(Bandar Seri Begawan, 17th) Former participants from Brunei and Thailand of the 17th Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) in 1990 recently reunited in Brunei. After thirty-six years, they met again to relive the precious memories of sailing together and cross-cultural exchanges, bearing witness to a friendship that has withstood the passage of time.
Siriwan Mena, Marayart Chiarakul, and Komkrich Jurakanon from Thailand, accompanied by Mrs. Komkrich, Narisa Kullavanijayapk, visited Brunei and dined together with their Bruneian counterparts. During the gathering, the group shared their life experiences over the years and reminisced about the moments aboard the Nippon Maru cruise ship—including joint learning, cultural exchanges, and memorable experiences during visits to Southeast Asian countries and Japan. The atmosphere was warm and joyful.
1990 was an unforgettable year for many participants. That year's 17th SSEAYP saw 35 Bruneian youths representing the country, joining young people from other Southeast Asian nations and Japan on an international exchange voyage lasting over 50 days. Participants boarded the Nippon Maru in Bangkok, Thailand, and journeyed to Singapore, Penang (Malaysia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Brunei, Manila (Philippines), and finally to Japan. Through activities such as cultural exchanges, thematic discussions, and community visits, their mutual understanding grew deeper.
The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program was initiated by the Japanese government in 1974, aiming to foster mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation among youths of Southeast Asia and Japan through both on-board and onshore exchange activities. Participants must pass selection by their respective governments to represent their country in the program. Since its independence in 1984, Brunei has been actively involved in this historically significant international youth exchange program, providing its youth with a platform for broadening their international horizons.
Notably, Bruneian writers such as Zhu Yunli and Yang Deye were also members of the 17th SSEAYP, and have remained active in cultural, literary, and community affairs, promoting exchanges and connections among different cultures.
Attendees expressed that although thirty-six years have passed, the friendships established aboard the Nippon Maru have never faded. This reunion was not only a nostalgic look back at their youth, but also a testament to the seeds of friendship sown by international youth exchanges, crossing borders and generations, and still flourishing to this day.
Siriwan Mena, Marayart Chiarakul, and Komkrich Jurakanon from Thailand, accompanied by Mrs. Komkrich, Narisa Kullavanijayapk, visited Brunei and dined together with their Bruneian counterparts. During the gathering, the group shared their life experiences over the years and reminisced about the moments aboard the Nippon Maru cruise ship—including joint learning, cultural exchanges, and memorable experiences during visits to Southeast Asian countries and Japan. The atmosphere was warm and joyful.
1990 was an unforgettable year for many participants. That year's 17th SSEAYP saw 35 Bruneian youths representing the country, joining young people from other Southeast Asian nations and Japan on an international exchange voyage lasting over 50 days. Participants boarded the Nippon Maru in Bangkok, Thailand, and journeyed to Singapore, Penang (Malaysia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Brunei, Manila (Philippines), and finally to Japan. Through activities such as cultural exchanges, thematic discussions, and community visits, their mutual understanding grew deeper.
The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program was initiated by the Japanese government in 1974, aiming to foster mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation among youths of Southeast Asia and Japan through both on-board and onshore exchange activities. Participants must pass selection by their respective governments to represent their country in the program. Since its independence in 1984, Brunei has been actively involved in this historically significant international youth exchange program, providing its youth with a platform for broadening their international horizons.
Notably, Bruneian writers such as Zhu Yunli and Yang Deye were also members of the 17th SSEAYP, and have remained active in cultural, literary, and community affairs, promoting exchanges and connections among different cultures.
Attendees expressed that although thirty-six years have passed, the friendships established aboard the Nippon Maru have never faded. This reunion was not only a nostalgic look back at their youth, but also a testament to the seeds of friendship sown by international youth exchanges, crossing borders and generations, and still flourishing to this day.