49th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Programme

Introduction

1.            Good evening.  I am happy to be able to join you this evening at SSEAYP’s Singapore Port-of-Call Welcome Dinner.  

2.            Since 1974, SSEAYP has brought together young people from across the region, fostering long lasting friendships that transcend borders. I was told there were even some couples who met onboard and got married!

ASEAN’s Regional Vision and Initiatives

3.            You are here at an important time for ASEAN. Our ASEAN Community Vision 2045 will help Southeast Asia grow stronger together. We are working towards:

a.   First: Bringing our countries closer together – we are building physical connections such as roads and bridges, digital connections such as networks and most importantly, human connections – creating more chances for people to interact and learn from one another.

b.   Second: Economic growth benefits all our citizens, especially young people like all of you who are starting your careers.

c.    Third: Protecting our region amidst climate change and the growing incidence of natural disasters.

4.            And all these efforts reflect a shared responsibility between ASEAN and our friends and partners such as Japan, to keep our region open, resilient, and future-ready. As the next generation, you will help make this happen.

Singapore’s Role in ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations

5.            But no single country can tackle these challenges or seize these opportunities alone. To realise this vision, we need to work together through sustainable partnerships.

6.            Singapore and Japan share over 60 years of close friendship. And Japan is a longstanding partner to ASEAN and a champion of regional cooperation.

7.            SSEAYP is a tangible demonstration of Japan’s commitment to bringing people together.

a.   This programme embodies the values that underpin ASEAN-Japan friendship - mutual respect, learning from each other and meaningful engagement.

b.   And Singapore is committed to strengthening the partnership between ASEAN and Japan, and is honoured to serve as Country Coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Dialogue Relations.

Call to Action for Participants

8.            And you, all of our youths and next generation of leaders, will decide whether we grow closer and stronger together or build walls and try to go at it alone.

9.            To all the Participating Youths (PYs) of the 49^th SSEAYP, I hope that your experience shows all of us that it is better for us to go at it together. I hope this journey has been an opportunity for you to connect and to grow.

10.        You can all work together to define success on your own terms.

a.   You are a generation that is driven by purpose, seeking new paths beyond traditional measures of achievement.  

b.   So use this opportunity to experiment, imagine, and envision the ASEAN and Japan that you wish to see. Then go make it a reality.

11.        Together, you can make a meaningful difference.

a.   The friends you make here will help you work together on regional challenges.

b.   And stay connected beyond this programme. When the SSEAYP programme is over, all of you in this room will experience a case of what they call SSEAYP-sickness, right? Not sea sickness but SSEAYP-sickness, and staying connected will help each other with your SSEAYP-sickness. More importantly you will create opportunities to advance each other’s dreams and challenges and initiatives.

12.        And lastly, together, we are stronger. There are 11 countries represented here, each with diverse languages, cultures, and views.

13.        But it is our unity in diversity is our greatest strength. Listen deeply, ask questions, and stay curious. The friendships you forge will become bridges between our nations, reflecting the shared values of "kampung spirit," "bayanihan," “Kizuna”, and similar values of community that unite us all across ASEAN.

Closing

14.        So as you continue this journey, remember that you are part of something larger – a 50-year tradition of friendship and cooperation that has strengthen ASEAN-Japan relations and contributed to stability and growth all across our region.

15.        Now, I would like to express my appreciation to the Government of Japan for supporting this programme, and to all our guests and partners for your support.

16.        I wish all participants a safe, enriching and transformative journey ahead. Same sun, same ocean, and all of us are one. United in purpose and unity. Thank you.