Interview with Mrs Lucy Toh

1.What are your opinions towards MUN?

I am not very familiar with MUN as it wasn’t around when I was a student nor was it available to the schools in which I have taught. I was more involved in the World Schools Debates. Comparing the two, I think that MUN offers a fuller learning experience because of the nature of the subject matter - the study of countries and how they relate with one another is a focused yet holistic field of inquiry. You need to know not just about politics but about the people (individuals and communities) behind the politics. Also, it is not a merely competitive forum but also a collaborative one where negotiation and partnership have a role to play unlike the strictly combative format of the moral traditional debating competitions.

2.To what extent do you think MUN can apply to students’ real life?

Life comprises macrocosms and microcosms, worlds within worlds. A person’s immediate neighbour is a world of wonders to be explored - what makes him tick? what motivates him? what are his fears? Where did they come from? What is his heritage? How does he live? Why does he live? What does he think of me?

We must be careful not just to study abstract notions like continents, nations and international groupings without studying the very real people both within our families as well as in our school and community. Because, at the end of the day, people are all that matters. Institutions come and go.

So MUN can be a place to start a lifelong inquiry into humanity. We understand the people around us and we get a better understanding of the large groupings of people called nations. We understand nations and we get insight into the people that comprise them.

3.What do you think about the participation of the SASS delegates in Saints MUN in the coming year?

I hope very much that the younger Saints will be involved for many years to come and in increasing depth as well as in increasing numbers. It is such a blessing to SASS to have SAJC is our sister school and right next door.

4.Why do you think students should take time from their academic work to participate in MUN conferences?

There are things that you just can't learn from the examination syllabus.

Pragmatically, you will be better off for your examinations because of the learning you get from experiences like MUN especially in subjects like GP, PW and the Humanities. 

More fundamentally, you will integrate knowledge and critical thinking in intellectually enjoyable ways which will make you a richer person. Maybe even a better person!

5.Do you have any final words regarding the upcoming Saints MUN 2015?

Have fun!