Less than 3 days until 2015, Here I wanted to share little bit what becomes my routine before New Year. Certainly not thinking of "What to wear to ring in 2015" but most likely "What to prepare for a new chapter in 2015". Life is like a riddle where you never be sure what's around the corner. So at this perfect time, I'd like to make a process of self-reflection upon all things happened in 2014. Literally not all will be shared here - since the limit to my human memory is not so helpful - but most unforgettable things or so called - Life Events (in popular way) will be great to share.
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| One of the Proudest Moments in my life - AYEP 2014, Dancing as one Identity ASEAN! |
1. My First Diplomatic Mission in Thailand - ASEAN Youth Exchange Program 2014.
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| I wore Kabaya Encim to represent Indonesia on ASEAN Day |
I personally can not express how grateful I am to be a part of Indonesian Delegations for that amazing program. ASEAN Youth Exchange Program 2014 is organized by Youth LEAD - Chulalongkorn University. I still pretty much remember the story how it actually begun. At first, I have never thought that I could be chosen due to the high qualification in the requirements, but I was thinking why not give a try especially the topic area was about Lingering the Enhancement of ASEAN Diversity which upholds the idea of One Single Identity. As student of International Relations where her daily feed envolves around the idea of ASEAN Community, motivated me to do my best to manage time in the amidst of hectic schedules during my internship to fill out the application and make the essay (I will upload the sample of Essay in other posting as requested by many). It was definitely challenging!
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| Indonesian Delegation were practicing Saman Dance for Cultural Performance. | | |
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Then after surprising selected delegates issued by the committee, right away after few days of Eid Al-Fitr I flew to Bangkok, Thailand - A Country that is so rich in term of culture etiquette and nationalism to their monarchy, far beyond the 'shemales' talks. I love to see how individual in Thailand 'wai' -
a gesture made by placing your hands together in front of your face a bowing a little and accompanied by greeting " "Sawasdee" or "Sawadee krap". Manner and respects are so apparent among the citizens, that's so beautiful to see. .Thus, It is truly a honor for me when I was trusted to be Indonesian representative to introduce all about my country - Indonesia to Thai People along with my ASEAN Fellas. On the stage, I explained ranging from custom etiquette, traditional languages, costumes and races to popular dishes in the world that are originally from Indonesia as the largest archipelago in the world.
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| We worked and practiced hard for Indonesia ;) Saman Dance, not so easy tho! |
My heart was actually so trembling to be positioned among talented and bright ASEAN Fellows and blew candles and gave words of hopes towards better ASEAN in the coming years as Indonesian representative. In one second, I feel like purely a diplomat and live in my dream. I literally put a step on the diplomat's shoes and knowing the feeling and the nerves on building strong relationship within ASEAN. I hope that moment will not be the last diplomatic session for me, while steppingstone instead. Through 11 days of program, I gained new prospective about ASEAN and its community. Although in reality, many complexity happens within ASEAN and so hard to achieve one ASEAN Way due to its diversity. However I felt the new hopes reborn because of the inspiring youths I met during the program. I see clearly that ASEAN still has positive hopes and future through our hands. Hopefully someday we can reach level where our position will be most considerable to drive positive changes towards ASEAN. Aside of inspiring youths, I met also very important people that have taken roles in ASEAN-related scope things, such former prime minister of Thailand. Surprisingly, I had a noble chance where I can dance while waving Indonesian Flag on the front line among other ASEAN Fellows in front of those important people (suit and tied) in Thailand. Again and again I have no proper words to describe how wonderful the feeling is (especially this funded-program has the best accommodation and facilitates to offer).
(To see how bad dancer I am, can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtsrtO7YxJY)
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| Attending AEC Summit - ASEAN Youth Exchange Program 2014 |
As stated on my cover letter about wise investment of my attendance in the program, I can be sure the experiences and knowledge gained from the program will be payed off in years to come for my country as my dedication for making world a better place through Diplomacy. Embracing the one single identity as ASEAN-ers, we shall strive to make strong regional integration towards its community in 2015. ASEAN Youth Exchange Program 2014 puts beautiful color in my 2014. Alhamdulillah! But Hey #Throwback story is not stop here yet, stay tuned for the next posting good people :) <3
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| ASEAN-Bound Integration of Friendship, Thanks to Youth LEAD! |
9 comments:
loved this!!! #ylead2014 can't wait for #ylead2015!
Thank you for your lovely feedback Jeremi. Hope to see you again, Keep in touch! :)
Hey Mar, Thanks! Yes I recommend you to apply for this program. Why?
1. This is funded program, they have some subsidies for the airfare and the accommodation has been covered by the organizer.
2. During the program, you will be staying in hotel. I don't know what hotel for this year but Last year all delegates stayed in Mandarin Hotel.
3. For the specific qualifications I guess the committee knows it better than me as I'm only participant hehe. But Most of friends said to me that my essay was my strength in the application as it directly brings up the core issue of One Identity in ASEAN. Some other concern for the qualification also centered on our experiences to any ASEAN-related activities. If you had one, it will be your plus point :)
4. Yes I met Filipinos there, they are so nice!
I hope I have answered all your questions and feel free to ask any further questions as well. The deadline for this year Program is fast approaching, download the applications here:
http://www.asean.chula.ac.th/…/youth-exchange-program-2015…/
Oh, yes you're right. I should have noticed they have some changes in the funding system on the application. Last year, we got covered in almost everything. Maybe they have different policy this year with no airfares but yes local transports, accommodations and meals. Sorry for this unforeseen condition, however you can directly contact the committee to make sure everything: youthlead2015@gmail.com Good Luck!! :)
Hi Mar, You're also such a lovely visitor! You can find me on Facebook with my complete name here, Rienta Primaputri. Thank you for stopping by.
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