With excellent academic achievements and experience in connecting and exchanging with many cultures, Dang Quynh Chi, 22, a student majoring in International Business, the University of Economics under the University of Da Nang - UD) was honoured to be the city's representative to attend the ASEAN - Japan Students Conference under Japan’s Friendship Ties Programs “JENESYS” in January. Through the conference, Chi and other student delegates from across the country spoke up on energy development and climate change adaptation.

Student Dang Quynh Chi (second from left) is a representative of Da Nang and other Vietnamese students attend the ASEAN - Japan Students Conference. Photo courtesy of Dang Quynh Chi

Returning to Viet Nam after nearly 10 days of attending the conference in the land of the rising sun, Chi was still filled with joy because it was her dream and pride while sitting in the lecture hall.

To attend the conference, Chi had to go through a rigorous journey to meet the selection criteria such as writing an essay, critical thinking ability, foreign language proficiency, good health, preparing a good profile and clearly demonstrating appropriate abilities.

At the same time, candidates were encourage to have a deep understanding of Japan in terms of culture, economy, politics as well as the relationship between Japan and ASEAN countries. This helpd Chi participate in effective discussions, contributing practical and valuable ideas.

Chi affirmed that attending JENESYS is one of the memorable and meaningful experiences in her youth journey, because Chi met, exchanged with friends from 11 countries around the world.

Through the trip, Chi visited the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where delegates learned about Japan's foreign policy, cooperation with ASEAN and global challenges, affirming the role of the young generation in promoting regional connectivity and cooperation.

Above all, Chi also had the opportunity to study at the Chiba University of Commerce to learn about the status of energy use in Southeast Asian countries and solutions to optimize Japan’s energy reserves.

While listening and talking with Professor, scientist Teshima Susumu about the potential for renewable energy development in Viet Nam, Chi realized that the young generation is not only observers but also change makers.

Chi also had countless valuable experiences when visiting the Izunuma and Uchinuma Sanctuary Centre to learn about environmental conservation activities and the connection between nature and humans in order to better understand the importance of protecting ecosystems and natural resources.

The JENESYS conference was divided into 3 groups according to 3 discussion topics:  ‘Maritime Security and Rule of Law’, ‘Climate Change and Energy’, and ‘Cultural Preservation and Education’.

Chi's group was assigned to discuss energy and climate change, present the current status of energy use in Southeast Asia and propose solutions under a student’s perspective.

In the group speech, Chi focused on the relationship between businesses and sustainable development. For the time being, Southeast Asia is lacking investment in renewable energy, with investment levels only 1/5 of the set target, according to the 2023 report.

To overcome this situation, businesses need to apply the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), a comprehensive framework that looks at organisational impacts on the environment; the treatment of employees, stakeholders and community members; and addresses the quality of governance structures. This is a strategy that not only helps protect the environment but also attracts investors’ keen interest in sustainability. This discussion content was highly appreciated by scientists, professors and delegates attending the conference for its feasibility.

In the future, with the advantages of attending the conference, Chi will seek business opportunities in an international environment and connect many different cultures. Along with the cited experiences, Chi hopes that it will be the foundation to reach out and better understand the trends in sustainable business development in the world, especially trade and finance. She hopes to create a strong community of young people in this field to develop the country and the Southeast Asian region as a whole.

Reporting by HUYNH VU - Translating by A.THU