INTERVIEW WITH FORMER CANDIDATES BEFORE THE ASIA YOUTH LEADER 2024
19.08.2024
AEON Vietnam, in collaboration with the AEON 1% Club, has been organizing the Asia Youth Leader program since 2010 with the aim of nurturing youth and providing opportunities for Vietnamese students to enhance their knowledge in Japan. This initiative also serves as a platform for cultural exchange among students from different countries, thereby strengthening diplomatic relations between nations.
On the occasion of the upcoming inauguration of the Asia Youth Leader 2024 program on August 19, 2024, AEON Vietnam reached out to the "Class of 2K1" alumni who participated in the Asia Youth Leader program in 2017—Thùy An, Xuân Mai, and Thành Thông. The goal was to listen to their reflections and insights after the program, with the intention of gaining a deeper understanding of the values and foundational development that the program has provided them.
The Asia Youth Leader 2017 delegation in traditional Vietnamese áo dài, embodying the spirit of Vietnam in Japan
"Why did you decide to participate in the Asia Youth Leader program?"
- Thành Thông: After the second-semester exams, my teacher noticed I was quite mischievous and suggested I sign up. Initially, I was lazy and not very interested, but as I learned more about the topic, I became intrigued and curious, so I decided to join. After passing the first round, I was determined to give it my all, pushing myself to 200%. Thanks to that, I had an amazing experience with my friends at the Asia Youth Leader 2017.
- Thùy An: To overcome my fear. The Asia Youth Leader program was an opportunity for me to challenge myself in something I had always feared and never dared to do: speaking in front of a crowd.
- Xuân Mai: I wanted to gain more knowledge and make more friends, so I decided to test myself in this competition.
Starting with skepticism, Thùy An returned with pride for having represented Vietnam on the international stage.
"What values and knowledge did you gain from the program that you found most meaningful?"
- Thành Thông: The program was truly a milestone in my maturity at the age of 16. What I learned the most was how to work effectively in a team with people from different cultures, which helped me recognize the value of each individual within a group. Additionally, I came to understand what it truly means to be a "leader." A leader may not necessarily be the most skilled person, but they are someone who understands the value and abilities of each member and works together to help the team grow.
For Thành Thông, the Asia Youth Leader program represents a significant milestone
- Thùy An: With the topic "Food and its Impact on Public Health," I gained extensive knowledge about food safety and how Japan is addressing this issue from various perspectives.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to connect with friends from different countries, and I learned a great deal about their cultures as well as new insights from their nations. Beyond the specific achievements after the competition, I am also very proud to have been able to share the most beautiful images of Vietnam with friends from around the world.
"Advice for Future Participants of the Asia Youth Leader Program"
- Thành Thông: My advice is: Be yourself, be unique.
- Thùy An: My life motto is: "Don't sweat, just do it anyway." I began the Asia Youth Leader 2017 journey with fear, and I returned with pride and gratitude because I chose to "go for it" rather than retreat. Just do it—do it for yourself and let your own unique colors shine in their own way.
- Xuân Mai: Always believe in yourself, and you will reach the goals you set.
AEON Vietnam hopes that the sincere reflections from the "2K1 Gen-Z" will inspire students across the country to register for the English Eloquence Contest for high school students in Ho Chi Minh City (EEC-English Eloquence Contest). This contest, organized in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training, aims to select the most outstanding individuals to participate in the Asia Youth Leader program. We also wish this year's "warriors" valuable knowledge and memorable experiences in the Land of the Rising Sun.
For more information on the 2024 English Eloquence Contest, please visit: here.
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As part of the "Nurturing the Younger Generation" category within the "Social Sustainability" aspect, the Asia Youth Leader program is one of AEON Vietnam's sustainable development efforts. The program aims to provide positive learning and development opportunities for the younger generation, contributing to the creation of a sustainable future.
With the motto "Every penny counts", AEON Vietnam is committed to ensuring that every customer transaction creates value for the local community and contributes to social development. AEON Vietnam focuses on building a sustainable future through three key aspects: environmental, social, and economic.
🌍 Learn about AEON Vietnam's sustainable development efforts at: https://corp.aeon.com.vn/phat-trien-ben-vung/chinh-sach-csr/
