SSEAYP 2024 delegates explore the city at night by double-decker bus on the first evening in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: THANH HIEP
The days of stopping in Ho Chi Minh City created a valuable opportunity for young delegates on the Southeast Asian - Japanese Youth Ship from 10 Southeast Asian countries (except Myanmar which did not participate) and Japan to leave behind many beautiful memories and impressions of the warmth and closeness of the people in the S-shaped country. In particular, they shared knowledge and perspectives on current events, learned about culture and experienced Vietnamese cuisine.
Discussing environment and sustainable development
On the second day in Ho Chi Minh City, the students were divided into six locations to interact and discuss with speakers and young people in the city on topics such as soft power and people's diplomacy, sustainable economic and community development, global environment and climate change, risk reduction and post-disaster recovery, health and social security, and digital society.
The theme of sustainable economic and community development at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City emphasized the importance of sorting waste at source, increasing recycling, reuse, and limiting single-use plastic products.
From group discussions, the participants concluded that it is necessary to diversify educational methods for the young generation about sustainable development, green courses as well as coordinate with many companies and organizations to design field trips to learn about sustainable development models.
At the University of Technology (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), when talking about risk reduction and post-disaster recovery, opinions were unanimous that the environment is facing the biggest problem of plastic waste. A project shared by Vietnamese delegates was the use of aloe vera as food wrap, providing an environmentally friendly solution that was developed at the University of Technology.
Walter James A. Jumao-as (Philippines) said that optimizing biodegradable waste to make it more useful in the community is very important. “We must be responsible for what we produce and use every day. Everyone, especially young people, need to change to a zero-waste mindset,” he said.
Vietnam has touched my heart with its sincerity and warmth. It was my first time here but this place has left an unforgettable mark in my heart. I would like to thank Vietnam, my foster family and the hearts that have been in harmony with me during the few short but meaningful days in this country.
YUKA MIZUGUCHI (Japanese delegate)
Bridge of culture and humanity
One of the highlights of SSEAYP 2024 is the homestay experience of delegates in 13 districts and Thu Duc City (HCMC). You will stay with host families to explore cuisine, learn about history, culture and Vietnamese people in the most intimate and authentic way.
There was a friend from Japan who was drinking sugarcane juice for the first time out of curiosity. Another friend was taken to eat beef noodle soup and broken rice. Many young Vietnamese people even brought foreign delegates to attend the national solidarity festival in their neighborhood so that international young people could feel the community connection of the Vietnamese people.
Secretary of Thu Duc City Youth Union Phan Ngoc Doan Trang said staying at a local's house will be a special and unforgettable experience with many valuable experiences to better understand the culture, customs and lifestyle of Vietnamese people.
“This is also an opportunity to foster deep, close ties between international youth and the youth and people of Ho Chi Minh City,” said Ms. Trang.
The two days at the host family seemed too short but left many unforgettable memories in the heart of delegate Yuka Mizuguchi (Japan). She said she clearly felt the warm affection that the people of Ho Chi Minh City had for the delegates of this year's program, not just herself but for her, it was "a warm welcome beyond our imagination".
“From the first moment I stepped off the train, I felt the warmth and hospitality from everyone’s eyes and smiles. I was welcomed by Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang’s family to her home in District 4 and felt like we had known each other for a long time, not like this was the first time we met. The whole family treated me sincerely, naturally and so intimately that it really touched me,” Yuka shared.
You boasted that you learned many interesting things about the unique culture of the Vietnamese people. Despite the differences in language and culture, Yuka said that miraculously, an invisible thread still connected everyone together, which you called “the harmony of the heart because everyone is aiming to share and connect”.
And Vietnam, to Yuka, is not just a destination, but also helps her feel like she has a second home with lovely relatives and many unforgettable lessons and memories.
The foster family of Ly Thi Nguyet Anh (District 7) brought two friends Aquilah Natasha (Brunei) and Jamsri (Thailand) to the War Remnants Museum - Photo: THANH HIEP
Delegates of the Southeast Asian - Japanese Youth Ship explore history
Many delegates spent time learning about Vietnam’s history and were taken to the War Remnants Museum (District 3). Delegate Aquilah Natasha (Brunei) said the images and artifacts at the museum partly show the brutality of the war that Vietnam has experienced. But what you feel is greater than the loss and pain is the spirit of solidarity and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
This delegate from Brunei said he admired the Vietnamese people for turning the trauma of war into motivation to rise up and build the country as strong as it is today. He said he would share this with his friends and family when he returned.
Delegate Walter James (Philippines) said that visiting the museum helped him realize how important it is to protect peace and human rights. Not only reminding the Vietnamese people, according to James, the lessons from the museum are also a reminder to anyone who comes to visit about the consequences of war.
“This trip not only helped me understand more about Vietnam’s history but also realized that young people must be the ones to lead the way in building a world without war, where everyone can live in peace and humanity. Hopefully, through SSEAYP, the spirit of solidarity and mutual understanding between countries will be further enhanced,” James said.
While delegate Jamsri (Thailand) said: "The consequences of war are always devastating, these things help us appreciate more the value of independence and freedom."
Online medical examination and treatment registration system
At the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, the topic of health and well-being was mentioned by students with the ability to access global healthcare, the current situation and solutions for physical and mental health.
Opinions say that it is necessary to pay attention to building an online medical examination and treatment registration system to help save waiting time for patients. Priority should be given to the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with disabilities. In addition, the quality of facilities and human resources at medical examination and treatment facilities should be improved.
Some opinions also propose a policy of distributing and delivering medicine to the elderly for free. At the same time, update medical applications to create maximum convenience for people to see a doctor and access information from doctors.
SSEAYP delegates say goodbye to Vietnam
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