Festival brings ASEAN cultures together

Youth leadership

The festival was made even more meaningful by the fact that it was largely initiated and organized by the students themselves.

Behind the vibrant displays were months of preparation led by young volunteers from different countries and academic backgrounds.

Cheah Kai En, one of the main coordinators from Malaysia, said the preparation process was long and demanding. Coordinating student organizations from 11 ASEAN countries required sustained communication and close cooperation, much of which took place online.

"It was not an easy task," she said. "But throughout the process, everyone was very supportive and willing to work together."

What impressed her most, she added, was the participants' level of commitment.

"Students used their spare time to prepare performances and booth displays while managing their studies at the same time. That dedication really highlighted the strength of young people," she said.

Another key organizer, Tan Jiale, a Malaysian student at Peking University, described the festival as a form of grassroots diplomacy driven by youth.

"International relations today can be complex and sometimes tense, but youth can contribute in a different way," she said.

Tan emphasized that the event was designed to give young people a platform to speak for themselves. "We wanted participants to tell their own stories, rather than having their cultures explained for them. Although everyone came from different backgrounds, there was a shared willingness to connect and communicate," she said.

"When young people meet face to face, trust is built naturally," she added.