In This Issue: In 2002, director of then Lincoln American School, Irwin Stein, brought a new tradition to the thriving island of Taiwan—an annual conference celebrating diplomacy and commitment to global peace:TAIMUN. The first TAIMUN conference consisted of American School in Taichung and Providence College students. Over time, international schools started to join, and in recent years, local schools have also participated. Now moving into its eighth year, TAIMUN VIII has much to expect from its widely varying participants, including the Canadian International School in Hong Kong, Putai High School, Taipei First Girls High School, National Nanke International Experimental High School and Hsinchu American School. TAIMUN’s growth throughout the years has been absolutely phenomenal. Not only has there been an increasing attendance from schools all around the country—and even extending to countries outside Taiwan—there has also been the addition of several committees. TAIMUN can proudly boast the participation of fourteen schools and nine committees and councils. TAIMUN has also developed technologically as both TAIMUN and TAIMUN Times have taken a major step in creating online webpages. TAIMUN continued pg. 2 pg. 6-7 pg. 4-5 pg. 3 pg. 8 Committee Chair Introduction Volume VII, Issue 1 Mr. Stein and the History of TAIMUN resources and students participating in multiple languages during formal speech and debate time,” and “extension activities of TAIMUN related to community service projects.” His years of hard work and dedication have helped turn intelligent, ambitious students into future leaders of the globe. Mr. Stein has helped students all over the world discover t h e i r passions for debating, communicating, and resolving the most pressing issues of our time. We can be assured that although Mr. Stein will be leaving the American School in Taichung, his influence will remain not only in TAIMUN, but in everything that he has done to make this international conference what it is today. By Belle Wu and Karen Sims, American School in Taichung to develop in accordance with its increasing participation as it started to hold the opening and closing ceremonies in hotels, rather than at AST. Mr. Stein’s Model United Nations experience goes back to 1977 when he first led a group of his students in Greece to the THIMUN conference in the Hague. Following his teaching years in Greece, Mr. Stein set up CACMUN in Cairo, SAMUN in South America, PANAMUN in Central America, and BEIMUN in Beijing. “At this point I think I had an MUN habit, and I continued establishing conferences wherever I went!” says Mr. Stein . During his years in THIMUN, Mr. Stein became acquainted with Mr. David Williams, the Chairman of the THIMUN Board and former teacher at AST. Together they wrote an Instructional Guide for THIMUN-participating schools. The guide was later published as Uniting the Nations through Model United Nations in 2006 with an abridged version used for the TAIMUN conference. Despite all that he has done, Mr. Stein continued to push for the creation of youth organizations to further global understanding and resolving international issues. Mr. Stein would like to see for the establishment of a multilingual conference, “I can envision ‘simultaneous translation’ Use 5 Words to Describe Your School! By Belle Wu and Karen Sims, American School in Taichung
Transcript
In This Issue:
In 2002 , d i rec to r o f then Lincoln American School, Irwin Stein, brought a new tradition to the thriving island of Taiwan—an annual conference celebrating diplomacy and commitment to global peace:TAIMUN.
The first TAIMUN conference consisted of American School in Taichung and Providence College students. Over time, international schools started to join, and in recent years, local schools have also participated. Now moving into its eighth year, TAIMUN VIII has much to expect from its widely varying participants, including the Canadian International School in Hong Kong, Putai High School, Taipei First Girls High School, Nat ional Nanke Internat ional Experimental High School and Hsinchu American School.
TAIMUN’s growth throughout the years has been absolutely phenomenal. Not only has there been an increasing attendance f rom schoo ls a l l a round the country—and even extending to countries outside Taiwan—there has also been the addition of several committees. TAIMUN can proudly boast the participation of fourteen schools and nine committees and councils.
TAIMUN has also developed technologically as both TAIMUN and TAIMUN Times have taken a major step in creating online webpages. TAIMUN continued
pg. 2 pg. 6-7pg. 4-5pg. 3 pg. 8
Committee Chair Introduction
Volume VII, Issue 1
Mr. Stein and the History of TAIMUNr e s o u r c e s a n d s t u d e n t s participating in multiple languages during formal speech and debate time,” and “extension activities of TAIMUN related to community service projects.”
His years of hard work and dedicat ion have he lped turn intelligent, ambitious students into future leaders of the globe. Mr. Stein has helped students all over the world discover t h e i r p a s s i o n s f o r d e b a t i n g , c o m m u n i c a t i n g , and resolving the m o s t p r e s s i n g issues of our time. We can b e a s s u r e d that although M r . S t e i n w i l l b e leaving the A m e r i c a n S c h o o l i n Ta ichung, h is in f luence wi l l remain not only in TAIMUN, but i n e v e r y t h i n g that he has done t o m a k e t h i s i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o n f e r e n c e what it is today.By Belle Wu and K a r e n S i m s , American School in Taichung
to develop in accordance with its increasing participation as it started to hold the opening and closing ceremonies in hotels, rather than at AST.
Mr. S te in ’s Mode l Un i ted Nations experience goes back to 1977 when he first led a group of h is students in Greece to the THIMUN conference in the Hague. Following his teaching years in Greece, Mr. Stein set up CACMUN in Cairo, SAMUN in South America, PANAMUN in Central America, and BEIMUN in Beijing. “At this point I think I had an MUN habit, and I continued e s t a b l i s h i n g c o n f e r e n c e s wherever I went!” says Mr. Stein .
During his years in THIMUN, Mr. Stein became acquainted with Mr. David Williams, the Chairman of the THIMUN Board and former teacher at AST. Together they wrote an Instructional Guide for THIMUN-participating schools. The guide was later published as Uniting the Nations through Model United Nations in 2006 with an abridged version used for the TAIMUN conference.
Despite all that he has done, Mr. Stein continued to push for the creation of youth organizations to further global understanding and resolving international issues. Mr. Stein would like to see for the establishment of a multilingual con fe rence , “ I can env is ion ‘ s i m u l t a n e o u s t r a n s l a t i o n ’
Use 5 Words to Describe
Your School!
By Belle Wu and Karen Sims, American School in Taichung
TAIMUN TIMES VII
2
Volume VII Issue 1
R o s a K i m , j u n i o r a t t h e International Bilingual School at Hsinchu-Science-Park (IBSH), has been to her fair share of conferences. TAIMUN VIII will be her tenth, where she wi l l be Deputy Secretary General. Strangely, before hearing from
( legendary ) a lumnus Ca lv in L iao , Rosa says she wasn ’ t really interested in Model United Nations. Rosa filled out her first HSINMUN application, spurred by her love for languages – she speaks Chinese, English, Korean, and Japanese. But she fell in love with MUN after the conference, f rom the “whole procedures o f MUN” to “ the weird lingo that you have to get used to,” and also the chance to get to meet new people. Her favor i te th ing about MUN is, indeed, the opportunity to get to meet new people from all over the world. “Conferences such as TAIMUN have really helped me make friends from other English-speak ing AND loca l schools such as AST and TNFSH,” says
Rosa. “What I learned is not only the art of diplomacy but also speech-making.” Speech-making was her weakest point when she began her MUN career, but she says that af ter so many conferences, “I've really begun to gain more confidence, and no, I'm not as scared anymore when i t comes to approaching the podium.”
MUN has also started her on the road of international issues. Apart from MUN and languages, R o s a ’ s m a n y h o b b i e s a n d i n t e r e s t s i n c l u d e d a n c i n g , painting her nails, swimming, reading Korean comics, watching Korean dramas, l i s ten ing to Korean music (Kpop), studying European history, and eating corn and potatoes.
Deputy Secretary General By Diane Lee,International Bilingual School at Hsinchu
Look at that MUN-er walking to the podium. Sense the power of her eyes scanning the room, soaking in voices and emotions. See the eagerness and ambition in her eyes. Feel the strength and confidence in her voice. Catch her smile and give in to her contagious spell. Shake her hand. Understand the itch in her fingertips to help, improve, and lead and her skill in making and doing. Talk with her and meet a combination of humor, affability, and formality. Notice her heart’s strength, a strength that built a promising conference. She, of course, is Carol Lin, the Secretary General of TAIMUN VIII.
W h e n s h e c a m e t o t h e American School in Taichung (AST) in fourth grade, Lin frequently heard about MUN, and her interests grew tremendously. “In Middle School, all I wanted to do was be a chair so I could have a gavel, and it wasn't until eighth grade when I first joined MUN as a secretary that
I understood the extent of work put into a conference,” Lin recalls.
She continued participating in conferences around the world, representing Israel in THIMUN-Singapore II, Nigeria in TAIMUN V, the Russian Federat ion in THIMUN-Singapore III, and serving as the Deputy Chairperson of the Security Council in TAIMUN VI, the chairman of the Environment Committee for TAIMUN VII, and finally Secretary General this year’s TAIMUN VIII.
Lin’s experience and knowledge of MUN, paired with her excitement and eagerness to be involved, makes her the ideal Secretary General. She shares, “if what you learn during the conferences is easy to snap out of, you haven't learned as much as you should have.”
Bes ides he r i nvo lvement in MUN, she draws. She takes photographs. She listens to music. She plays volleyball. She hosts
and goes to parties. She has fun, proving herself immune to dismal or troublesome moments and events. When asked what excites her, Lin answered, “new ideas and good food.”
“Your job in MUN is not ‘real,’” she advises. “You're not a ‘real’ delegate. However, all the skills you gain, all the issues, are. There are people who have to face the issues every day, right now.”
Secretary GeneralBy Grace Wang, American School in Taichung
Carol Lin, Secretary General, Am
erican School in Taichung
Rosa
Kim, Deputy Secretary General, International Bilingual School at Hsinch
u
TAIMUN TIMES VII Volume VII Issue 1
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Admin: Underappreciated Heroes
“Anyone know whe re t he plaques and badges are? Anyone? ‘Cause I need them!! NOW!!!” cried one of the delegates. Do not worry a bit, however. The Admin s ta f f w i l l come and so lve a l l problems.
The Admin staff in TAIMUN is a very crucial group. They help to set up the committee rooms and prepare the pre-conference work, which includes making all the attendant sheets, badges, and plaques for the conferences. S o m e o f t h e m e m b e r s a r e secretaries, who help to point out directions, photo-copy resolutions, and pass notes during debates. Without them, every day of the conference would be a mess.
I t i s n o t e a s y t o j o i n Admin because you need to h a v e e x t e n s i v e k n o w l e d g e o f techno logy, such as s ta f f members Daniel Lih and Andrew Lih. You have to know how to use computers as they are used to make the badges and plaques. Furthermore, you need to be a good organizer and have a lot of patience. When the delegates in TAIMUN a r e a s k i n g y o u t o a s s i s t t h e m , y o u need to have a lot of patience and have to do al l the work that they assign to you. Whining is not acceptable. Being a good organizer can help the delegates to get settled in nicely during the conference.
Isabel Chen, who is the Admin Staff leader and also the founder of the TAIMUN Admin, is leaving this year. Despite the fact that she
has to leave, she has not stopped being a great leader, although she has started to relax and begun to stop doing all the work. “She is a very responsible leader and it's great to have her teach us,” said Vivian Lin a grade 9 student from the American School in Taichung (AST), who is also one of the
Admin staff members. However, I sabe l
feels confident and believes that there w i l l be another l e a d e r w h o i s g o i n g t o b e better than her and who will be
able to lead Admin p e r f e c t l y i n t h e
future—“Sophomores and freshmen can lead.”
Sophomores and freshmen are all very responsible and hard working in the staff. Therefore she can feel relieved after she graduates.
By Tiffany Lieu, American School in Taichung
TAIMUN Goes OnlineInformation is a delegate’s best
friend. Extensive research is needed for even the shortest of conferences, and a large majority of this research comes from the Internet. Delegates need to be in the know of the latest current events and determinations of their delegation. Extensive reading is necessary for delegates to represent their nations realistically and to the best of their abilities. However, why is it that while there is so much information provided on the Internet, so little of it is about the actual TAIMUN conference?
In 2010 that all changed.
For years, limited TAIMUN-related information has been posted on the American School in Taichung website, but this has left students in the dark on the latest of TAIMUN news. However, two students of the
By Karen Sims, American School in TaichungAmerican School in Taichung have created a brand n e w TA I M U N website complete with rosters and a discussion forum. Never again will delegates have to worry about not knowing their
issues, or what to expect at the conference. Students participating in TAIMUN can now vis i t the website and keep up to date on the most recent TAIMUN information at http://sites.google.com/site/asttaimunhomepage/home
Since TAIMUN now has its own website, it would only be fitting for the main distributor of TAIMUN-related information to have one as well. TAIMUN Times has created a site where this year’s issues will
be posted online. With the large amount of space that the website provides, TAIMUN Times will be able to feature even more articles along with other web-exclusive features. Also on the website will be a much larger collection of photos from the conference, allowing for a wider representation of all delegates who have worked tirelessly to make this year’s conference a success. The site can be accessed at http://taimuntimes.moonfruit.com/
As TAIMUN continues to grow and develop, it seems appropriate that it evolves in relation to the world around it. We live in a modern, highly connected world where the Internet has brought us closer together than ever before. The TAIMUN Homepage and TAIMUN Times Online are major steps forward in improving the viability of TAIMUN and TAIMUN Times.
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Volume VII Issue 1
John
ny Teng, Chair
Sebastian Chu has experienced several MUN conferences in the past, including a THIMUN Singapore conference. TAIMUN VIII will be his first as a student officer. In addition to his devotion to MUN, Sebastian likes to stay fit by kayaking with friends, practicing archery, and reading to strengthen his knowledge.
You may usually find Hunter Putzke reading a book, playing video games, practicing for school plays, usually musicals, finishing crossword puzzles, or perhaps obsessed with reading TVTropes. You may catch him coloring world maps on computers or working busily for AST’s Science Club or Student Government.
SECURITY COUNCIL
Mich
elle Lu, Chair
Hunte
r Put
zke,
Cha
irKatja Putzke, Chair
Doris Kee, C
o-Ch
air
Katja Putzke became a Model United Nations participant in 8th grade, when her teacher encouraged her to try it out. "At first, I joined simply because my teacher talked about it," she shares. "What made me stay with it, however, was my love for debate, as well as my growing interest in global issues, and a strange admiration of the structure of the conferences."
Michelle Lin,Chair
Devan Gibson, C
o-Chair
HUMAN RIGHTS
ECOSOC
"Aside from debate skills and many friends, MUN has also taught me a lot more about world issues,” says Doris. Over the years her passion for MUN has grown immensely – this year’s TAIMUN will be her sixth conference.
Michelle started as a delegate in her freshman year as part of AST’s THIMUN Singapore Travel team, and so far she has attended six conferences. Michelle says the best part of MUN is that it gives people opportunities to come into contact with extremely talented people with different and inspiring ideas.
When asked what her favorite aspects of MUN were, Michelle answered that she enjoys "communicating and associating with other delegates to come up with reasonable resolutions." She also added that she likes making new friends.
Sebastian Chu
C
o-Ch
air
Stephan
ie C
hen,
Co-
Chair
Stephanie calls her attitude toward MUN a "love-hate relationship." "While every conference ‘requires a huge amount of preparation and effort, if you don’t give that, you’ve wasted your time and a great opportunity." When questioned about her interests, Stephanie concisely stated, "I like to eat. And then I like to run."
GENDER
Always taking on major countries such as the United Kingdom, Brazil or the Russian Federation, Johnny leads conferences with his strong voice and passion. Like a normal teenager, Johnny will nod his head as Green Day or the Kooks blast in his ears.
Devan says her favorite part of MUN is learning a lot about different countries, even countries that may be on the other side of the world. Of this year’s TAIMUN conference, Devan says, “I can't wait to meet people from the other schools participating in this conference. I hope to get a new perspective on MUN and see how everything works on a broader scale than just with the delegates."
HEALTH and WELLNESS
TAIMUN TIMES VII Volume VII Issue 1
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Ben Chang, Co-Chair
Winnie Liao, Chair
Emily Lu, Co
Cha
ir
Social Cultural and Humanitarian Committee Chair, Winnie Liao (11) of AST, has accumulated much experience over the years, participating in four previous MUN conferences. Liao enjoys being a part of TAIMUN year in and year out, and loves everything about the conference "except for [the] tiny conference rooms."
SOCIAL HUMANITARIAN
Antony Chu, Chair
Grant Wang, Co-C
hair
Christian Ko describes himself as lenient: "I am not the type of person that expects perfection from anyone, because no one is perfect. Not even me." What delegates should be warned about is Christian’s tendency to be a chatterbox: "I just can’t stop sometimes, and I can go on and on and on…"
Antony Chu, is hyped up for this year’s conference. ‘With all the hard work that Christian and I have put into preparing for this conference, I assure the delegates of the Special Conference on Sustainable Development that they will have some fruitful debating!"
Sustainable Development
Patrick Lo, ChairChristian Ko, C
o Chair
ENVIRONMENT
Mik
o S
hih,
Cha
ir
Miko not only thinks that MUN can prepare the “future leaders of tomorrow” to combat issues at hand, but it is also “a great way for students to socialize.” Miko’s passion for MUN and her experience definitely qualify her to lead the Environment Committee of TAIMUN VII to another success.
Read Full Articles on TAIMUN PRESS VII WEBSITE:http://taimuntimes.moonfruit.com/
CDIS
Emily Lu wishes for the delegates to "turn in strong and well-developed resolutions and also to deliver an influential and solid opening speech," while Liao expects everyone to participate fully. "I would suggest the delegates in my committee do as much research as they can,” said Lu, ‘A good debate is one that is full of delegates who are enlightened and who truly understand the topic and what they’re trying to achieve."
When he's not debating or chairing in MUN conferences, Patrick enjoys playing the guitar, listening to music, playing soccer, and procrastinating. He was the Co-Captain of AST's Varsity soccer team last year, and the Captain of AST's JV team this year. He also started a Guitar Club at his school.Even a natural debater, like Grant, has difficulty "standing in front of a crowd to give an itsy-- bitsy speeh." However, by simply developing his confidence, he has improved greatly. His advice for stage-frightened delegates? “Constantly make speeches in front of a crowd. Basically, do something where everyone sees you," Grant says.
(Unfortunately, we weren't able to reach Ben Chang before the issue was sent to print. However, we all look forward to see him leading the Environment Committee!)
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Volume VII Issue 1
B u m p i n g i n t o f r i e n d l y people, savoring new treats and bask ing in the warm sun are only a few pleasant scenes you will see when you enter the enchanted city of Taichung. Now that your long day of conferencing is over, where are you heading?
A s y o u k n o w, A S T i s located on Dakeng mountain- but there is not on ly one mountain. Only five minutes away is a charming garden, decorated with adorable little bu i ld ings , f i l l ed w i th goodies waiting to be picked up and played w i t h . Moncoeu r i s a little village, perfect for t ak i ng p i c t u res w i t h beautiful nature as the background. A delightful restaurant called Chin C h i n h o l d s u n i q u e decorations and serves amazing food to those want ing to enjoy the scenery. Girls flash their
specialties. “Yen su ji,” fried spiced chicken, can be found in stalls in night markets or a long food st reets. Whi le y o u ’ r e p i c k i n g o u t y o u r food, a gl immer of yel low catches your eye. “Feng l i su,” pineapple cake, and “tai yang bing,” sun cake, are a must if you visit Taichung. Extremely famous in Taiwan, these snacks are great to bring around in your bag for a little munch. You look up; you’re at Dawn Bakery ( 日出 ), a well-known shop with little cakes and treats. After ea t i ng you r sc rump t i ous chicken, your throat screams for liquid. Well don’t worry. Look 360۫ around you, there’s probably a minimum of three tea shops in your sight. Now, your stomach is grinning with happiness. Let’s have some fun!
Seventh district holds a couple of shopping mal ls, some you have p robab ly h e a r d o f . S t o p o f f a t Mitsukoshi and Tiger Ci ty to look around or watch a movie. As you walk into Tiger
stunning smiles and hold up a peace sign with their fingers as the cameras click away. Who doesn ’ t l ove tak ing Facebook pictures in a cute, enchanted place?
Lunch was a couple hours ago, and that grumbling in your stomach is a nagging
m o n s t e r , b e g g i n g t o b e sat is f ied. Taichung has a va r ie ty o f cu is ines , f rom Indian to Japanese to Greek. If you’re up for an adventure, t r y s o m e o f Ta i c h u n g ’ s
A Walk Through Taichung
National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts
Written by Michelle McNeill, Layout by Tina Fun and Tofu Cheng
Colette, where all the wildest dreams happen in one pastry shop.
TAIMUN TIMES VII Volume VII Issue 1
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City, take a glance at Coldstone. The line is miles long. For a new and more artistic experience, go nearby to ‘Colette’, a chic pastry shop filled with little French cakes.
Looking to burn off those delicious Colette cakes? You might as well visit the renowned Taiwanese night markets. Tell any taxi driver ‘Fong Jia’ or ‘Yi Zhong,’ and you will get transported straight to the hustle and bustle of street shops filled with clothes, accessories, food and fun. Once you have hit about every little store in the market, try heading to a more peaceful and sophisticated area of Taichung. Welcome to the West District, home of two wonderful museums, the art museum and the National Science museum, and two fabulous malls, SOGO and Park Lane ( 勤 美 誠 品 ) mall. This area holds many different restaurants (for example, a wonderful café called The Naked Café), places to walk around and a great number of friendly people and their pets. However, something’s not right. You only had a little bit of food earlier and you’re looking for something to warm you up. Go to Jing Ming Yi Jie ( 精 明 一 街 ), a street near SOGO, and try the famous hot pot in Delicacy Vogue ( 鼎 王 火 鍋 ). Cafés, Chun Shui Tangs ( 春水堂 ) and boutiques fill the streets of Jing Ming, waiting for you to visit. You won’t be let down!
Going for famous fusion cuIsines ? You're in the right place! On Wuquan W. 4th St you can find it all!
If you love this scene and are a relaxed kind of person, try walking around the Metropolitan Park, located on the outer skirts of Taichung city. Ready for some laughs and an adrenaline rush? Rent a go-cart and race around the Metropolitan Park with your friends. If you’re up for a boat ride, visit Taichung’s old downtown and take a stroll through Taichung Park.
Your legs have turned into jello, your eyes struggle to stay open and your brain has completely shut down. It’s time to head back to your hotel and get a deep night’s sleep. Don’t worry about the things you missed out on in Taichung. There’s always tomorrow!
Above and left: Chin Chin, a European village-like restaurant in Moncoeur, only a five minute drive from AST, delights any person who steps foot in the surprisingly cute building with a homey and artistic feeling to it.
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Editors-in-ChiefBelle WuKaren SimsProanne Liu
Layout EditorTiffany Chang
ReportersGrace WangMichelle McNeillIvan YehSunny WangElissa LeeTsai-Wei ChenHannah YungDianne LeeTiffany Liu
