Joining the University Economic Society?

The Stonehenge - Source: National Geographic

Before I chanced upon their club exhibition today, I joined their message board which is devoid of any discussions. I was googling for economic societies, clubs and research institutions in Singapore when I found the website of the SIM Economic Society.

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Today afternoon, I was going for my microeconomics lecture when I pass by the atrium and saw the magic word “economics” emblazoned over a standee. Like bees drawn to honey, I went forward to have a look-see at the exhibition. I learnt that it was organised by the SIM Economic Society.

At the exhibition, the six or seven standees were positioned much like the Stonehenge, surrounding a giant white piece of paper placed on top of probably two dozen tables.

The white piece of paper claimed to be a giant note for the 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama. The club declared that they will mail the note to the White House for President Obama to read.

As I was not carrying a pen, I did not write anything down but I was impressed with their innovative “note”. Although I doubt it will reach Obama.

Besides a brief introduction about economics, the Fed (I have no idea why the club did not talk about MAS instead) how much business economists are earning, some economist greats such as Amatya Sen, there were several economic quizzes printed on a couple of the standees. To participate, you write the answers down on a form and submit it to the club committee members. As it was a Saturday, there were no forms and no members.

It’s a pity that there were no members around for me to talk to regarding the society and its activities.

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A few minutes ago, I logon to their website and message board to see if they have updated the website since the last time I visited (30 Dec 2008). There was only one news update on the exhibition (which runs from 30 Jan to 6 Feb). The message board still registers zero activity.

I’m puzzled by the lack of a coherent communication message of this exhibition. I’m not sure what’s the exhibition is for. Perhaps just to raise awareness and to have some kind of participation? There is a call to action from the exhibition which is to participate in the quiz, but there is no tie-back to the club’s website. Furthermore, I wonder why the club did not utilise the power of the Internet to provide an online option for the quizzes and to reach a wider target.

The club is not optimally utilising the exhibition to promote their club and any upcoming events. The lack of supporting communications devices (I would assumed their website due to a lack of budget) dilutes the awareness generated by the exhibition. In addition, there are insufficient channels (other than an email) for more information.

A few questions might come to mind from a “viewer of the exhibition” such as myself; (1) can I join as a member? (2) what kind of activities does the club organised and what have been done so far? (3) are there any tangible benefits as a club member?

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From the club’s profile, it says:

SIMES is a student’s forum of Singapore Institute of Management focused on debating the fundamentals of economic thoughts. It’s a community of passionate students who are enthusiastic and committed to learn and research in global economic challenges.

I’m all ready to join and discuss about the fundamentals of economics thoughts. I want to share my viewpoints of Keynes, Friedman, Nash, Lucas, Pareto, Coase, Pigou, and many more. But I can’t seem to find more avenues to seek out members of the club (the message board is empty).

The website also spelled out the club activities as:

• Research & educational activities in History of economic studies
• Online group discussions
• Speeches and Seminars
• Conferences
• Organizing and participating in external economic discussions
• Networking and other interactive programs
• Quarterly Newsletters

I don’t see most of the activities happening. I was rather excited by the prospects of an economic club in SIM, but is deeply disappointed at the organisation of the club in projecting a strong and consistent presence and realising the activities that they stated down on their website.

I was hoping to meet more like-minded intellectuals at the club activities (besides the several such as KTM, eternalhap and Mike that I’ve get to know from this blog), but it appears that I might have to wait awhile for that to happen.

Update (2 Feb): I saw that during the “Econ Week” organised by SIMES, there is a seminar by Dr Peter Wilson, a consultant to MAS on 30 Jan. There is also an Amazing Race game on 5 Feb.