Benjamin Lee

News & Events News & Events News & Events Highlights Having gained a wealth of experience during his participation as a delegate at the 2018 Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN), SIM-University at Buffalo student Benjamin Lee has set his sights on imparting knowledge and skills that he has acquired to a new batch of delegates as he takes on the role of Head of Selections, Trainer. Fill in the blank with an adjective that describes yourself best:  I am fluid Please do elaborate on why you chose the adjective above. The late Bruce Lee once said, “Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water.” It is a perspective on life where you are able to adapt to different situations no matter what life throws at you. I faced many different challenges in life from National Service to university life but I was able to persevere through these difficulties. What sparked your interest in joining the HNMUN? During my high school days in Vietnam, I participated in a number of clubs and programmes from sports to teaching English to HIV orphans, as well as theatre productions. One club that interested me was the Model United Nations. However, I wasn’t able to join it as I had a tight schedule. At SIM, the opportunity came when an MUN trainer visited my classroom and talked about the Harvard National Model United Nations. I was immediately intrigued by it and wanted to do something that was outside my comfort zone. Tell us more about HNMUN and your personal journey thus far. HNMUN aims to simulate what goes on in a United Nations conference where students role play as delegates and represent a given country on global issues. I had to go through a tough selection process which involved writing and a group interview. I was glad to make it to the final team that travelled to Boston for the conference in February 2019. One of the highlights of the conference was getting to see 4,000 university students from all over the world in one giant hall seated together based on their country of origin and singing their national anthems. After hours of sharing stories with delegates and getting to meet new people, the conference left us with one of the most amazing experiences. What was the most challenging about being part of it? The most challenging thing about HNMUN was that we lacked sleep. At the conference, everyone was fully focused on MUN. They were either writing out solutions, or involved in activities such as lobbying for other countries to join their blocs. This went on till 3 am each day. What made you take up the role of Head of Selections, Trainer for HNMUN 2020? I wanted to be able to share my experience and my knowledge more than anything to the next batch of delegates who were signing up for the programme.  I know how difficult the whole process and journey can be, but with perseverance and the right set of skills, they can make it. How has the programme that you are studying in SIM-UB prepared you for HNMUN? My communications major has helped me in my involvement at HNMUN as the programme addresses similar topics such as politics and international affairs.  Most of your participation in the conference involves meeting, lobbying, negotiation and building rapport, with people of different races and cultures. These require interpersonal communication skills which are taught and honed during the course of my studies. What do you hope to achieve at HNMUN 2020? As a trainer, I hope to be able to produce a team that is well-rounded, enthusiastic, well-equipped and trained. We are excited and looking forward to the conference in next year! #IChoseTheSIMPathway #ThisIsMyStory #GlobalHero Click here to learn more about the programmes awarded by the University at Buffalo. Posted online, 09 Dec 2019