NEWS RELEASE

15 OCTOBER 2002

 SINGAPORE YOUTH WINS FIRST ASEAN YOUNG SPEAKERS’ FORUM AWARD

JAKARTA, Oct 15 – National University of Singapore undergraduate, Ivan Yeo Ken Jin, has clinched the top prize in the first ASEAN Young Speakers’ Forum, jointly organized by the ASEAN Secretariat and the ASEAN University Network with the theme, “ASEAN in the 21st Century: The Road Ahead”.

Twenty-three-year-old Ivan, a third year arts and social science undergraduate, beat 19 other contestants from the ten ASEAN countries for the First Prize of US$1,500 cash. Mr. Yeo, who shared his view on “Peace, Prosperity and Unity for 2020 and Beyond”, won over the panel of judges from the ASEAN Secretariat as well as academics and journalists from the region. 

In his presentation, Mr. Yeo outlined the need for political, economic and social reforms to fight the rising tide of terrorism and the social problems that threaten ASEAN’s ability to reach its potential.

He said: “With the rise of terrorism, subversive elements and revolutionary activity, ASEAN partners must stand firm to combat this insidious threat. Terrorism affects international confidence and must be eradicated before economic reforms can bear fruit. Failure to swiftly resolve this threat would dampen investor confidence and deter tourists from visiting this region.”

Mr. Yeo said while the ASEAN Regional Forum can be used as a channel to deal with transnational terrorism, there is a need to promote security cooperation including joint military efforts to root out terrorism in the region. 

Twenty-one-year-old Wan Raihana Wan Aasim of the Science University of Malaysia won the Second Prize of US$1,250. Wan Raihana, a third-year chemistry student, spoke on, “ASEAN: The Road Ahead” and stressed the need for tolerance and understanding among the peoples of the region despite differences in race and religion.

“I believe that in order for ASEAN to move forward, youths must be taught to be proud of their identity as the people of Southeast Asia,” said Wan Raihana. “It is not enough that we teach them to love their country, but we need to teach them to be proud of being Asians, with their own unique culture and principles. Only then can ASEAN be sure of its future and be able to hold its own against other powers and be a stabilizing force in the region.”

In third place was Dayu Nirma Amurwanti of University of Indonesia who won US$1,000 for her effort. In her speech on, “ASEAN Embraces the Future: Prospect and Challenges”, Dayu examined the issue of non-interference among member states and the impact of this policy on human rights practices and conflicts in Southeast Asia. She argued that ASEAN countries could do more by helping to mediate issues and conflicts to find a resolution.

“It is important to strike a balance between the need for security and the obligation to respect civil liberty,” said 23-year-old Dayu.

The Fourth and Fifth Prizes worth US$750 each went to 19-year-old Norliana Khairuddin of University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur and 18-year-old Anna Theresa Licaros of the University of the Philippines.

The 20 speakers comprising two representatives from each ASEAN country, were judged on their knowledge, analytical ability, oratorical skills and ideas. 

“Many of them demonstrated a high level of maturity in their thoughts and in their understanding of ASEAN events and issues,” said Dr. Azmi Mat Akhir, ASEAN’s director of Functional Cooperation, who was one of the judges. “I was very impressed with their self-confidence and the frankness of their views.”

“They carried their own vision of ASEAN very well,” said Dr.Supachai Yavaprabhas, executive director of the ASEAN University Network, another of the judges. “I believe these young people have the energy and commitment to make this region better.”

ASEAN Secretary-General Rodolfo Severino expressed hope that the forum would be an annual event that would help to foster a greater awareness of ASEAN and strengthen the goodwill among the youths of the region who will one day play a leading role in the future of Southeast Asia.

Released by:

GERALDINE GOH Public Information
ASEAN SECRETARIAT
Jakarta
INDONESIA
 
Tel: (6221) 724-3372, 726-2991 ext 245
Fax: (6221) 739-8234, 724-3504
 
Email: [email protected]