What is SSEAYP?

The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) is based on the respective Joint Statements issued in January 1974 between Japan and the Republic of Indonesia , Malaysia , the Republic of Philippines the Republic of Singapore and the Kingdom of Thailand. Negara Brunei Darussalam ,following full independence and its admission to the ASEAN in January 1984 , joined the program in 1985. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam joined in 1996 , following its admission to the ASEAN in July 1995 , and the Lao People's Democratic Republic and the Union of Myanmar joined in 1998 after having been admitted to the ASEAN in July 1997. Furthermore , in 2000 , the Kingdom of Cambodia also joined this program following its admission to the ASEAN in April 1999. This program is carried out by the Government of Japan with the active participation and cooperation of these ten Southeast Asian countries.

The purpose of this program is to promote friendship and mutual understanding among the youth of Japan and Southeast Asian countries ; to broaden their perspective on the world , as well as to strengthen their motivation and ability in international cooperation by participating in discussions , in ob-board introductions to each country , and in various exchange activities both on-board and in the countries visited. In addition , the participating youths are expected to progress to leadership positions in youth activities , and in various other sections , in their own country after this program.

SSEAYP Participating countries:

(by alphabetical order)

1. Brunei
2. Cambodia
3. Indonesia
4. Japan
5. Laos
6. Malaysia
7. Myanmar
8. Philippines
9. Singapore
10. Thailand
11. Vietnam

SSEAYP Activities :
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1.Activities on Board the Ship ;
a) Discussion
b) Solidarity group activities
c) Club activities
d) Introduction to each country
e) Lectures
f) Studies for safe voyage , including lifeboat drill
g) Other activities approved by COC (Cruise Operating Committee)

2.Activities in the Countries Visited
a) Courtesy calls and Reception
b) Homestay
c) Parties on board , and open ship
d) Program on interaction with local people during a visit to facility
e) Other activities arranged by the respective governments/ reception committee

(Implementation of these is limited to when the program has sufficient spare time to add an extra activity other than those listed above.)

Solidarity Group (SG)

SG B performing the Nippon Maru song

club activity: experiencing the Japanese tea ceremony

institutional visit

cultural performance

homestay programme

discussion

Nippon Maru - the ship commissioned for SSEAYP, carrying participants across the ocean from Japan to ASEAN

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SSEAYP Official language :
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English is the working language throughout this program.

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SSEAYP Participating Youth Qualification :
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1. 18-30 years of age
2. Able to participate throughout the program
3. Having a command of English adequate to enable participation in the activities both on board and in the countries visited.
4. In good health , both physically and mentally.
5. Adaptable to an orderly group life in accordance with the program schedule
6. Having a good understanding of, and interest in, the countries visited.

(Text from ASSEAY Thailand
Photos (c) Jennifer Mok)

Links: SSEAYP photos of Jennifer BPY07
Blog of Brunei Participating Youth 2007