Wing Bank Supports the 48th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program

What’s New

Wing Bank (Cambodia) Plc. reaffirms its commitment to supporting the international youth exchange program, the Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program (SSEAYP).

Since Cambodia joined the program in 2000—just a year after becoming a recognized ASEAN member in 1999—664 Cambodian youths have participated in this enriching experience.

In 2024, the program embarks on its 48th voyage since its establishment in 1974.

This year, 15 Cambodian youths, along with a National Leader, were selected by Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport through a rigorous application process that included an essay competition and a series of interviews assessing their competence, experience, ethics, and knowledge of ASEAN-Japan affairs.

They will join a youth delegation of over 168 participants from ASEAN member states for a unique opportunity to live aboard the ship Nippon Maru for 38 days, participating in workshops and discussions aimed at nurturing leadership skills, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation.

Mr. Hor Bunthe, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Wing Bank, expressed full support for the SSEAYP program, aligning with Wing Bank’s mission to motivate and empower the younger generation.

“Supporting young people to actively participate in the global community not only raises their awareness but also promotes a sense of responsibility in contributing to a better society,” said Mr. Hor Bunthe. “We are very pleased to see young Cambodians seize this opportunity to participate on the international stage and showcase Cambodia’s rich and diverse cultural heritage to the world.”

The 48th voyage of the SSEAYP will take place from November 4 to December 11, 2024, visiting Japan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This journey will offer the delegation opportunities to pay courtesy calls on national leaders, visit key institutions, engage in cultural heritage activities, and participate in cultural exchanges through homestays. Throughout the voyage, participants will foster friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding.

Under the theme “Youth Participating,” the delegation aims to broaden perspectives on leadership in a globalized society, raise awareness of social issues, and inspire collaborative actions to seek positive solutions.

The discussion themes for the 2024 SSEAYP were inspired by the Implementation Plan of the Joint Vision Statement on “ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Trusted Partners,” adopted during the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo in December 2023.

Themes include Soft Power and Youth People-to-People Diplomacy, Economic Growth and Sustainable Communities, Global Environment and Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery, Good Health and Well-being, and Digital Society.

“SSEAYP is a transformative program that extends beyond the role of Goodwill Ambassador. It strengthens relations between ASEAN and Japan while fostering meaningful youth-to-youth exchanges, enhancing mental and physical abilities, and unlocking each participant’s full potential,” said Mr. Sos Solihen, the Cambodian National Leader. “Youth should strive to showcase their cultures and national pride while also learning to be open-minded and cooperative. This will help create a harmonious and prosperous future for generations to come.”

The Cambodian youth delegation expressed heartfelt gratitude for the program, saying, “We would like to thank the leaders and sponsors, such as Wing Bank, for supporting us and providing this unique opportunity to represent Cambodia. Through this program, we can engage in meaningful exchanges and proudly share our national pride with friends from abroad.”

Wing Bank’s ongoing support for youth initiatives underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and human resource development in alignment with Cambodia’s strategic goals. By empowering young people through programs like SSEAYP, Wing Bank aims to equip the next generation with the skills and mindset necessary for meaningful contributions to Cambodia’s future development.

This involvement is part of Wing Bank’s broader vision to create opportunities and promote innovation in alignment with Cambodia’s Pentagon Strategy focused on human resource development. Through such initiatives, Wing Bank seeks to enhance the capacity of Cambodian youth to contribute actively to the nation’s growth and progress in the years to come.