Interview with Johan Chin

05 Oct 2023

SP School of Life Skills & Communication lecturer Johan Chin shared in this interview that the Youth Model ASEAN Conference (YMAC) is an international flagship programme organised by the polytechnic. It was first held in 2012, consisting of delegates from the five local polytechnics. It has since expanded to include 52 IHLs from Southeast Asia. During the conference, student delegates take on the role of diplomats, representing each of the ASEAN states. They then research and debate on current issues that ASEAN and the region are facing. The conference provides a platform for youths to conduct in-depth exploration on matters pertinent to the region. This year, there were around 160 student delegates from seven ASEAN states including China and India, debating on the theme of inclusive growth. The event took reference from the ASEAN summit in Indonesia this year. SP students were also given the opportunity to provide inputs on the conference, and gave ideas on the key issues that youths would be interested to discuss and address. The YMAC kicked off on Monday at SP, and students used the platform as an opportunity to network and learn more about the neighbouring countries. Johan hopes that the conference will help youths form an ASEAN identity and community, where they embrace differences as an opportunity to learn more.

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