ABOUT MIAS
Established in 2011, The Monash International Affairs Society (MIAS) is a student-run, not-for-profit international affairs society at Monash University.
With over 300 members from a diverse range of disciplines across Monash, MIAS aims to provide its members with opportunities to engage with the international order and delve into global issues. Our events, including panel discussions and international Model United Nations Conferences, help students hone their public speaking, negotiation, and communication skills.
The Monash International Affairs Society (MIAS) is a trailblazer in international Model United Nations (MUN) competitions. Our teams consistently bring home awards, demonstrating the excellence and dedication that set us apart on the global stage.
We strive to create a hub where our members can develop relationships with international leaders in foreign affairs targeting global issues.
ADDITIONAL PLATFORMS
Further, MIAS runs its own publishing unit PIVOT, and a podcast series called ATLAS, providing a multitude of resources for future leaders to thrive.
MIAS' 3 CORE PILLARS
Academics
Academic programs include panel discussions, guest speaking features and young professionals networking night.
Socials
Social events include coffee chats, mentoring programs and first years picnics.
Model United Nations
ModelUN events include workshops, MUNash and our international Global MUN program.
MIAS has three core pillars around which we structure our events and opportunities for students: Academics, Socials, and Model United Nations.
GET TO KNOW THE TEAM
THE MIAS 2024 COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE
Ben Kovacs (President), Esther Chen (Vice President),
Aashna Shah (Treasurer), Elina Forsyth (Secretary).
Ben Kovacs
President
Ben is a Bachelor of Global Studies and Laws student currently in his fifth year. He's been attending MIAS events since 2019 but has in the past couple years decided to take the leap and become more involved as Assistant Treasurer and then later President. His favourite part of his involvement with MIAS has been through the GlobalMUN program, participating in both delegations to Harvard WorldMUN in 2021 and later to NMUN New York in 2023. As President, Ben hopes to contribute to the success of the club through providing holistic support and leadership to its Committee as well as spearheading the club’s outreach. Outside of uni he enjoys pottering around on long walks through the city and suburbs to far off cafes as well as tennis and travelling.
Ben is looking forward to meeting as many of the club’s incredible community as possible and remaining involved into the future.
Esther Chen
Vice-President
Esther is a third-year Law and PPE student who is passionate about driving systemic reform to promote gender equity on a global scale. This year, her vision for MIAS is about building a strong, collaborative committee that manifests MIAS' mission to inspire future leaders. She's keen on fostering a warm, inclusive atmosphere within MIAS while boosting its approachability to the broader community.
To make this happen, Esther plans to set up an events subcommittee, offering an accessible entry point for members to join MIAS, where they can gain experience in event planning, communication, and leadership—skills that can help them step into bigger roles.
Esther's main goal for 2024 is for every MIAS executive, committee, and subcommittee member to make lasting memories and epic friends this year. And when she's crafting big plans for MIAS, you can usually find Esther either listening to Taylor Swift, petting her cat or playing board games.
Alina Yasser
First Years Liaison Officer
Alina is a second year Global Studies student, with a specialisation and great interest in International Relations. Outside of the classroom, Alina enjoys connecting with people, exploring diverse cultures, and finding inspiration for her studies through real-world experiences. This is why she loves visiting other countries and immersing herself in different cultures. An avid traveller, Alina hopes to explore more of the world this year!
As the First Years Liaison Officer she is passionate about helping first year students find their way in MIAS. She is thrilled to work alongside the rest of the committee to present many exciting events for first year students this year! She hopes to create many spaces for first year students to explore what MIAS has to offer, and hopefully get involved as well! Alina loves talking to people, and is always free for a chat- whether it be first year jitters, international affairs, history or anything else!
Vy Tran
Sponsorships Officer
Vy Tran is a fourth year Law and Global Studies student majoring in international relations. As the sponsorships officer, she is trying her best to ensure that MIAS's events are funded to ensure that members and students are able to get the best quality events and opportunities! Her IR interests are sustainability, decolonisation, education and women's rights. Outside of MIAS and her course, Vy is a digital artist who sells keychains and prints at pop culture conventions and loves reading manga or manwha. She also loves listening to hip hop, rnb and occasionally a little bit of euphoric hardstyle! If you ever see her around campus, please say hi to her.
Erin Page
MUN Officer
Erin is in her Fifth Year of Law and Global Studies, specialising in International
Relations. She absolutely loves all uni competitions whether it be Debating,
Model UN or Mooting and loves learning about all things History related. She is
carrying this passion to MIAS this year in the Model UN Officer role putting
together training opportunities and fun mun opportunities for the lovely
students of Monash University so that they can be the best competitor that they
can be!
Tom Sun
MUN Officer
Lianghua (Tom) Sun is a third-year law and global studies(International Relations) student. His professional experience includes roles in public speaking, youth education, and leadership, notably as Director of Competitions at UN Youth Victoria and Debating Coach. As the MUN officer Tom aims to run FUNMUN with interesting fictions, such as Jurassic Park and Star Wars.