This year, ASEAN Countries are facing AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area) which means a trade block agreement by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations supporting local manufacturing in all ASEAN countries.
Indonesia is one of the ASEAN countries, we as an Indonesian youth needs to prepare on facing this and adapt with it. By understanding more about the other ASEAN countries, we could plan strategies on how to face AFTA in our own country.
Meliani, one of BNEC’s Steering Committees, on her third year of the college, recently got a chance to go to Vietnam for ASEAN in Today’s World Programme 2015. It is a two-week international study program focusing on ASEAN and East Asian affair where the accommodation, local transport, and meal expenses are fully funded. She was chosen after passing the requirement phase which is a submission of an essay.
The activity that Meliani and the other chosen participants joined was Learning Vietnam language starting from basics. After that they also learned the ASEAN Economy. Then, they also got the chance to travel around the city guided by the Vietnam Liaison Officers to places such as mall, lakes, temple, and parks. While, on the weekend, the participants were invited to go to Machu Village or Halong Bay. In Machu Village they could go shopping, see the traditional house, traditional dance, and last but not least, the traditional foods.
The most interesting experiences for Meliani were:1. The experience to visit a new country.Seeing new cultures including the food and places that she has never seen before. She was also taught how to play Beer Game, the game that who loses should drink the beer.2.
Friendly friends from all around ASEAN, sharing tradition and also cultures.Each of the chosen participants did the presentation about their own country so the others could learn and know more about various things in ASEAN Countries.3. The lessons and lecture which are so open minded and inspiring.In the lecturing, they are so practical not only theoretical.