Magorium Pte. Ltd. reposted this
Building plastic waste roads at Magorium | An Unreasonable Fellow | ASEAN Youth Fellowship 2024
A commonality between 44 fellows from 11 countries is Difference. Despite this difference, in just one pre-briefing and seven days, strangers became friends and eventually family. This bond was made more exquisite by the diversity of backgrounds, languages and experiences of individuals in the ASEAN Youth Fellowship. From the AYF 2024, I learnt that difference is a precarious balance with the power to either unite or divide. An overwhelming safe space of trust, respect and compassion created by Aaron Maniam encouraged fellows to learn, collaborate and share without judgement, uniting us as an AYF family. An insightful panel during this fellowship contextualised difference in ASEAN as a disparate region of varying economic developments, dissimilar markets and diverse culture. We can either harness these differences, gain insights to co-create solutions and develop an attractive global market or reject these differences, allowing it to divide us into vulnerable silos. Personally, what cemented the fellowship's unity was witnessing the National Youth Council Singapore and Singapore International Foundation leaders and team including David Chua, Hasliza Ahmad, Michelle Ling, Christie Lee, Farah H. Sanwari, Aniza Yusope, Joanne Xiao, Jia Zhi Lim, Jessica Song and Aaron embody leadership, inclusivity and empathy at every turn. From their interactions with the fellows to event staff and local guides in Laos, they truly led by example, discovering and celebrating differences to bring out the best in everyone. The extraordinariness of this AYF 2024 was a culmination of inspiring leadership, a resolute embrace of differences and exceedingly wacky humour (courtesy of Theerapat Ungsuchaval and Jia Yee Tan). I am honoured and beyond grateful to be a part of this experience. ❤️
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AYF 2024 (singing) hhe nice to meet you Xian
A huge privilege (all mine) being in this cohort together! 55555
Deeply honoured by the shoutout! 🙇😏 Sending it right back at you, & missing our collective wackiness already Chu Xian Oh Theerapat Ungsuchaval
Chu Shian, well said and you are absolutely right. The collective power of the youth with the millennials and Gen Z is an amazing force that can move not just the sub-region but the entire world for a better and happier present and future. It is not about environmental aspect, also social which is even more important. There is so much talent for innovation. Of late, have been bringing this need for transformation in my engagements with different stakeholders be it in universities or talents and high potentials of organizations. This is not about activism or revolution but empowerment and engagement.
Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection! Your reflections highlight the unifying power of diversity and the meaningful connections formed at AYF 2024. We’re inspired by your journey and look forward to seeing the impact you’ll continue to create.
Truly captures the magic of connection and collaboration despite differences 💗
It was a pleasure getting to know you during AYF! Beyond the amazing work that you do, I could see how you always bring joy and laughter to those around you. :)
Really cool to hear about what you do 😊 So nice to have met in AYF!
Academic & Policy Advocate
1moI’ll take that as a compliment 😆