Two students of Faculty of Animal Science (FAS) UGM, Veronika Yusvita and Nisma Islami Maharani (both from student batch 2014) became delegates at the University Santo Tomas Model ASEAN Meeting (USTMAM) on January 29-31 2019 at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.
“USTMAM is a simulation of the ASEAN meeting held to train the ability and critical thinking of the younger generation in lobbying, negotiating and diplomacy. The event was attended by 100 delegates from ASEAN countries,” Veronika said when met at FAS UGM campus on Thursday (28/2).
Veronika revealed, the delegation of the University Santo Tomas Model ASEAN Meeting 2019 was challenged to discuss ASEAN issues from political, economic and socio-cultural point of view with more detailed scope. Delegates with different backgrounds and ideas have the rights to give opinions regarding existing policies and rules to reach mutual agreement.
“Delegates are trained to think critically and express their opinions, interact actively in conducting negotiations and diplomacy at the ASEAN meeting simulation. Through this ASEAN Meeting Model, the delegation is able to improve skills in diplomacy, public speaking, and establish good relations with other delegations,” said Nisma.
UST MAM is divided into 3 pillars, namely the ASEAN Political Security Community, the ASEAN Economic Community, and the ASEAN Socio Culture Community. Nisma Islami represents Indonesia in the pillar of the ASEAN Socio Culture Community to discuss global educational systems. Meanwhile, Veronika Yusvita represented Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the ASEAN Political Security Community pillar to discuss human trafficking. (Nadia)