My Trip to Singapore for The SUSI Alumni Workshop March 2013

I just recently returned from a week trip in Singapore. The purpose of the trip was to attend the Study of the United State Institutes (SUSI) ASEAN Alumni Workshop which was held from 7-11 March 2013. Yet I made 2 days of extension due to national holiday in Indonesia (12 March 2013).

The workshop was about gathering the Alumni of SUSI program on Global Environmental Issues from both University of Montana and University of Hawa’i from all around ASEAN countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia) to prepare for the Alumni Engagement Innovative Fund  (AEIF) which is  an annual based grant by US Department of State for those graduated from any of US program. I myself graduated from SUSI Global Environmental Issues in University of Montana back in 2010 when I was still on my last year of undergraduate student. It is funny to imagine three years later I met the same people with the same habit and the memories of living in Montana are flashing back and forth.

Three years ago in DC

Three years ago in Bison National Range

Three years ago with my beloved girls in front of  The White House

I can say that the workshop is most likely discussing on how to write proposal for grant and how to approach people to support the idea on the proposal. Luckily the proposal that me and my team proposed was among the top 3 from 20 something initial proposals. It then gave us chance to present the idea in front of four panelists in the US Chamber of Commerce office in Singapore on the last day of the event. It was such an honor and I felt so thankful for the support of all the SUSI alumni who vote our project. It was out of my expectation because the truth is I made the proposal almost 3 years ago, right after returned from US in Summer 2010. I have not got the chance to do something about it due to my other activities. Yet I am so glad that we made it this time! I would not let the idea sinking in the middle of other activities again. Actions speak louder! So hell yeah, let’s implement it.

By the end of my presentation, Lori from the East West Center University of Hawa’i expressed that she was impressed by my presentation and then proposed me to apply for the Asia Pacific Leadership Program (APLP) in East West Center. I’d really love to go there one day. In fact, I’ve been wanting it for long! Maybe after finishing my imminent master study in ANU. ;)

Just in case you are curious about the project we proposed. We named it Youth Ecopreneurship  (YEP) Camp. It is more about linking up environmental issues, entrepreneurship and local value. Find the detail here  http://yepcamp.weebly.com/

Update: I just got the video of my presentation from the mentor, here it is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSVEhd5wPM8 

Tell me your opinion?

Love,

Olivia