On 17 February 2023, hosted by Tianjin University (TJU) and supported by the ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), the Awarding Ceremony of the 3rd ASEAN-China “Learning about Ocean” Student Film Competition and the Launching of the 2nd ASEAN-China Student Rowing Competition was successfully held at the National Maritime Museum of China. H.E. Secretary General Shi Zhongjun of the ACC, H.E. Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Ambassador of Thailand to China, Ms. Pasupha Chinvarasopak, Minister Counsellor of Education and Science of the Royal Thai Embassy in China, Mr. Yudil Chatim, Education and Culture Attaché of the Embassy of Indonesia in China, Mr. Gu Yao, Member of the Standing Committee of TJU CPC Committee, Mr. Huang Keli, Curator of National Maritime Museum, experts, scholars, contestants, teachers, and students attended the event.

With the theme of “Marine Environmental Protection”, this film competition concerned hot topics such as maritime microplastics and carbon neutrality. It attracted 768 videos from nearly 1,000 students of 61 universities in 6 countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and China. Both the number of submissions and participants reached a new high.

Secretary General Shi Zhongjun stated that during bilateral and multilateral meetings between ASEAN and Chinese leaders, youth is always an important field of consensus. The ocean is the common home of mankind, and this film competition is a key platform to raise public awareness of marine protection. Young people shall take this opportunity to jointly promote the sound development of marine science and protection, and become leaders in building a prosperous Asia.

The 2nd ASEAN-China Student Rowing Competition was launched during the event. Participants therewith had discussions on strengthening exchanges and cooperation between ASEAN and Chinese marine-related colleges and universities.