From the turbulent eastern waves of the Bering Strait, to the western coast of Turkey by the Aegean Sea, Asia is the region with the widest latitude span and the longest East-West distance in the world. For thousands of years, the vast land of Asia has bred colorful Asian Civilizations, where Asian culture has flourished, and is becoming more and more influential across the world. In order for Asian youth to further understand the value of Asian civilization and explore the future of Asia, the theme of the AUA Youth Forum this year was "Synergizing Regional Identity and The Future of Asian Civilization".
The AUA Youth Forum 2022 was hosted by Universiti Malaya(UM) from 21-25 March 2022. A total of 45 participants from ten universities took part in the program: Universiti Malaya, Tsinghua University, Universitas Indonesia, The University of Tokyo, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, University of Yangon, University of Colombo, Nazarbayev University, Chulalongkorn University, and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay.
A Screen Shot of Participating Students
The AUA Youth Forum provided different sessions including keynote speeches, workshops, cultural activities, cultural sharing and a student forum, building an excellent platform for participants from different Asian countries to exchange inspirations. In order to enhance the understanding of Asian cultures (e.g. language, history, global issues), Universiti Malaya invited renowned scholars to give speeches related to civilization in today's world,regionalism and its challenges,and multiculturalism in Asian countries. In addition, participants shared parts of their respective country's culture such as artistic and creative objects, and a range of Asian cultural traditions in different media. From the delicious Nasi Lemak of Malaysia, to the various street foods of Hong Kong, to the exquisite paper-cutting art of China and mysterious traditional Thanaka of Myanmar, the participants were able to dive deep into the diversity of Asian cultures. During the student forum session, participants were randomly grouped and assigned four discussion topics: Role of Youth in Promoting Asian Civilization and Peace, Education and Preservation of Culture and Heritage, Sustainable Development for the Future of Asian Civilization, Asian Civilization and Contemporary Challenge. This session offered participants opportunities to discuss the challenges of revitalizing Asian Civilization, and cultural diversity whilst promoting their commonalities.
Participants Sharing Objects from Their Own Cultures
The Youth Forum session received positive feedback from participants, and was considered by the students as an excellent opportunity to work together as a team and to learn from one another. Below is a student's reflection on the AUA Youth Forum 2022:
“It was really a great honor to participate in AUA Youth Forum 2022. From this program, I learned and discussed about regional synergy and the future of Asian Civilization with participants from different regions across Asia. Through various well-designed sessions, my horizons have been greatly expanded my understanding and identification with Asian Civilization is well enhanced. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AUA for building such an excellent and diverse platform and extend thanks to Universiti Malaya and all the staff and participants who put great efforts for bringing such a wonderful experience. I sincerely hope that the AUA Youth Forum will get better and better, and continue to provide opportunities for Asian students to share their sparkling ideas.”
——Student from Tsinghua University
Universiti Malaya Organizing Committee of AUA Youth Forum 2022
Through the forum, the AUA youth have grown a deeper understanding of past and present Asian Civilizations, explored commonalities and differences between cultures, enhanced their sense of regional identity, and found the motivation to promote the sustainable development of Asian Civilizations. Although the AUA Youth Forum 2022 has come to an end, the youth of Asia have gained knowledge on the importance of Asian civilizations and have gained the inspiration and to continue forward with enthusiasm. Asian Civilizations will remain valuable and continue to live through the efforts of the younger generation.
Writer: SHI Yiwen
Editor: Camilla KONG
Photos: Universiti Malaya, AUA Secretariat
