Embassy of Japan in Malaysia

The 26th SSEAYP International General Assembly (SIGA) in Langkawi

29 April 2014

The 26th International General Assembly of the Ship for South East Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) was held in Langkawi on 25 – 28 April. More than two hundred and fifty ex-youth participants, former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir who was the guest of honor and Senior officials of the relevant ministries of the Malaysian government, as well as Vice Minister Sakamoto of the Cabinet Office, Consul General of Japan in Penang Mr Noda and Director of the Japan Information Service of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia Mr Yokoyama attended SIGA this year.

SSEAYP is a joint program between the governments of Japan and ASEAN countries for youth exchange which started in 1974 and has brought together more than 10,000 participants from ASEAN countries and Japan since its inception.

This year, SIGA was officiated by Tun Dr Mahathir and featured the theme "Touch of Nature" in cooperation with the Malaysian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment as well as the Institute of Foresters, Malaysia. The program included reports on the social contribution activities of the respective alumni associations of participating countries and presentations and programs in relation with issues on natural conservation.

Tun Dr Mahathir stated in the Keynote Address that the direct face-to-face youth exchange through SSEAYP has been made possible to share concerns with each other as well as provide the opportunity for participating youths to address global issues.
Furthermore, over one thousand five hundred people consisting of SIGA participants and the local citizens of Dayang Bunting Island planted mangrove seedlings during the event. Former Prime Minister Abdullah and his spouse also participated in the planting. The planting of 20,200 mangrove seedlings went down in the Malaysia Book of Records as the "Largest Paya Bakau Species Tree Planting" and a certificate was presented to the organizer.

This year’s SIGA held in Langkawi was an excellent opportunity not only as a reunion for the SSEAYP ex-youth participants from ASEAN countries and Japan, but also for disseminating facts on Malaysia's efforts on environmental preservation and for the participants to carry out social contribution activities.