Put together fifty young creative talents from ten Southeast Asian countries and leave them to interact with one another over a twelve day period.  Give them some exposure to the various arts and culture in ASEAN, facilitate a couple of discussions and let them work together on joint projects and activities. Then expect nothing less from this intense cultural immersion than a lively exchange of ideas among these young people on their respective crafts. And in the process, also expect them to gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural heritage of Southeast Asia and become part of a community of young ASEAN artists and artistes.

Since 2000, this is what the ASEAN Youth Camp has been doing – exposing young people to the arts, crafts and culture of ASEAN and contributing to the development of future cultural leadership in the region.

For the sixth ASEAN Youth Camp, participants will gather in Brunei Darussalam from 10 to 22 January 2006. The theme for this year’s Camp is “ADHESION:  Water and the Arts”. The theme was chosen by the host country to reflect the important role of water, such as the Mekong River, the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, in shaping the civilizations and cultures of the ASEAN Member Countries. All presentations and activities at the Camp will echo this theme.

To enrich the cross-cultural experience for the participants, young talents from China, Japan and the Republic of Korea have also been invited to the camp as observers. All three countries have confirmed that they will be sending representatives.   

The previous five camps were held in Thailand (2000), Malaysia (2001), Myanmar (2002), Lao PDR (January 2004) and Cambodia (December 2005).

The ASEAN Youth Camp is a key project of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (ASEAN-COCI). It began as the ASEAN Youth Friend Programme, held in the Philippines in 1998 and Thailand in 1999. The aim was to build a stronger regional identity by raising awareness of Southeast Asia’s history and heritage through the arts.  This original intention remained when the ASEAN-COCI renamed the programme as the ASEAN Youth Camp and turned it into an annual event. Over the years, the aims of the Camp have also expanded to give participants a better understanding of ASEAN in general. 

History of ASEAN Youth Camp

Thailand (2000) Theme: “Cultural Heritage”.
Malaysia (2001) Theme: “Trail of Unity”.
Myanmar (2002) Theme: “Honouring Kindness through the Arts”.
Lao PDR  (2004) Theme: “Culture for Peace and Development”.
Cambodia  (2004)  Theme: “The Role of Youth in the Cultural Heritage”.