ASEAN-China Forum of Youth and Humanities Held in Changchun, Jilin Province

From17 to 18 June 2016, the ASEAN-China Forum of Youth and Humanities was held in Changchun, Jilin Province. The Forum was co-hosted by ACC, Jilin University and the Embassy of Malaysia in China. More than 200 people, including H.E. Mme. Yang Xiuping, Secretary-General of ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), Mr. Chen Gang, Vice President of Jilin University, Mr. Hu Renyou, Director of the International Office of Education Department of Jilin Provincial Government, Dr. Mohd Rozi Ismail, Education Counselor of the Embassy of Malaysia in China, officials from the Embassies of Indonesia, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam, ASEAN students in Jilin and Chinese students of Jilin University attended the opening ceremony. 

Professor Chen Dingding from School of International Studies of Jinan University delivered a keynote speech with the theme of “Vision of ASEAN Youth－Build a better China-ASEAN Relations”. He said that against the backdrop of rapid globalization, young students should promote diversified multi-level exchange and deepen the communication with the target language, and they should improve knowledge and understanding in the development in both China and ASEAN countries. Youth were the future of bilateral friendship, and they should work creatively and collectively towards a better future and thus to contribute to ASEAN-China relations. 

On the afternoon of 17 June, 150 Chinese and ASEAN students had discussions in six groups on various themes including “Cyberspace and Interpersonal Relationship”, “Economic Development and Interdependent Relationship between China and ASEAN”, “Climate Change and Global Warming”, “Volunteer Spirit and Youth Role”, “Human Security and Social Development”, and “Common Cultural Values between China and ASEAN”. The students also set up booths showcasing Chinese and ASEAN culture, such as handicrafts, gourmet and clothing, which attracted many visitors, who were eager to taste the culinary and conversed with the students. 

The closing ceremony was held on the morning of 18 June. Representatives from the six discussion groups delivered their presentations on the topics and shared their views and suggestions. Mr. Mouavixay Palee, Deputy Director of Trade and Investment Division of ACC, a graduate from Jilin University, was the guest speaker at the Closing Ceremony, and briefed on the latest development of ASEAN-China relations and ACC’s work in economic development, trade and investment under the topic of “China-ASEAN Trade and Investment Relations” and interacted with the students. 

Mr. Tri Purnajava, Director of Education, Culture and Tourism Division of ACC, Professor Liu Debin, Principal Assistant and the Dean of School of Public Diplomacy, delivered closing remarks. Director Tri Purnajaya warmly congratulated the ASEAN-China Forum of Youth and Humanities and thanked Jilin University and the Embassy of Malaysia in China for their support in co-hosting the forum. He spoke highly of the Chinese and ASEAN students who participated in this forum and stressed that ACC would continue to promote exchange and communication between the youth of the two sides, so as to contribute to the bilateral cooperation in the fields of humanity. 

Professor Liu Debin summarized the forum and emphasized that people-to-people exchange was a new form of public diplomacy. The integration of ASEAN countries provided a helpful platform to solve contradictions and conflicts between countries, regions, ethnic and religious. ASEAN countries and China had a lot to exchange, communicate and share in the field of humanities, and that the development of China-ASEAN relations would contribute to regional and world peace and development. He added that, Jilin University, under the support and assistance of ACC, would continue to contribute to ASEAN-China educational exchange and cooperation.

With the tight schedule, rich content and harmonious atmosphere of this Forum, both Chinese and ASEAN students resonated the social responsibility and confidence in building a better future of China-ASEAN relation, after intensive conversations and exchange of ideas.  The students praised the Forum for its great significance and satisfactory outcomes, and looked forward to more opportunities and platforms to connect the youths of China and ASEAN. 

During the Forum, ACC organized a meeting between ASEAN Embassy officials and representatives from the International Office, Bethune Medical School, School of Economics, and School of International Education of Jilin University. Both sides had a substantive discussion in ways to attract more ASEAN students to study in Jilin University, to send Chinese teachers to ASEAN countries, and to enhance information exchange. ASEAN Embassies officials also held friendly exchanges with the students and encouraged them to work hard and play a constructive role and promote ASEAN-China friendly relations.