Committee Overview

Yale Model United Nations Singapore is dedicated to providing an inclusive learning experience tailored to the unique needs and abilities of every delegate. Committees will be structured to accommodate different learning experiences for a wide spectrum of delegates. They will be divided into three levels.

Note for registered delegates: Due to the distribution of registered delegates, we have adjusted the levels of our committees. SPECPOL and LAS have both been reallocated as beginner committees, while The Opium Wars is now an intermediate committee. We made these adjustments in order to better meet the preferences of all of our attendees.

Additionally, our Regional Bodies committees have been expanded from the traditional size. This has allowed us to host more delegates at the conference and maintain a regional focus while encouraging larger scale debate. In these expanded Regional Bodies, all countries will have voting rights and resolutions, like any GA resolution, will be passed by a majority vote and will be non-binding.

Beginner Level

Beginner committees welcome delegates who have had little to no exposure to MUN. These large committees will have up to 60 delegates each and are focused on imparting skills and building confidence for future conferences. Delegates can expect greater individualized attention and guidance from committee directors in a setting that is challenging but rewarding. Note that these committees are recommended for delegates who have attended 3 or fewer conferences.

Topic 1: Emerging Technology and Environmental Impact
Within the last decade, digital technologies like cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence have rapidly grown in both popularity and everyday usage. However, these innovations often rely on massive amounts of energy to function. Crypto-mining requires the computational power of thousands of computers to validate transactions, while artificial intelligence depends on vast amounts of data stored in energy-intensive data centers, sometimes using as much energy as a large city. Despite these challenges, cryptocurrency and AI are essential tools for our future, driving progress and enhancing efficiency across industries. As we embrace these innovations, it is crucial to balance technological advancement with environmental responsibility, ensuring that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. The international community must take steps to ensure that the energy demands of these technologies do not cause irreparable harm to the environment.
Topic 2: Corporate Standards and Pollution
The rapid globalization of the 21st century has established powerful interconnections for commerce and technological advancement. However, as the international manufacturing and retail market grows with consumer demand, many corporations and companies have increased environmental pollution caused by the manufacturing of these goods. Chemical contamination through the atmosphere and waterways has raised growing concerns of the potential damage to human populations as well as the environment. Oftentimes the most environmental harm falls on the peoples who contribute the least to it, with many smaller sovereign nations struggling to fight the effects of pollution caused by larger nations. It is imperative for the international community to create long-lasting solutions for pollution caused by large corporations and address the needs of those affected by historical contamination.
Topic 1: Combating the ‘Double Burden’ of Malnutrition in Children in South East Asia
Referring to the coexistence of overnutrition and undernutrition, the double burden of malnutrition has been a problem since 2001. Worsening in the past decade, we are finding millions of children facing chronic diseases, weakened immune systems, poor cognitive function, developmental delays in motor, visual, auditory, and social domains. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand are seeing high rates of nutritional imbalance by measuring stunting, wasting, and obesity. Such components contribute to the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and increased risk of death. The indications also show higher probability of obesity in adulthood, leading to disabilities and long term health impacts. Delegates will consider how UNICEF can make favorable food systems accessible and affordable for children. They will also address income poverty, government regulations for commercially produced foods, and finally promote support for nutrition workers as well as health systems to prevent malnutrition in early childhood.

Topic 2: Preventing Grave Violations and Protecting Children During Armed Conflicts
Southeast Asian countries are grieving as airstrikes and conflict rages take the lives of children in their communities and places of learning. In Myanmar alone, at least 600 children have been killed or injured by armed forces in the past year. Increasing along with grave violations between 2014 and 2020, children’s vulnerability has seen significant impacts. These conflicts are a threat to the physical integrity of children and we find transformations in children’s roles and responsibilities as a result. Persistence of the use of explosive weapons goes beyond physical harm even after said conflict because of the disruption of access to services such as healthcare and education. As stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, every child has the right to be alive and governments must make sure they have tools for successful development as well as protection from concerns such as violence, neglect, harmful work, and war. Delegates will explore how UNICEF can expand on their recommendations using States and Non-States to provide adequate care and response services, accelerate action, and better engage with parties to develop action plans.
Topic 1: Regulating Resource Exploitation in the South China Sea
The South China Sea remains a disputed body in the Eastern hemisphere, as its undeniable convenience with water routes and large variety of natural resources lend itself to being an extremely valuable access area. Large quantities of minerals, fish, and energy sources (among other natural resources) can be found in the South China Sea, and serve as points of contention between different nations. Additionally, resource exploitation (especially of marine life) remains a prominent issue to widely affect future generations and ecosystems. In this committee, delegates should seek to create effective strategies for conflict resolution and sustainable resource allocation practices.
Topic 2: Countering Natural Disasters in ASEAN
Southeast Asia is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world, accounting for over 50% of global disaster-related mortalities between 2004 and 2014. In the 40 years between 1970 and 2010, 1,211 reported disasters have caused over 414,900 deaths, a number that is on the rise. The region faces a variety of natural disasters, including monsoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, epidemics, landslides, droughts, volcanic eruptions, and even forest fires. With the growing impact of climate change, the frequency and severity of these disasters continue to intensify, devastating lives, infrastructure, and economies overnight. National cooperation is essential for effective disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery efforts. Delegates must work together to develop strategies that enhance disaster risk management and mitigate the effects of natural disasters. It is crucial to ensure swift, effective responses to climate crises while balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations.
Topic 1: Increasing the Standard of Living for Singaporean Citizens
Following Singapore’s abrupt independence in 1965, the Cabinet faces a plethora of uncertainties as a newly formed nation. The proliferation of slum and squatter settlements as well as poor sanitation raises serious concerns for the standard of living, including safety, crime, and public health. Beyond just the current standard of living for its citizens, the Cabinet should also look towards the betterment of future generations, to assuage the skepticism of Singapore’s survival from not only other nations but its people as well. For the Cabinet, it is imperative to recognize the gravity of the situation at hand and work collectively towards finding viable solutions to ensure the success of the nation through its people. What steps should be taken to address the overcrowding and poor living conditions in Singapore's urban areas? What strategies should be implemented to improve public healthcare and sanitation? What educational reforms are necessary to build a skilled workforce that can support industrialization?
Topic 2: Discussing Economic Reform and Rising Unemployment
Following the unanimously voted secession of Singapore from Malaysia, the new sovereign of Singapore has much to establish domestically. As unemployment is currently situated at roughly 10-12%, poverty levels are high with a staggering low GDP per capita, and a largely unskilled labor force in a nation with limited natural resources, this newly independent nation has much to untangle in its current state. Members of the cabinet must collaborate to rebuild this new and unstable nation into one with a lasting legacy, and fight off the possibility of citizen rebellion. What economic and/or sociopolitical structures should be implemented to lower poverty levels in Singapore? How should the Cabinet approach issues of unemployment? How can Singapore’s limited resources be transformed into vast wealth?
Topic 1: Foreign Espionage and Global Surveillance
In a world where information has become a crucial asset, surveillance and intelligence-sharing networks play an increasingly central role in global political dynamics. While such practices are often framed as essential for security and diplomacy, their impact on national sovereignty and political autonomy raises important questions, particularly for developing nations. The exchange of intelligence among nations and alliances can influence internal political developments and broader geopolitical relationships. Delegates in SPECPOL will have the opportunity to explore how these practices intersect with issues of sovereignty, self-determination, and the broader balance of power in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Topic 2: International Financial Institutions and Debt Dependencies
The relationship between developing nations and international financial institutions has long been a cornerstone of global economic cooperation. Infrastructure development programs, in particular, have emerged as key drivers of growth, yet the terms of financial assistance can sometimes lead to intricate economic dependencies. The dynamics of these relationships have significant implications for economic sovereignty, long-term development, and global financial systems. SPECPOL will examine the multifaceted nature of these partnerships, providing space to explore how nations navigate the opportunities and challenges posed by external financing and the pursuit of sustainable development.
Topic 1: Addressing the Issues of Sustainability: Battling Water Scarcity and Climate Change
Within the League of Arab States (LAS) committee, this topic will focus on alleviating the social, economic, and political impacts of water scarcity. As the region continues to undergo rapid population growth and urbanization, sustainable and equitable water management is now a key aspect in alleviating damages of climate change. Amidst a period of technological advancements, such as desalination and wastewater treatment, delegates must navigate the complexities of technopolitics as an avenue to address damages caused by water scarcity. Delegates should discuss strategies that will ensure equitable access to water, particularly for vulnerable rural and urban populations. This topic will explore avenues of sustainability, technology, social equity, and economic development to increase the quality of life in the Arab nation.
Topic 2: Balancing Historical Preservation, Modernization, and Armed Conflict
In this topic, delegates will discuss perspectives on the many historical artifacts and landmarks in the geographical area of the Arab League. As territories of the Arab League stand as a beacon of its rich history, its artifacts and landmarks require professional care and continuous upkeep to commemorate the ancestral background of the land. This is not often upheld, however, as modernization and armed conflict have uprooted and destroyed many historical sites and objects. The disposal of these artifacts also translates to an erasure of LAS’ unique and lengthy history. In this committee, delegates should aim to explore pathways towards optimizing historical preservation in the face of armed conflict and consider solutions balancing cultural heritage and modernization.

Intermediate Level

Intermediate committees are for delegates who are familiar with the basics of MUN procedure and are ready to think more critically about resolution-writing and speech-making. Intermediate committees allow delegates to step out of their comfort zones and try committee formats (specialized and regional bodies) they might not have tried before! These committees are intended for delegates who have attended 3-5 conferences.

Topic 1: Migration in Southeast Asia and Migrant Worker Rights
Southeast Asia is a hub for migrant labor, with millions of workers crossing borders in search of better opportunities. However, these workers often face significant challenges, including exploitative working conditions, lack of legal protections, and discrimination. This committee will explore how Southeast Asian countries can strengthen migrant worker rights, focusing on improving labor standards, access to healthcare, and legal recognition. For instance, the committee can explore how governments can collaborate to ensure the rights of migrant workers are upheld, the role of international organizations in safeguarding these rights, and how businesses can be held accountable for labor exploitation.
Topic 2: Indigenous Lands and Land Disputes
In Southeast Asia, indigenous communities face increasing threats to their ancestral lands due to development projects, deforestation, and land grabs. Due to the influx of foreign investment, this issue has been exacerbated as new infrastructure threatens their land. These issues often result in the displacement of indigenous peoples, who rely on these lands for their cultural and economic survival. This committee will explore the human rights violations associated with land disputes, focusing on the rights of indigenous peoples to their land, resources, and self-determination. For instance, the committee could discuss how governments and corporations can balance development with respect for indigenous land rights, the need for stronger legal protections and land tenure systems, and the role of international law in safeguarding these rights.
Topic 1: Addressing Language Preservation and Literacy Rates
Among the nearly 7,000 languages spoken around the world, almost 1,400 of them–20 percent–originate from the Pacific region. As lingua francas and official languages continue to dominate economical and educational spheres, the number of active speakers of indigenous languages is declining, and literacy rates remain low. Factors such as limited access to early childhood education, shrinking island populations, and shifting cultural values serve to further complicate these issues. Delegates should carefully consider the balance between assimilation and accommodation to develop solutions regarding indigenous language’s role within national identity, education, and policy in order to best embrace language diversity in addressing literacy rates.
Topic 2: Assessing the Multidimensional Ramifications of Tourism
As global tourism has skyrocketed in recent years due to growing awareness of new destinations, over-tourism has emerged as an issue for many destinations globally, not discounting the Pacific Islands. Pressure on local resources, gentrification, rising sea levels, and negligence towards cultural norms only serve as some of the few grievances towards this sudden popularity. Despite these challenges, tourism still represents a sizable portion of the local economy in many PIF states, making a complete ban on tourism unrealistic. Balancing the many different factors at play will be difficult, but quintessential towards finding lasting solutions in the region. Delegates should seek out multidimensional solutions towards addressing the many challenges associated with the region’s sudden rise in tourism.
Topic 1: Sovereignty and Foreign Influence in China
In October 1856, tensions between Chinese and British officials had been growing for almost two decades since the disastrous First Opium War. In early October, Chinese officials in Canton seized the cargo ship Arrow because of suspected opium smuggling, arresting much of its Chinese crew. However, the Arrow may have been flying the British flag at the time of the seizure, and its captain allegedly saw Chinese marines lower the British flag. By October 25, the outraged British were demanding to enter Canton. Now, the city is under siege and all parties must determine how they will proceed in this nearly inevitable war. The Chinese seek to assert their economic independence and maintain stability in a nation that has already been rocked by the Taiping Rebellion and the humiliating Treaty of Nanjing. The British and French seek to establish more secure economic footholds in the region while still competing with each other. The committee must determine how to react to these competing interests in war and in peace.
Topic 2: The Economic and Humanitarian Effects of the Opium Trade
While geopolitics and war rages in the port of Canton, the opium trade and growing globalization is having real impacts on the Chinese economy and people. Europeans cannot get enough of Chinese goods, from tea to silk to porcelain, but the only thing they have that the Chinese will buy is illegal opium. But the balance of trade is shifting, and silver is flowing out of China, further destabilizing the local economy. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens are becoming addicted to opium, despite initially harsh government responses against opium dens and stockpiles. How will the Chinese deal with the economic and public health crises caused by the influx of opium. How will the Europeans assert their own mercantile interests and compete with each other? What will globalized trade and life in China look like when this crisis is over?

Advanced Level

Advanced committees are for seasoned delegates who are confident of their abilities and seek a platform to further challenge themselves. They feature a heightened level of debate that requires delegates to think critically under pressure, respond swiftly to evolving circumstances, and be active leaders in the committee room. These committees are recommended for delegates who have attended more than 5 conferences.

Topic 1: Territory Disputes Over the Spratly Islands
The Spratly Islands are currently the site of one of the world's most contentious border disputes. For decades, six nations have argued for their share of the islands, based mostly on either a historical claim or rights delineated in their Exclusive Economic Zone. However, tensions have heightened as of late, with the constriction of military bases and installations, above all by China. Despite being located over a thousand miles away from the Chinese mainland and sitting geographically adjacent to Southeast Asian nations including the Philippines and Malaysia, the islands have recently been the site of much Chinese construction and military presence. Confrontations between marine forces of involved nations have already been highly publicized, but in light of ever tenser relations between China and its neighbors and bold responses and construction projects, the question remains whether the hot-bud dispute can be deescalated. In this committee, delegates should seek to address conflicts in the region with the goals of easing tensions.

Topic 2: Addressing the Myanmar Civil-War
Since the overthrow of Myanmar's democratically elected government by a military junta in 2021, the nation has found itself absolutely engulfed by conflict. Before 2021, the nation was already dealing with several armed rebel factions located around the country's vast and often inaccessible territory. Infact, over a dozen armed groups have been involved, however the current conflict can be most simply summarized into its pro- and anti-junta factions, controlling disparate fragments of territory scattered around the nation. The war has also been marked by polarizing responses from the East and West, with China and Russia strongly backing the junta and preventing punitive measures within the UN. Tens of thousands of people have already lost their lives, and the conflict is yet to have any end in sight. The civil war has worsened conditions in what is already considered Southeast Asia's poorest nation, and whether a peaceful conclusion can be achieved is still uncertain. The above factors emphasize the importance for delegates to seek lasting solutions in pursuit of peace.
Topic 1: Addressing Ideological Disputes fueling the Conflict
The Konfrontasi is not merely a territorial dispute gone wrong, but also a reflection of deep-seated ideological tensions in the region. The formation of Malaysia — considered to be the major reason behind the confrontation — brought together diverse ethnic groups formerly controlled by the British Empire. The multi-ethnic composition of a new nation in addition to close relations to Britain raises concerns about power balance and representation — and one of the primary points of contention within Indonesia's anti-Malaysian rhetoric. As delegates within the committee, you must choose how to address the concerns that all parties have in regard to the territorial disputes within the region — and attempt to solve them effectively.

Topic 2: Addressing Foreign Influence within Southeast Asia
While ethnic tensions can certainly be seen as a major starting point of the Konfrontasi, a more outward looking eye can spot that the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation is occurring against the backdrop of intense Cold War rivalries in Southeast Asia. Major powers are seeking to either extend or preserve their influence in the region, often by supporting different sides in local conflicts. The United States, United Kingdom, China and the Soviet Union have great interests in the region, be it in its natural resources or great influence that controlling the region would grant to the respective nation’s ideology in the long-term. To solve the Konfrontasi, then, is to recognize that a long-term status quo must be reached — which is only possible if foreign influence within the region is properly acknowledged and addressed.

Committee Overview