On the first day, the delegates were required to be dressed in traditional costumes that represent the multicultural Malaysia. We prepared the Malay, Indian and the Peranakan costume to brighten the event. During the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Initiative Global Youth Summit 2018, opening speeches were given by the principal and the director of the school. The event was hosted to shed light on the Belt and Road Initiative and to promote inter-school relations in the surrounding region. They were followed by two special guests who shared stories of encouragement and their way of changing the world, such as the Omni Processors in China.
After the speeches, we were ushered into a classroom to present our views on the topics given in front of an audience of 5 schools. Alicia, Derek and Sue Herng took the stage as they presented their topic entitled “The Historical Significance of the Old Silk Road brought upon Malaysia”. We shared about the stories of Zheng He, the Straits-born Chinese, the cultural and historical background that gave birth to the multicultural Malaysia. Subsequently, the delegates of other schools presented their topics respectively regarding their country. From the ancient, mighty Persia, to the entrepôt of Temasik, it was a history textbook brought to life.
The second topic presented by the group was on “How the Belt and Road Initiative is transforming our country, Malaysia”. Lee Mei Chie, Nicholas, Kuan Hua and Ruo Yun shared about the developing projects in Malaysia, including the Malacca Gateway, the East-Coast Rail Link (ECRL), the Xiamen University campus and many others. They talked about the economic benefits that our country could reap from foreign investments through these projects. Following our school’s presentation, the representatives of other schools presented their topics respectively.
Apart from making presentations, we enjoyed tons of entertaining and interesting activities, such as making a stadium prototype that reflected our country’s culture and having a small discussion about investing an imaginary country. Not only that, we went on a campus tour of Peking University where the architectures of ancient Chinese buildings blended beautifully with the stunning scenery of the lake and the surrounding flora. Following that, we had a field trip to the Great Wall of China and the Beijing National Stadium. It was definitely a trip to remember.
At the closing ceremony, gifts and certificates of participation were awarded to all who took part. A video was shown relaying the exciting events that happened within the three days. Looking back, memories which were invaluable flooded everyone’s heart. Representatives from a few school delegates gave their speeches to show how they have gained from this summit.
After the closing ceremony, everyone had dinner together, which gave all the opportunity to socialize with the delegates and teachers from other countries. Everyone shared laughter, smiles, pictures and even souvenirs. Local delicacies were served, and the team also took the opportunity to exchange contacts with friends from other countries. Soon, it was time for everyone to leave. It was hard to bid farewell, especially since good friends were made with the ambassadors and delegates from other countries. Heavy heartedly, we left Beijing and boarded the plane which took us home.
This experience teaches all that everybody makes a difference in this world. It is our future to create and mold. What we choose to do and think will be the deciding factor on the outcome that will be presented. It was a very meaningful trip which taught the team that all are living as a community, striving together, in order to bring hope and light to the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment