AYE 2013: Youths Gather to Celebrate Peace & Unity

Asian Youth Exchange 2013 Malaysia

Global Peace Festival (GPF) Malaysia recently played host to a youth empowerment program, the Asian Youth Exchange (AYE) 2013 at the International Youth Centre, Kuala Lumpur from 2 to 5 July 2013 with strong support from the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN).

A total of 120 youths representing 11 countries in the Asia region (namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Korea, Myanmar, Cambodia, the State of Palestine, China, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam and Nepal) congregated at this unique platform to exchange ideas on regional and global issues, as well as exploring positive solutions towards fostering a culture of peace and volunteerism for greater good.

Ultimately, the objective of AYE 2013 was to develop future leaders with character, creativity and morals via various well-planned programs throughout the four-day program.

Asian Youth Exchange Malaysia 2013 from gpfmalaysia on Vimeo.

Dressed in their respective traditional costumes, the participants of AYE 2013 were joined by 200 delegates from the 3^rd International Model Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Global Summit 2013 for a meaningful intercultural experience at the International Youth Exchange Night. The night was graced by special guest of honour, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Kurup, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department who expressed his recognition and support to this unique gathering of local and international youths.

#Peace Forum

The participants of AYE 2013 were given the opportunity to voice-out ideas on global issues such as volunteerism and sustainable youth movements that will benefit communities via an intellectual forum featuring Mr James Poon, President of Global Peace Youth Corps; Mr Michael Teoh Shu Lim, One Young World Malaysia Ambassador and Mr Irfan Amalee, Founder of Peace Generation in Indonesia.

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#Unity Interfaith Walkabout

In promoting understanding and religious harmony, the participants of AYE 2013 were taken for a field visit to various religious houses located in Brickfields, including Evangeline Lutheran Church, Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple, Sri Sakthi Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Sam Kow Tong (3 Teachings) Temple and Madrasathul Ghoutiyyah. The ‘Interfaith Unity Walkabout’ was organized and headed by Dato’ Azman Amin bin Hassan, Director General of the Department of National Unity and Integration.

“The unity walkabout is something very special and meaningful for me. I am a Muslim and I have not visited any churches before. Now I believed that peace and understanding can be achieved regardless of our faith and religions,” exclaimed Hanna Andari, a participant from Indonesia.

#Hands-On Volunteerism: Power of 10 Sen

The 120 participants of AYE were also divided into smaller groups to find their way around Kuala Lumpur city while raising funds via the Power of 10 Cent project to support the teenagers living at the low cost flats at Jalan Loke Yew for a community service project. In order to raise funds, the participants showcased various talents in singing and dancing to mall goers, tourists, shopkeepers and passers-by and raised a total amount of RM1, 064.95 in just three hours.

Speaking about this meaningful program, Dr Teh Su Thye, Chief Executive Officer of GPF Malaysia said, “At GPF Malaysia, we are committed to raising young leaders for the future. International exchange program like AYE 2013 offers young people a different perspective on how they look at the world.”

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GPF Malaysia invites youths who are interested in service projects and volunteerism to contact us for upcoming projects and learning opportunities. Those who are interested may drop us an email at info@globalpeace.org.my

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