When the news came that I would be going to Brunei for the Borneo Global Issues Conference, I was actually surprised that I was selected to go there out of the many talented Cempakans.

I am sure that all of you are curious to now what the BGIC is all about. The Borneo Global Issues Conference is a student run MUN (Model United Nations) conference that brings together secondary school pupils from around the region to discuss major global concerns. In this forum, aspiring young men and women will take on roles as foreign, debate key issues and produce resolutions on these issues in a mock United Nations simulation. Everyone was given a country and a topic as well as a committee. Participants must research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. During the conference, participants were referred to as delegates.

My stint as a participant was really a once in a life time oppurtunity and a memorable one. However, the conference was not a bed of roses for us, especially during preparations. Since we were all first timers, none of us knew how things would go.

The first day of BGIC was the caucusing held at the International School Brunei (ISB). The moment we stepped into ISB, we were surrounded by nature. Every nook and cranny had recycling bins. At the moment, the school is planting 1000 tress in the school grounds itself! During the caucusing period, delegates tried to gather support for their resolutions. It was hard work. Most of the participants knew each other, so it was easier for them to gain support. After gaining support, resolutions were sent to the faculty vetting committee for approval and or rewriting. Once the resolution had been approved by the vetting committee it was sent to the Chair of the committee by the opening of day two. The Chair will randomly choose the resolutions to be discussed by the committee and draw up a speaker's list. In the committee, the speakers will present their arguments for and against the resolutions. Every time a delegate wishes to speak, they must raise their placards to address the Chair. The Chairs have the right to accept as many points of information or to give us warning for sending frivolous notes.

The debate starts of with a reading of the operative clauses of the resolution followed by the point of information. The resolution will then go through at least 2 rounds of debating after the speakers list has been drawn. After the speaker's list has been exhausted, the Chair will proceed to a roll call vote on whether the resolution should be passed or not. Resolutions passing committee with a simple majority vote are sent on to General Assembly. A resolution passes General Assembly if it gains a 2/3 majority vote. Throughout the conference delegates only conversed with the Chair and amongst themselves through notes.

The fond memories we had together in Brunei is something we'll cherish forever. On behalf of everyone I would like to thank Mr Rahael, Mr Hisham and Ms Tania for being our chaperon, cameraman and wonderful companions.