ASEAN Student Leaders Forum (ASLF) is a forum for students’ leaders from universities of ASEAN Universities Network (AUN). ASLF 2013 was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 21 to 25 June 2013 with the participation of over 100 students from 20 universities in the ASEAN area.
Nguyen Thuy Ngan (student of QH-2010-E, VNU-UEB) is one of three VNU outstanding students who had the honor to attend to the event. Along with students from other countries, the VNU students’ delegation has had unforgettable experience after five-day journey at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
After first two days in Thailand, the organizers of ASLF 2013 helped students from different countries get to know each other more by organizing several exchange activities. On the second day, the meeting with former Thai Prime Minister - H.E. Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva has helped students learn more about common issues of ASEAN and ASEAN Economic Community from the viewpoint of a leader.
On the same day, all the students, in their traditional costumes, participated in a welcome party held by Chulalongkorn University. During the party, the traditional and modern performances helped students and guests know more about cultures of Thailand and other countries in the ASEAN region.
The ASLF was followed by the talk between students and two professors from Chulalongkorn University. The talk discussed about concerning issues and the solutions. In particular, on two days 23 and 24 June, students were devided in groups to designed and discussed about projects of students’ organization. The project by Nguyen Thuy Ngan’s and the other members from Philippins, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia was selected to develop in the near future.
The outdoor activities and other cultural exchange programmes within the framework of the forum took place mainly on two days 23 and 25 June. The farewell party closed the event with unique performances, especially the parade of flags has left a good impression among students and guests at ASLF 2013.
Talking about her journey, Thuy Ngan said: “I feel very honored and happy to have the opportunity to be part of this meaningful event. Five short days was an unforgettable memory and an opportunity for me to visit the beautiful Thailand, received a warm welcome from Chulalongkorn University students (the first university of Thailand). During the journey, I have experienced new things, learned the experience from others and understood more of what the we should contribute to our countries, not only Vietnamese but also students in the ASEAN region.”
The next ASEAN Student Leaders Forums are expected to be held in Brunei (2014), Indonesia (2015) and Malaysia (2016).