The first ASEAN Convergence Secondary Schools Summit held recently at Lima Park Hotel in Batangas, convened secondary schools from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines to collaborate, interact, and realize the important role the region’s youth.
Organized by Faith Colleges, the three-day summit promoted ASEAN collaboration and regional mindset.
The program was supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the embassies of ASEAN member states. Schools that attended the summit’s inaugural run were SMP Negeri 6 Makassar of Indonesia, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Guar Perahu of Malaysia, Raffles Institution of Singapore and, from the Philippines: Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Miriam College-Nuvali, University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, FAITH Catholic School, and Fidelis Senior High School.
Among the speakers were Assistant Director Romeo Arca Jr. of the ASEAN Secretariat, Director Aian Caringal of the DFA, Executive Director Jeroen Schedler of Passage to ASEAN (P2A), Teach for the Philippines founder Clarissa Delgado, Bellas Artes Projects founder Jam Acuzar, and Cropital founder Ruel Amparo, who discussed the role of the youth, how they can contribute to various international efforts, and what existing ASEAN projects they can join.