STEP Youth Regional Affairs Dialogue 2019 #throwback

I was privileged to attend the inaugural STEP Youth Regional Affairs Dialogue 2019 from 2^nd – 9^th August 2019 in Singapore. Organized by Nanyang Technological University – University Scholars Programme (NTU-USP) and supported by Temasek Foundation, I was selected as one of 75 delegates from 18 Asian countries (including Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and South Korea) for a fully-funded eight days trip to NTU campus where I learned and appreciate Asia’s interwoven geopolitical structure through discussions on economics, politics and society, while fostering an understanding of governance and policies across Asia and build friendships through cross-cultural exchanges.

I lead a sub-group of 5 members from different nationalities to form a final presentation under “Heritage” sub-topics as well as handling general matters and coordinating with main group coordinators. Our main group got 3rd winner in final presentation, while I got an honor to represent the delegates to deliver appreciation speech at Temasek Foundation’s headquarters.

I was also really amazed to finally experienced what is it like to learn in the world-class university like NTU. During the whole week of program, we all had a chance to hear lectures from many acclaimed professors and experts, engaged in follow-up talks with them inside many beautifully designed campus buildings.

Let me recount my experience on a day-to-day chronological order

DAY 1 (Friday, August 2^nd, 2019)

Hello from Changi Airport Terminal 2! The committee said that they would paid/reimburse our trip from airport to NTU campus for SGD 50 each (one-way taxi fare), so I decided to save some money and went there together with Malaysian delegates which arrived from the same terminal as mine, so I only need to pay SGD 9 :D

Checked in at Nanyang Executive Centre (NEC), our hotel for the whole week, we all got a backpack with many freebies!! (I LOVE FREEBIES LOL)

At 6 pm, we went down to the auditorium to attend the welcoming session by NTU-USP director, Vice President of NTU, and Senior Director of Temasek Foundation, plus ice-breaking session, dinner, and some briefing for the upcoming week. Then, I went for a campus walking tour with Jerome, my roommate, and Sam.

DAY 2 (Saturday, August 3^rd, 2019)

We started our day with taking group photos at The Hive, the famous “dim sum stack” building in NTU.

Then, we attended the keynote address from Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry and Ministry of Education of Singapore under the title 'Regional Efforts for an Inter-Connected World'. He discussed various regional challenges such as ageing societies and environmental sustainability, and provided three main calls-to-action for the youth of today, represented in 3 ‘U’s —

(1) to Unite together as we face our inter-connected realities;

(2) to Unlock Asia's potential in terms of our abilities in facing challenges; and

(3) to recognize the Unlimited potential we have in ourselves;

and lastly, to take ownership in playing vital roles in tackling challenges and shaping new opportunities for ourselves, our communities and the region.

After lunch, we started the so-called “amazing race” a.k.a city tour, where we visited places such as Bugis Street, Haji Lane, Chinatown, and Gardens by The Bay. We were really lucky at that day because we could see a HUGE FIREWORKS DISPLAY due to Singapore’s National Day Parade Rehearsals 2019! We wrapped up the day with a relaxing walk to Orchard Road and watching street performers there.

DAY 3 (Sunday, August 4^th, 2019)

From now on until the next 3 days, every morning we will have a lecture in The Arc. The building is really gorgeous! We kicked off the day with a very interesting lecture from Mr. Paul Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, National Arts Council by addressing the story of preserving the rich history of Singapore’s society and culture. 

He emphasized the importance of understanding the nation’s growth in a well-rounded perspective that encompasses the arts, finances and infrastructure history through while at the same time, incorporating arts as an integral part of the society involving its citizens. From his talk, I learned that arts, society, and culture is a very important aspects in preserving one nation’s legacy and civilizations.

After lunch, we went to a tour with National Heritage Board (NHB). First one, we strolled from Asian Civilization Museum to Victoria Theatre to the Old Parliament House and finally, the Fullerton National Heritage Gallery. These iconic monuments, situated in the central business district, were key infrastructures in the development of Singapore into a prosperous and well-rounded nation, giving me lesson that a country could be a well-developed nation, but at the same time they didn’t forget the history that created who they are at the moment.

For the second tour, we visited Telok Ayer Street which houses key religious monuments like Thian Hock Keng Temple, Masjid Al-Abrar and the Chinese Methodist Church. We learned that Singapore’s multi-religion development had started all the way back to the Tumasik era (pre-colonialism), and they still preserve this harmony until this time being.

Wrapping up the day, I went to Jurong Point (the nearest shopping mall from NTU campus) for dinner with friends and some shopping.

DAY 4 (Monday, August 5^th, 2019)

Under the theme of “Economies and Economics”, we started the day with a lecture by Mr. Eduardo Pedrosa, Secretary-General of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, who shared about regional institutions and cooperations, and its relevance in today’s economy, especially in the time of uncertainties like this. I liked this session because he brought us many data visuals that could support his stories regarding how the region should deal with many economics issue.

Then we went to Temasek Shophouse, the new office of our sponsor, Temasek Foundation, where they showcased their sustainability efforts, business model and initiatives. At this time also, I was given a chance to give an appreciation speech on behalf of the delegates.

I was really impressed by many efforts of Temasek Foundation as the non-profit wing of Temasek to give back to their surroundings via an ABC mission (Active Economy – Beautiful Society – Clean Earth) not only to Singaporeans, but also the region!

After that we went to Jewel Changi Airport, where we learned from the guided tour that they really “build the future” for this project, showcasing a sustainable yet cutting-

edge design and architecture. Really awesome!

I ended up my day with dinner at Shake Shack (finally!). I was lucky at that time because the queue is really short, so I don’t need to wait for a long time to finally get my order ready. It tasted really good!

DAY 5 (Tuesday, August 6^th, 2019)

I really love this issue: politics and policies! I really appreciate the talk from Professor Joseph Liow, Dean of NTU College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences, where he discussed the current global political climate and the distribution of power in the world today. Major countries have been placing international political and economic order under heavy stress and he prompted all of us to think about how this region will be affected and what each country can do in face of the current situation. We also had a chance to talk with him during the tea break to fulfil our curiosity and hear his opinion regarding many upcoming issues in the region.

Like previous days, after each lecture session, we had our group meeting with assigned facilitators from NTU-USP faculty member (Dr Rebecca Nichols and Dr See Eng Kiat) to discuss the lecture that we just attended, speak up our mind, and formulating the key issues to be brought in our final presentation at the end of the program. It was held inside the campus’  high-tech tutorial rooms equipped with 5+ monitor displays for 25 students, so we could easily showcase our work to all member of the group. A world-class facility in the world-class university!

Then we went to the office of Singapore’s Housing & Development Board where they showcased history of globally-acclaimed public housing initiatives, its current housing policies, and new future sustainability initiatives in a very interactive gallery. We also visited My Nice Home, a “show flats” or show unit of many types of HDB flats, from 1-bedroom to 5-bedroom to experience how most of Singaporean lives

To end the day, Ms. Marion Nicole Teo, Director of EQ Asia Pte Ltd taught us how to present ourselves through a Business & Social Etiquette workshop. I learned a very important lesson and practical ways to introduce myself and leave a good impression plus a fun hands-on practice.

DAY 6 (Wednesday, August 7^th, 2019)

A full day outside the campus! We had our session today at Mount Faber Peak Ballroom which is also a cable-car station to Sentosa!

We had a very insightful session with Mr. Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive of Temasek Foundation International, who sparked an insightful yet candid conversation on the qualities that comprised a good leader. Claiming non-academic references, Mr. Cheong shared his life experiences with us - 'The 6Ls a leader should possess'. He also mentioned the nuances of leadership preferences across cultures, stating that each society has a need for a different type of leader and that what works for one country may not necessarily work for another.

Then we had an Executive Presence Workshop hosted by Mr. Mark Laudi from Hong Bao Media, a veteran who amassed 25 years of experience in print, radio, television, new and social media. I learnt about how to deliver the messages in an impactful way for our presentation.

Forum with a view

And guess where I decided to go after the session?

SENTOSA!!!

Yes! Finally, I had chance to visit Sentosa during the program. This is not my first time in Singapore, but previously I never had a free time to be there. So now that Sentosa is just a cable car trip away, me and my friends decided to went there.

Enjoy the photos!!

And then we went back to NTU facing the reality (tomorrow is our final presentation) LOL

DAY 7 (Thursday, August 8^th, 2019)

It’s final presentation day!

After many group discussion, late night session, Google Slides missing-in-action, I was really happy for the presentation. I was honored to represent the group of 15 to present our idea together with Matthew from Singapore, Shikha from India, and Ivan (fake oppa of CYAL 2018 lol) from Malaysia. We managed to get the 3^rd place (yeay!) and received a bag of Merlion Tea as the gift :D

As we all finished the whole program, we got certificates and a token of appreciation to brought home. I took a lot of selfies with friends, groupmates after the certificate handing. It is indeed a very memorable time here in Singapore with them!

During free time at the evening, I went out with Indonesian delegates (gossip squad LOL) at Jurong Point. And look who I met during a bus ride to the mall! Aaron, my Filipino friends from CIMB Young ASEAN Leaders 2018 was in NTU for exchange, and we just met accidentally inside the bus! So, we took a CYAL 2018 reunion selfie together (plus Ivan, of course)

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

I was having a very good time attending STEP Youth Regional Affairs Dialogue 2019. Nice friends, nice campus, nice topics, with a very helpful organizing committee and lots of freebies LOL. I couldn’t be more thankful to NTU-USP and Temasek Foundation for this privilege that I get. I really hope by this blog post, I could share the excitement, lessons learned, and inspire fellow youths out there!

P.s. the registration for the next #NTUSTEP is now open! Apply before March 13th, 2022. Contact me through IG: @afiramadhan to get the form

BONUS PHOTOS

With Nakwon, my best friend during the program from South Korea

Group photos inside The Arc - NTU

Group photos in Temasek Shophouse

These "crystal balls" are located in front of Asian Civilization Museum