ASEAN Gives Awards to Outstanding Youths

In recognition of their inspirational roles and contributions to their communities, ASEAN has presented Youth Day Awards to nine outstanding youths. The awards were given out at the 14th ASEAN Youth Day Meeting and Youth Day Award held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from 6-7 February 2008.

The recipients are from different age groups and backgrounds, ranging from artist, activist to scientist. Each is an inspirational role model, demonstrating excellence in his/her field of work and contributing significantly to society. For example, one of the members of the National Anti-Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam, Mr. Haji Md.Faizul Shah Noel bin Haji Md. Jaafar, received the award for a successful youth programme on drug awareness.

The awards were presented by the Secretary-General of Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union, Mr. Khamphan Sitthidampha, in the presence of representatives from all ASEAN Member States.

  
(left) Ms. Awit Radiani from Indonesia and Eunice Olsen from Singapore (right)

On winning the award, Ms. Awit Radiani, the artist and entrepreneur of Patch Work from Indonesia, said, she was proud to have been chosen from among many talented Indonesian candidates.

“I would like to encourage all the young people to be independent, have a fighting spirit, be innovative and creative in achieving your goals”, said Ms. Radiani. This way, she continued: “the young people can contribute more to our community and to our nation”.

The ASEAN Youth Day Award Ceremony has been held as part of the ASEAN Youth Day Meeting (AYDM) since 2001. The theme of this year’s AYDM was “One ASEAN at the heart of Dynamic Asia”.

The ASEAN Youth Award recognises youths with outstanding contributions towards their communities

AYDM is observed annually on 8 August. It was formed to highlight the role and contribution of young people in ASEAN towards the development and prosperity of the region. Each Member State takes turn to host the special programme, bringing together youths and youth leaders to commemorate the event.

List of awardees are:

1. Brunei Darussalam
   Mr. Haji Md.Faizul Shah Noel bin Haji Md.Jaafar
   Persatuan Basmi Dadah (BASMIDA)/The National Anti Drug Association of Brunei Darussalam
    

2. Cambodia
   Mr.Kao Rith
   Deputy Director of Department of Education, Youth and Sport, Kampot Province
    

3. Indonesia
   Ms. Awit Radiani
   Art Worker and Entrepreneur of Patch Work
    

4. Lao PDR
   Mr. Khamla Phouminh
   National for Science Technology Authorities
    

5. Malaysia
   Mr.Nasrul Bin Ahmad
   Malaysian Association Youth Club
    

6. Myanmar
   Ms.Cho Thiri Maung
   Myanmar Women Entrepreneurship Association
   Executive Director Malikha Power Engineering
    

7. Singapore
   Ms.Eunice Elizabeth Olsen
   TV Host, Nominated Member of Singaporean Parliament, Pianist and Volunteer
    

8. Thailand
   Mr. Watcharin Ratcharin
   Lawyer and Youth Activist
    

9. Viet Nam
   Mr.Nguyen Viet Que Sun
   Youth Union of Ho Chi Minh City
    

Posted 13 February 2008