ASEAN in Todays World

Essay in English -Why I want to join ASEAN in Todays World

This form should be typed. All applicants should set out below a statement of their reason for wishing to study at the ASTW Program within 800-1000 words. If necessary, continue on the next page. In case of using the second page, please specify your name on the second page as well.

Name of Applicant
In full, exactly as on the Application Form (Form-1)

Raynard Lim Yu

University

Ateneo de Manila University

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If you asked me what my passion is life is, I would instinctively say travel without any hesitation. Some people merely say that they enjoy travelling because they equate these experiences to vacations but my reasons come from a thirst for adventure and a genuine interest to meet new people, experience new things, and learn from different cultures. Rather than simply going to touristy places, I am the type of person who prefers taking the road less travelled to fully immerse myself with what that particular place has to offer. I believe that my experience studying abroad in Beijing, China has also widened my perspective and opened my eyes to a world far different from my own. I initially came there sheltered; nave, and immature but have since grown tremendously in terms of maturity and open mindedness. Culture shock is definitely a part of the experience but I have learned how to handle different situations and people without overstepping my bounds. Near the end of my stay there, I was presented with an offer to represent the school as one of the students invited to dinner with the Mexican ambassador of China. It was an honor to have been selected to attend such a prestigious event. Asias rich culture has definitely piqued my interest for the longest time. It is mostly grounded on a long tradition passed down from one generation to another and is of a collective nature based on the ideals of unity, honor, and respect. During the fall semester last year, I spent nearly four months taking intensive Chinese language and culture classes along with a few management electives. My main focus has been in completing my Chinese Studies minor, but I regret to say that I seemed to have skipped and ignored learning more about my Southeast Asian neighbors. With the onset of globalization, I believe it is important to gain exposure by stepping out of my comfort zone in order for me to continue fostering cultural sensitivity and mutual understanding. That is the reason why I would love to take part in this exciting new opportunity that ASEAN in the world today has presented. Similar to some of my experiences as part of the Ateneo Project for Asian International Relations (APAIR), I am thrilled at the prospect of once

again being thrown into a heterogeneous group of international students from all over the Southeast Asian region. I view this as a perfect opportunity for like-minded individuals to gather, interact and forge new bonds that may serve as a stepping-stone to greater thing by presenting us an opportunity for further collaboration. With regards to the courses offered, I hope that I would be able to get into ASEAN Economics to supplement what I am learning about business management. I really do think that the ASEAN community has a strong potential for economic growth and would most likely consist of the new generation of Asian Tiger Economies in the upcoming years. Being knowledgeable about this region may prove to be beneficial for my future endeavors as it is a growing market. Opportunities are likely to present themselves in the near future and I hope that when the time comes I would be prepared to handle the situation well drawing from my past experiences. For the language course, I am hoping to take basic Japanese Language and Culture as I have a strong interest with Japan ever since I was a kid. Despite this, I have never attempted to learn the language though because the prospect of having to learn more than one set of alphabet actually intimidated me. However, I am ready to take on the challenge and I believe that my background in Chinese would help me pick up the language easier with some parts of the Japanese language was derived from Chinese. Lastly, I think my participation in this program would allow me to become an ambassador of Filipino culture. I would be honored to have the chance to once again share my cultural heritage and present to others the uniqueness and diversity that we possess as Filipinos. In exchange programs, I was always the guest but perhaps this time around I can be a good host to our visitors and showcase the trademark Filipino hospitality that we are known for. I would go the extra mile to make sure that they will enjoy their stay in the Philippines and make it one of the best experiences they have ever had. I can go on and on with my appeals and reasons to be accepted into this program. However, I believe I have said enough and I really do hope that you are able to see my genuine interest to take part in ASEAN in the world today. I am hoping that you grant me this privilege and opportunity to do so. Thank you very much!

Raynard Lim Yu Ateneo De Manila University