International Studies students once again demonstrated their exceptional diplomatic skills at the ASEAN Youth Dialogue Competition 2023 with the theme “Invest in our Planet”. This was the third time the Miriam College International Studies participated and bagged awards at the prestigious event.

The ASEAN Youth Dialogue Competition 2023 is an annual competition organized by the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam that aims to create constructive discourse on pressing environmental issues within the ASEAN region. Miriam College Department of International Studies has been one of the organizers of the event since 2021. This year, six IS students (Bea Viloria, Marg Cruz, Bianca Ferrer, Julia Santoyo, Danielle Noche, and Irish Shayne Francisco) were part of the organizing committees: publicity and media, communication and registration, and the research and analysis.

MC IS delegates (Zoe Nicola Verzo, Aless Leaño, Angelica Therese Boquiren, Maureen Rosario, Dominique Althea Policarpio, Sophia Segundera, Samantha Louise Yoingco, Church Dolatre, and Zara Mae Cubacub) represented the countries of Malaysia and Vietnam where they introduced the country's stance, progress, and recommendations on deforestation, particularly highlighting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 on climate action and 15 on life on land. The team also emphasizes the importance of synergizing efforts of the ASEAN Member States on deforestation along with other suggested policies on the rights and protection of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) ancestral lands.

Miriam College takes immense pride in the remarkable achievements of its IS students at the prestigious ASEAN Youth Dialogue Competition 2023. Once again, they have showcased their exceptional abilities, reaffirming their commitment to excellence and bringing honor to our institution.

By: Irish Shayne Francisco and Danielle Noche