Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program 2004

Friendship beyond Frontier

   The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) is an annual programme sponsored by the Japanese Government and supported by the member-countries of ASEAN. The programme brings together about 300 youth from ASEAN countries and Japan, providing them with the unique opportunity to interact on board the ship Nippon Maru for 50 days. 

   SSEAYP started in January 1974 based on Joint Statements issued between Japan and the five ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1985. Vietnam participated in 1998. Cambodia joined the programme in 2000. 

  The aim of SSEAYP is to foster friendship and greater understanding among youths from Japan and ASEAN. It also seeks to broaden their international outlook. 

  A series of activities are lined up for the selected participants. The programme during voyages include discussions on social and youth matters, cultural introductions, sports, recreation and club activities. Activities at each port-of-call include interaction with the local youths, courtesy calls on dignitaries and institutional visits, as well as community service and homestay experience.

  SSEAYP 2004 is scheduled to be held from 31 August to 13 October 2004. During this period, the ship will visit six of the ten ASEAN countries namely Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Laos will be sending a contingent of 28 youths and a National Leader to participate in this year's programme.

 More for their schedule coming to our website very soon.

* photos from JPY press 2003