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ASEAN Goes To School

Semarang, 28th April 2026 — SMAN 3 Semarang was having a visit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an event entitled “ASEAN Goes To School” that was attended by many other students from other schools, such as SMAN 1 Semarang, SMA 5 Semarang, SMK Pika Semarang, and SMK Jateng Semarang. The program was also attended by the Ambassador of Thailand to ASEAN, the Ambassador of Australia to ASEAN, and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN. The attendance of the informants was hoped to give the students new insight and knowledge about ASEAN. The theme of this program is about the opportunity to study abroad in ASEAN and Australia.

 

Presented by H.E. Ms. Prinat Apirat, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Thailand to ASEAN, ASEAN 101 & Educational Opportunities in Thailand. ASEAN is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, having 11 countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. Just like any other country, ASEAN was meant to focus on peace & safety, the economy, and improving the quality of life by building a caring community. The outcomes of ASEAN benefits include cheaper products, wider job opportunities and scholarships, and assistance with recovery after disasters through the AHA Centre. The impact of exchanges & scholarships by ASEAN partners is mentioned in the ASEAN-China Young Leaders Scholarship Programme (ACLYLS), a Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme.

Presented by H.E Tiffany McDonald, Australia’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Analyzing the role and relevance of ASEAN, and assessing the strategic relationship between Australia and ASEAN. ASEAN-Australia education ties, studying abroad in Australia, gave the opportunity to understand and explore familiarity with Australia more, building networks through scholarships and student exchanges. The world is a big place with opportunities; therefore, from the presentation given, the presenter gave the motivations to study hard to dig deeper into opportunities in education, especially through the ASEAN-Australia relationship.

Presented by H.E Enzo Fidal, Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to ASEAN. Entitled to the Philippine Chairship of ASEAN 2026. Navigating Our Future, Together. The Philippines’ Three Main Priorities (3Ps) are:

  1. PEACE AND SECURITY Anchors: championing peace and stability through dialogue.
  2. PROSPERITY Corridors: Building systemic connections towards a shared prosperity through economic integration.
  3. PEOPLE Empowerment: Empowering ASEAN’s people by fostering social inclusion.

With 3Ps, Navigating Our Future, Together, would be easier to achieve.

The program ended with an open discussion and questions asked to the diplomats, with much enthusiasm from the students. They were eager to raise their hands and ask questions related to ASEAN and its relations with countries, especially Australia, and some asked about the scholarship programs and opportunities. With all the enlightenment from the presenters, students were expected to have more motivation to study and pursue their dreams.

 

 

By: Kayla Alifa Putri Asna X-6

SMAGA Media Center.