With a keen interest in international relations, macroeconomics, public policy, and constitutional law, Paul, an alumnus from Class 2023 and an aspiring future ambassador is passionate about understanding policies and resolutions that will benefit the world we live in.
How was your academic journey after graduating from GESS?
I have completed my second semester studying Law, Politics and Economics at the European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel. After that, I went to complete my internship at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Regional Programme Political Dialogue Asia. Besides my academic endeavours, I am the Head Delegate of my university’s Model United Nations Society, a hobby I truly cultivated at GESS. In February, we went to Harvard National MUN in Boston and in October, I’ll travel to Madrid to represent EBS at IEUMUN. Currently, I’m also Senior Consultant at James Consulting, the oldest student-run consultancy in Germany.
What are your plans for the next few years? What is your career goal?
People who know me well, know that this could get really extensive, but I’ll keep it brief. After my Bachelor, I would like to complete a Master in Public Policy (MPP). Following that, I’ll apply to the Ambassador Training Program of the German Foreign Ministry. Alternatively, I might join a multilateral organization like the United Nations, World Economic Forum, ECB, ADB or the IMF. Next summer, I have an Asset Management internship at HSBC lined up, so going into finance, especially working with Sovereign Wealth Funds, Central Banks and the Public Sector in general is something that remains an area of interest for me.
Tell us about the project you worked on with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
Broadly speaking, my team and I try to facilitate political dialogue between the European Union and ASEAN region. This includes collaborating with Southeast Asian think tanks and universities. Just recently, a colleague and I travelled to Taipei, Taiwan to co-host a summer school on Democracy and Political Parties in partnership with the National Chengi University. Additionally, I am also working on a position paper analyzing the chances and risks for a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and ASEAN. Then, of course, there is the Mission Europe event we hosted together with the German European School in Singapore. It was a three-day simulation of the legislative procedure of admitting potential new member states such as Ukraine. Students of 10th and 11th grade were divided into the respective European institutions where they debated the feasibility and viability of certain countries joining the European Union.
How does it feel returning to GESS after your graduation and to work with the GESS students?
Returning to school was an interesting experience for me. The year after graduation brought a lot of change, moving out and relocating to Germany from Singapore, leaving behind family and friends. Going back to the familiar environment where I had spent so much time growing up was a reflective experience. Despite the personal changes during that year, stepping foot in the school felt strangely unchanged since the day I left When working with the GESS students, I bumped into plenty of familiar faces and had some nice chats.
How did the GESS MUN (Model United Nations) CCA help you in what you are doing now?
I joined the MUN CCA back in 9th grade and participated in various conferences with the GESS Delegation, such as SMUN at NUS, Raffles MUN, and DIAMUN in Dubai. MUN has been instrumental in helping me maintain professionalism and develop diplomatic skills. Representing Syria in the United Nations Security Council at RMUN or Pakistan on Women’s Rights has been challenging yet eye-opening. It broadens your horizons and enhances agility. In today’s world, where written text can be replaced by artificial intelligence, effective public speaking is crucial. I firmly believe that there’s no better activity to prepare you for international relations and diplomacy than MUN. It involves reading policy papers, legislative acts, writing position papers, and crafting resolutions.
Do you have any advice for this year’s graduating class?
For this year’s graduating class, l advise staying proactive in maintaining relationships and leveraging the international exposure gained from growing up and graduating in Singapore
