BANGKOK, 19 July 2019 – Two Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) students were elated at being chosen to represent the country at the 5^th ASEAN Foundation Model ASEAN Meeting (AFMAM) 2019, held at Chulalongkorn University, here from 4-10 July 2019.

The two undergraduate students were Nabella Ridhuan Lau, 23, third-year student from School of Educational Studies majoring in TESOL and Aidiel Akbar Hussein Mat Isa, 23, final-year student from School of Biological Sciences majoring in Applied Biology.

AFMAM is one of ASEAN Foundation’s flagship initiatives that mainly targets students who are studying at the tertiary level, to learn further about ASEAN as well as its decision-making processes and mechanisms through authentic simulation.

This year’s AFMAM with the theme “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” also saw for the first time the simulation of the ASEAN-Australia engagement with participation from both ASEAN and Australian delegates.

The convention strives to promote engagement between ASEAN and its external partners to students of undergraduate (or equivalent) education level in learning about diplomacy through a hands-on authentic simulation experience.

It is hoped that students would aspire to gain a deeper understanding about ASEAN, of which it benefits in developing a more progressive ASEAN and at the same time enhancing their skills to face current and future challenges not only in ASEAN, but also on the global stage.

This aligns with the university’s vision of “Bringing USM to the World and the World to USM” as stated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr. Asma Ismail in her annual address earlier this year.

When contacted via WhatsApp, Nabella said, “I am intrigued to know what AFMAM actually has for us – the youth of ASEAN. I hope to expand knowledge about ASEAN, and increase ASEAN awareness for myself as well as the youths in Malaysia.”

Meanwhile, Aidiel has this to say, “Helping people change and improve their lives has always been my passion. Participating in AFMAM gets me directly in the zone to know what’s really happening in ASEAN, for me to spread my wings and rev up my effort.”

Text: Nabella Ridhuan Lau