Closing the 43rd SSEAYP

Speech by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, at the Sending Off of the 43rd SSEAYP

Ship Administrator, Ms Kaori Nakamura

Fellow council members of the National Youth Council Singapore

National Leaders

Participating Youths

Volunteers from the SSEAYP (pronounced as “See-ah-up”) International Singapore and Steering Committee

Host families

Ladies and gentlemen

1. Good afternoon to everyone.
2. It seems very recent that I was taking in the sights and sounds of the performance put up by last year’s SSEAYP Singapore Contingent at their pre-departure concert. I am glad to see that these youths, and many other SSEAYP alumni, have joined us here today to witness Nippon Maru’s departure for her next port-of-call.
3.  We have marked many significant events in the region over the decades. This year, Singapore and Japan celebrate SJ50, and the strong ties between both countries. In 2017, we will mark the 50^th Anniversary of the founding of ASEAN. All these would not have been possible if our young people did not come together and commit to a collective and progressive future. SSEAYP has been instrumental in bringing together diverse youths from the region to broaden their worldview and promote mutual understanding.
   
   

   Recap of programme in Singapore

4. In Singapore, the SSEAYP local programme kicked off with the first-ever ASEAN-Japan Carnival, showcasing the diversity of ASEAN and Japan and celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of Singapore and Japan Diplomatic Ties. I hope you enjoyed the many offerings ranging from performances by our youth talents and Japanese groups, to silkscreen printing, and most notably, the Chicken Rice Sushi - a fusion of Singapore’s and Japan’s well-loved dishes. This dish is symbolic of the Singapore-Japan ties: by combining the best that each country can offer to achieve surprisingly dynamic results.
   
   

   Social contribution activities

5. The participating youths, or PYs, have also taken part in social contribution activities, with visits made to organisations such as Association for Persons with Special Needs, Beyond Social Services and Food From The Heart. This helped them better understand how Singaporeans foster an inclusive society by reaching out to the needs of the community.  Perhaps you may also encounter similar challenges in your own community. As youth leaders, all of you have the potential to create an impact on the region’s future. I encourage you to get involved in some of these community initiatives and think about how you can make a difference.
   
   

   Homestay

6. One of the other significant portions of the local programme was the homestay. I hope the PYs have been able to soak in the warmth of your host families and the buzz of our Singapore city while spending time here. I believe it is an exchange benefitting both sides - the PYs getting a feel of the Singaporean way of life, and the host families understanding more about the countries of their guests. Without the generosity of the host families who opened up their homes, a truly local experience would not have been possible.
   
   

   Thanks and acknowledgements

7. I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the Government of Japan for their generosity in sponsoring this programme, and the ASEAN member states for their full support. This initiative that started more than forty years ago has created a deep and lasting impact for many of us, and I look forward to many more years to come as we strengthen the ties within the region and beyond. 
8. I also wish to acknowledge the dedicated volunteers from SSEAYP International Singapore, partners, and nominating agencies. Thank you for supporting the National Youth Council in organising this local programme. Your efforts have borne fruit, and the local programme has been a memorable one.
   
   

   Closing notes

9. To conclude, I would like to congratulate each and every PY for embarking on this journey. I am sure the experience gained and friendships forged will stay with you for life. At the close of your stay here in Singapore, I hope you bring away with you, memories of an exhilarating four days; do come back and visit us one day.
10. With that, I wish all PYs the very best as you set sail towards Indonesia. May you continue to cherish every opportunity presented to you, and enjoy the rest of your voyage. Thank you very much