ALTHOUGH Chung Ling High School (Penang) has organised various international student camps over the past few years, this was the first time the school has decided to hold an international student camp that incorporates the elements of Model United Nations (MUN) into it.
The MUN is an academic activity where students learn about diplomacy, international relations and the United Nations (UN).
Some 100 students from countries such as Thailand, Taiwan, China and Malaysia took part in the five-day International Model United Nations Camp 2019 at the school.
The camp, themed Blazing the Trail, hoped to expand the students’ horizon on world issues and academic research.
The students will be taking part in speaking, debating and writing during the camp which started today (July 10).
Chung Ling High School principal Soo Seng Poh said the event would enhance leadership qualities, critical thinking, negotiation skills, teamwork and the ability to deal with unexpected situations in students.
“Such skills are important and crucial for our younger generation to stand out in today’s dynamic world,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who attended the launching of the event, stressed the importance of mastering the 4Cs (communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking).
“The 3Rs (Reading, Writing and Arithmetic) will only help you to excel in your academics but mastering the 4Cs will help you to succeed in this modern world.
“You are the future leaders of your respective countries; hence, it is important for you to possess the 4Cs which will make you stand out among the rest.
“We view the development of soft skills among the people as something extremely important, especially for our future generation.
“These skills are crucial to achieve the Penang2030 vision; a vision that aligns with selected sustainable development goals (SGDs) of the United Nation,” he said.
Chow said that the state government encouraged the people to take part in policy-making.
“We encourage them to be more proactive and to exercise greater control over their lives. We also urge them to be more optimistic and rational thinking,” he added.
Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Chung Ling High School Board of Directors chairman Datuk Seri Koay Hean Eng.
Besides the interesting speeches, guests were also treated to a memorable music experience by the school orchestra.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Noor Nabilah Norazis
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad