The year is 1959 and the Southeast Asian British colony of Singapore is on a quest for its independence. After more than one hundred years of colonial rule, the post-Second World War order ushered in a new era for Singapore: one of increasing resentment towards the British, escalating anti-colonial riots, and a nationalist political awakening spreading across the colony. In recent years, pro-independence forces within Singapore have faced ever-growing support, culminating with the British agreeing to embark on the path towards Singaporean self-governance. Delegates representing the interests of Singapore, neighbouring Malaysia, the British, and other states with self-interests in Singapore’s autonomy will face questions of what the future of Singapore will look like. 

While the future of Singapore as a nation is fundamentally an issue for Singaporeans, no country exists in a vacuum. As such, delegates will be asked to debate and discuss the future of Singapore’s foreign relations, including the search for trading partners, colonial ties with Britain, and Cold War bloc-forming. Even more important, however, is the Malaysia question: will Singapore become a part of Malaysia? If Singapore chooses to join, what will be the terms of this union? Singaporean delegates must contend and/or ally with influential external interests from the UK, the US, Malaysia, and China to advance their interests and make their vision for Singapore a reality. At the same time, delegates representing these external interests will try to pull Singapore closer to their country apart from rival interests. 

Delegates will also explore the fundamentals of nation-building: What will the governance structure of Singapore look like now that it has been freed from British influence? To what degree will Singapore decolonize and which imperial institutions will it choose to retain, if any? Questions will arise surrounding which type of government Singapore will adopt, including whether Singapore should adopt a constitution, a parliamentary system of government, or another governance structure entirely—based on the demands of the people. How will this new government be created and drafted into writing? Lastly, delegates will explore the creation of Singaporean citizenship and what this entails. How will the new government of Singapore be able to craft the newly-founded country’s identity? 

All of this and more will be explored as delegates debate, negotiate, and collaborate to solve the challenges of Singaporean independence. This is a pivotal moment for Singapore; delegates must use their best diplomacy skills to find creative solutions to set Singapore up for success as it navigates the world as an independent nation.

The Dais is excited to meet all of the delegates at SSUNS 2021!

If you have any questions regarding the committee, please feel free to email us at sa@ssuns.org