligible to receive participation certificates.
Can I win awards?
Awards for Best delegate, Best Position Paper, and Best Press Delegate are a few examples of the many awards that can be won at the conference. Follow our Facebook page for updates and insights. Link: https://www.facebook.com/NTUModelUN https://instagram.com/ntumodelun/
What is the dress code for the conference?
The dress code for the conference is formal wear, i.e., Suits/ Shirts and Formal trousers for men, and formal dresses/ shirts and formal trousers or skirts for women.
Should I bring a laptop?
Delegates are encouraged to bring along laptops to the conference to be able to access timely conference information, participate in committee communication, read about special conference features, and for the ease of information exchange with their fellow delegates and Committee Chairs. However, please note that in some committees, the use of laptops during council sessions may not be allowed. Please contact your respective Committee Chairs to clarify the use of laptops in your specific committee.
Who are the committee chairs?
Details about the committee chairs will be updated on our Facebook and Instagram page, so stay tuned for updates!
Does NTUMUN provide accommodation?
Yes, NTUMUN does provide accommodation at a fee. Please check Payment for more information regarding the fees for students availing accommodation facilities.
Are meals provided during the conference?
All meals during the conference dates will be provided by NTUMUN.
Can NTUMUN offer assistance to delegates with disabilities or special requirements?
Any request for special assistance will be dealt with on case-by-case basis. Delegates can contact us at contact@ntumun.com for further queries.
Will NTUMUN offer financial assistance to any delegate if necessary?
NTUMUN registration rates are already subsidized by the university. No further financial assistance will be provided.
Will there be any time to see Singapore?
The conference dates are 28 February to 1 March, during which there might not be enough time to go around Singapore. However, delegates are welcome to extend their stay at NEC should they wish to explore the city outside conference dates. You may send in any such requests at contact@ntumun.com.
Are there any other activities other than the formal council meetings?
NTUMUN is known for offering an exciting combination of formal and social activities. To make sure you see more than just the inside of your council room, we organise a Socials night-out on the second day of the conference every year. This highly anticipated gathering is thoroughly enjoyed by delegates every year, and gives them a chance to unwind and interact in an informal setting.
What if I have other questions?
For any further queries or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us on Facebook, or drop us an email at contact@ntumun.com .
What if I need to cancel my registration? What is the refund policy for NTUMUN?
Participants who cannot attend the conference are encouraged to find somebody else to attend the conference as a substitution, and inform our Delegate Affairs team of these changes.
What is the COVID-19?
According to the World Health Organisation, Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
How does it affect NTUMUN 2020?
After the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) alert level was raised to Orange, the Singapore Government Ministry of Health urged organisers to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events. As a result, NTUMUN 2020 stands cancelled as of now.
Can I withdraw my application and get a refund?
Yes, we will be refunding 100% of the cost of the conference. Please fill in the refund form by 5 April 2020 latest.
I have booked my flights and accommodation and I would like to get compensation. What can NTUMUN do?
The NTUMUN 2020 organising committee shall send an official email/letter that the conference has been cancelled due to the outbreak of the virus. The delegate can then show this to concerned authorities that might help them to get a refund from third parties.