From August 12th to 14th, the 2016 ASEAN Student Conference (P2A-ASEAN-in-One) was hosted by Duy Tan University in Danang. The conference opened up a series of exchanges on bridge-building, study and research between ASEAN students. 120 lecturers and students from all ASEAN countries attended.
“DTU is honored to organize the 2016 ASEAN Student Conference,” said Distinguished Teacher Le Cong Co, DTU President and Provost. “P2A was founded in 2012 by Rangsit University in Thailand, DTU in Vietnam, the National University of Laos, Norton University in Cambodia and the Computer Institute of Myanmar. Since then, 70 more universities and colleges have become members. P2A brings together, supports, improves understanding and exchanges information on different national cultures and customs, and lays the foundation for educational and research collaboration on a number of topics. P2A has agreed upon English as its common language, to gradually understand the various educational programs and diplomas offered in each country, to facilitate the mobility of the ASEAN workforce and provide better career opportunities for graduates. As the organizer this year, DTU is sure that the international conference will establish opportunities for joint study and research, and we join hands for a peaceful, strong, and unified ASEAN in the future.”
Students and lecturers from ASEAN universities and colleges
At the plenary session of the Conference, students discussed three main topics: the Ideal ASEAN Learning Environment; ASEAN Workforce Standards; and the Power of Youth in shaping the environment, development and sustainability of ASEAN.
Students also participated in meetings with businesses, to learn about the Education and International Student Exchange Linking program and about the International Training program. DTU established a Vietnamese record with the ten largest ASEAN flags ever exhibited, together with entertaining bubbles and LEDs.
Mr. Jerome Schedler, Chief Executive of the P2A Permanent Council, affirmed that the participation of lecturers and students from each ASEAN nation in the Conference demonstrated the confident, mutual and long-lasting relationships which are being forged between the P2A member institutions. ASEAN countries currently live in relative peace, prosperity and friendship, in a time when conflicts are still occurring all over the world, because of the lack of understanding, respect and sympathy for others. P2A brings ASEAN universities and educational institutions together to understand each other and forge friendships. The support of students participating in today’s event will be a key factor in developing unified voices and actions, to create a durable cadre of students working together to build a stronger ASEAN.
DTU establishes a Vietnamese record with the ten largest ASEAN flags ever exhibited
Sirinthakarn, a senior student of Foreign Languages from Mahasarakham University in Thailand, said:
“I am so excited to attend the conference at DTU. The interesting activities have allowed me to meet and become friends with many other P2A students. This is my first time in Vietnam and Danang, a beautiful city with lovely beaches. This trip is very important to me because I can broaden relationships with students from all over ASEAN, better appreciate their diverse cultures, learn more and gain experience to create unique contributions to the future development of the ASEAN community.”
Previously, in May 2015, DTU hosted the 4th P2A Partner Meeting and the international seminar entitled:” ASEAN after 2015: Opportunities and Challenges”. The 2016 conference succeeded in providing ASEAN lecturers and students with a further understanding of P2A and the importance of linking students in the region in this age of globalization, to broaden internship and career opportunities in all ASEAN countries and worldwide.
(Media Center)