THE just concluded JCI Elite Asia Youth Exchange Programme (AYEP) in Penang has provided a golden opportunity for youths of Asia to learn about different cultures and also to communicate with one another.
Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, who attended the AYEP closing ceremony at the Chung Ling Private High School today, said it was a good platform for the youths to mix with one another.
“This is a very important programme organised by JCI Elite, which has always been in the forefront whether it’s internationally or locally,” Wong said in his speech at the Chung Ling Private High School hall.
“Together with others, they have made it a successful event. They have also carried out a lot of charity work. Two years ago, JCI Elite and other JCIs were among the first to help thousands of victims during the floods in Penang. It is this spirit of volunteerism that we want to nurture.”
JCI Elite president Brenda Chee said 109 students from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Thailand and Malaysia took part in the programme from July 24th to July 30th. Of the 109 students, 71 were from foreign countries.
Organising chairman Robin Cheah said the students also learned to work together besides having the chance to experience the cultural exchange and friendship.
This is the sixth year JCI Elite has organised the Asia Youth Exchange Programme.
Lau Han Ning, a Form One student of Chung Ling Private High School who represented the Malaysian team, said she would cherish the activity forever.
“I wish to thank JCI for giving us this wonderful experience. It is heart-breaking to say goodbye (to all the participants).
“We enjoyed experiencing the different cultures, different delicious foods and snacks. To cap it all, we had a party and we danced with complete harmony.
“As I am the only child in the family, I really treasure this big family. It’s so harmonious and I shall remember this unique experience forever,” said Han Ning.
Also present were Chung Ling Private High School principal Ng Jooi Seah, Chung Ling High School board of directors’ secretary P’ng Lai Heng and Chung Ling Private High School veteran teacher Datuk Tan Chiang Kiong.
There were also various activities, including the AYEP Got Talent and Penang Green Council ‘We are Green Heroes’ competitions.
In the AYEP Got Talent individual competition, Taylor Man of Hong Kong was adjudged the winner while Nguyen Ngoc Minh of Vietnam and Emily of Taiwan took second and third place respectively.
For the team competiton, Vietnam took first place, followed by Cambodia and Hong Kong.
In the Penang Green Council ‘We are Green Heroes’ competition, Khoo Jing Shan of Malaysia emerged as the winner.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alvie Cheng