Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program
), commonly referred to as The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program and SSEAYP /sjɑːp/ ⓘ, /siːˈjɑːp/ see-YAHP, is an annual youth exchange program organised by the Cabinet Office of Japan and governments of Southeast Asian countries for the purpose of promoting friendship and mutual understanding among the youths of eleven Southeast Asian countries and Japan, to broaden their perspective on the world, and furthermore, to strengthen their spirit of international cooperation and practical skills for international collaboration.
Since its inception in 1974, the program has organised 46 international voyages attended by youth delegations sent by governments of respective members.
SSEAYP is an annual programme sponsored by the Japanese Cabinet Office and supported by the member-countries of ASEAN.
The programme brings together more than 300 youths from ASEAN countries and Japan, providing them with the unique opportunity to live together on board the ship Nippon Maru [ja] for over 40 days.
SSEAYP started in January 1974 based on Joint Statements issued between Japan and the five ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
The impact of SSEAYP towards a more peaceful world can be measured by the active participation rate of former SSEAYP participants in well-planned Post-SSEAYP Program Activities (PPA), coordinated by the Council Of Presidents (COP) formed by Presidents of the respective Alumni Association of ASEAN and IYEO.
The SI pledge was re-cited by the 123 participants of SIGA 1999 held in Singapore hosted by SSEAYP International Singapore as follows: We, the members of the SSEAYP family, Pledge to stand united as one people, Regardless of race, language, religion, batch and nationality.
SSEAYP International General Assembly (SIGA) shall be organized annually by member Alumni Association (AA) for the following purposes: A To create opportunity for the reunion of former participants to promote lasting friendship, understanding and goodwill.
B To exchange information on activities of AA & SI secretariat; C The agenda for SIGA shall include 3 parts as follows: C1 Council of Presidents Meeting C2 Open Forum C3 Organised tour / Home stay / Social Service Projects proposed by Host Country The following SIGA were successfully hosted by AA since 1988: 1.
Mr Tan was elected the inaugural Chairman of Singapore Alumni Association when it birthed on 15 July 1979.
He took over as Chairman in 1984, and was the SIS first national signatory who endorsed the SSEAYP International (SI) Charter in 1987 in Japan.
In compliance with the SI Charter, first SSEAYP International General Assembly (SIGA) was organised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by SI-Malaysia or KABESA in 1988.
3 Mr Rodney Yee Poh Hong, PBM (1988 – 1990) - Chairman SAS/ PY 1982 Wavelength continued to serve as the communication link with SIS members.
Under the leadership of Ms Jenny Koh, the roles of SIS was expanded to include: • Chairmanship of the Singapore Local Programme Reception Committee since 2000; • Member of the PY Selection Panel since 2000; • Chairmanship of the SWY local programme in Singapore in 2002 and 2003 • Active partnership in youth exchange programmes with Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan (Iwate), Malaysia(collaboration with NYC) and Vietnam.
SIS hosted a SI Millenium Chat-cum-Dinner in local hotel in October 2000 to commemorate SSEAYP Day, wherein PYs from any country can dial in to chat.
The SSEAYP 2010 Local Reception Committee was chaired by Miss Koh Mui Hiang Jenny.
- Streamlined the SIS Biennial General Meeting (BGM) standard operating procedures (SOP).
8 Mr Tang Kwok Hoong Gerald, PBM (2016 – 2018) - President SIS PY, 34th SSEAYP 2007 - Certificate of Honour was presented by the Japan government to SIS in 2016 for its significant contributions in promoting friendship between the people of Singapore and Japan.
10 Mr Fong Yoong Kheong, PBM (2020 - 2022) - President SIS PY, 37th SSEAYP 2010 Yoong Kheong set a new standard in keeping SIS members together with “online alumni activities”, in view of the Covid-19 restrictions on social gatherings.
The web presence of SIS was revamped with online registration function and e-payment capability via UEN for all activities moving forward.
SIS (Sharing Inspirational Stories) birthed in the midst of Covid-19 circuit breaker in 2021, provided a good platform of encouragement and hope to members and friends via Facebook.
11 Mr Muhammad Hafidz Zainal Abidin (2022 – 2024) - President SIS PY, 18th SSEAYP 1991 - Heritage walks organised periodically not only enhance the physical health but also embrace the rich historic values amongst members.
- Rapport with Year Representatives was kept warm by Hafidz's Ex-Co with regular engagement and briefing on SIS happenings.
