2004 APEC International Youth Camp
By Azaraimy HH

Five high school students yesterday received a farewell ceremony at the Berakas Secondary School as they were going on an eight-day trip to participate in the 2004 APEC International Youth Camp hosted by Chinese Taipei from August 18.

Scholars, experts as well as representatives of non-government organisations and the business sector are also expected to attend the camp with its central theme of "Entrepreneurship: an Experiential Learning Trip, more than 15 APEC Member Economies."

Guest of Honour at the aforementioned ceremony, Dyg Apsah Hj Abd Majid, the Director of Schools at the Ministry of Education, gave the students some advice and wished them the best of luck.

In particular, she told them to be cheerful and friendly to other students, behave accordingly and not to tarnish the country's good image.

The farewell was attended by the school's principal, Ms Lee Yen Tshien, parents and other teachers.

The five will be accompanied on their trip by head of delegation and chaperon Cikgu Norkhairulaney Damit.

During this ceremony, the students showcased a medley of Jipin Tar and Joget Kenangan.

The cultural dances, which will also be performed during the camp's last day, are the result of a four-day training choreographed by Cikgu Syed Rosman.

One of the five, Mohd Fauzi Hj Mahmud, said, "I felt very lucky to be chosen, I'm excited and looking forward to this trip. I would like to thank the Ministry of Education and school for giving us this priceless opportunity."

The Form Five Science 1 student added, "We had been given a programme outline, which includes field trips, group discussion, presentation, drama performance and cultural performances among others.

"All in all, we will develop skills through reflection and brainstorming combined with formal conference discussions to share knowledge and skills," he said.

Chaperon Cikgu Norkhairulaney Damit read out the camp's objectives during the farewell ceremony.

He said that by emphasising on being active, and by showing passion, enterprise and community values, the camp aims to inspire creativity and encourage youth involvement in community development throughout the APEC region.

"The youth camp will become an opportunity for students to find valuable entrepreneurial skills in Chinese Taipei through organised field trips and other experiential learning exercises," said Cikgu Norkhairulaney.

"It also hopes to raise an awareness of sustainable development among the youths of APEC economies as this is one of its objectives," he further stated.

Field trips will focus on these themes: Cuisine and Restaurant Management, Development of Community Economies or Technological and Human Development.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin