Since it's SSEAYP month and I was feeling the #sseaypsick vibes, let's took a nostalgic voyage back to the magical journey we embarked on in 2019.
We arrived in the bustling heart of Tokyo on the 24th of October, 2019. The air was filled with excitement as we geared up for the orientation, the grand Inauguration Ceremony, and the Welcome Reception at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo. Then, with the SG H, we went to Osaka, Japan, traveling in the comfort and speed of the Shinkansen. In Osaka, we were awed by the historic beauty of Osaka Castle and other historical places. Our time in Japan was enriched by engaging host families, local programs, and insightful discussion sessions.
We later returned to Tokyo and proceeded to Yokohama. On the 2nd of November, we embarked on this beautiful vessel, Nippon Maru, ready to sail the vast, enchanting ocean. Nippon Maru was our home for the next 40 days (51 days in total including in Japan) and the PYs from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao P.D.R., Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam became our new friends and companions.
Center (NYC), Tokyo
Next, I wrote this part by part, for every activity and thing we had on board.
Contingent Activities
Activities with PYs in our 'home country' included rehearsals for performances, cheers, photoshoots, and other important preparations. Since I was the Head of Culture, my team needed to train almost every single night for the National Day Presentation! We HAD to do our best.
Solidarity Group (SG)
Every PY had its own SG, and I was with SG H. The SG activities were a delightful mix of fun and games to help us bond with our SG members. SG activities were carried out to deepen mutual understanding and to promote friendship among PYs in each SG.
I was with DG 9 on the Youth Entrepreneurship topic. The DG activities were pivotal, as they required us to engage in meaningful conversations about current issues, adding depth and relevance to the SSEAYP experience. PYs deepened their understanding of the respective countries' situation and exchanged opinions on common issues. With the dedicated efforts of Facilitators, I was convinced that PYs made the most of the Discussion Program.
PY Seminars and Voluntary Activities
Additionally, PYs organized seminars to share insights about their countries or hobbies, while Voluntary Activities provided a more recreational and casual break from the structured programs. PYs took the initiative to organize the activities that were held. Through planning and implementing these activities, PYs gained experience in acquiring leadership and communication skills. This extensive array of activities, combined with meal times, rest periods, reflection sessions, preparation times, and Port-of-Call activities, ensured that our days aboard the Nippon Maru were filled to the brim.
National Day Presentation (NDP)
The most exciting part (at least for me) was the National Day Presentation (NDP). NDP was the stage exhibition to introduce various aspects of the respective country by performing arts, presenting history, culture, people, and the current environment of the youth. For Malaysia NDP, the theme was Folk Dance. In total, if I'm not mistaken, we proudly presented 12 different dances (not including at the POC). I'M SO PROUD. All the PYS had the chance to experience every country's cultural show, and every NDP night was the most magnificent night ever. During our time, most of the countries showcased their cultural traditions, but this year, all PYs shared the issues of each country and were given the chance to think about them together during the NDP, right before the cultural performances.
One of the most thrilling aspects of SSEAYP was the Port of Call experience. In 2019, we visited Viet Nam, Singapore, Myanmar, and Malaysia. Being welcomed into a host family’s home and treated as one of their own was truly special. Our primary task was to immerse ourselves in the local culture and share our own country's traditions and stories. I was fortunate to have host families who were incredibly welcoming and easy to communicate with. Everyone’s experience was unique and invaluable, emphasizing the importance of appreciating each moment without comparison.
The deep blue sea was our companion until we reached the lively shores of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Here, we were greeted with a heartfelt Welcome Reception and an immersive country program, which included a memorable homestay experience. Our journey continued with a two-day cruise to the dynamic island nation of Singapore, where we engaged in another vibrant country program. The voyage then led us to the golden pagodas and rich culture of Yangon, Myanmar, where we docked for three days of enriching country programs. Sailing forward, we set course for the port of call in Malaysia. As we neared, we celebrated our diverse heritage with a magnificent National Day presentation. The morning in Dolphin Hall at Port Klang started with the proud echoes of Negaraku.
I was clumsy enough; I didn’t take so many photos of our Dining Hall and Food. So I don't have loads of pictures. Hungry enough maybe. Previous participants had recommended bringing sambal and local snacks, anticipating that we might grow tired of the onboard meals after a week. Additionally, having cup noodles on hand for those midnight cravings proved to be a wise suggestion. However, I found the buffet offerings, served three times a day, were extraordinary. I couldn’t get enough of the Udon Noodle Soup (couldn’t remember the name anymore). It was divine, and I still remember the taste of it. The variety of dishes increased as time passed, with new options introduced regularly. During the National Day Presentations, we also had the chance to enjoy every country's specialty meal for dinner, adding an extra layer of cultural celebration to the event. Btw, for every PYs after this, please please please have your meals with other contingents and bond with them and snap tremendous photos okay?
Not enough photos too! Shame on me. Wtv I have might not be in pristine resolution. Being disconnected from the internet while at sea was a double-edged sword. Our primary communication was the telephones in our cabins or hallways, which allowed us to call one another’s rooms. Announcements were also made via broadcasts, word-of-mouth, or through pouches on the country boards. We called it Pigeon Hole! Everyone had it, including the Admin and Ship Crew. It was equally important to show gratitude to the staff and crew who made our journey so memorable. To add a personal touch, we brought along stickers, colorful pens, and mini gifts to leave surprises for friends in their Pigeon Hole. Psst. Sometimes we got secret admiration messages as well! Hehe
I still remember the warmth of my 353-cabin room. Together with Fairy from Viet Nam and Kah Ming from Singapore, three of us were fortunate to have comfortable accommodations with air-conditioned rooms, fridges, windows, hangers, a sofa, a small table, a mirror, a TV, and ample storage space. It was quite confined but so homey. Maintaining cleanliness, managing our shared space, and setting mutual rules for any bothersome habits ensured a smooth living experience. The bathroom was really small enough; luckily, they had a water heater. Even the toilet bowl had heated seats, just what you need for that cold-season relief. Blissful enough. Even the bed, pillow, and comforter were so soft and delicate.
We were responsible for doing our laundry onboard. Complimentary washing machines, laundry detergents, dryers, and ironing boards were available. It was advisable to bring less expensive clothes to avoid any loss of property (after all, the PYs usually wore their sponsored clothes). Not to forget, use post-it notes to label the start and end times of your laundry on the machines to prevent mix-ups. Do bring laundry bags too. I don't have the laundry room pictures :(
Others
On Nippon Maru, we also had the theatre, a bar, a swimming pool, a dance studio, a spacious deck, and a mini-mart. I think we have more but I can’t recall. Remarkably, the ship also featured a grand hot bath known as Onsen, offering a serene and culturally enriching experience that added to the overall enjoyment of the journey.
The last part.
After our country program in Malaysia, we set sail once more, this time for a nearly ten-day cruise back to Japan. Upon arrival, we had our Debriefing Session, Farewell Ceremony, and a heart-warming Farewell Party, marking the end of an unforgettable voyage. Finally, on the 13th of December, 2019, everyone returns to their respective country, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories and lifelong friendships forged on the vast, wondrous ocean.
All and all, SSEAYP 2019 / Batch 46 was the most memorable and stunning experience ever in my life. I don’t get much seasick on board but I will forever get the #SSEAYPSick.
Full videos link
1) Watch our Corporate video here
2) Watch our Culture video here
3) Watch our NDP here (Part 1) (Part 2)
4) Watch our SSEAYP 2019 / Batch 46 Contingent Cheers here
5) Watch our POC Viet Nam Contingent Cheers video here
6) Watch our POC Viet Nam Performance video here
7) Watch SG H Performance - SG on the Floor video here
8) Watch MaPY46 Malam Selamat Berlayar video here
9) Watch MaPY46 POC Myanmar Flag Cheers video here
10) Watch SG H Group Cheers video here
P/S: My phone back then didn’t have much storage, so it was such a shame I didn’t have tons of photos and videos during my time. I advise the PYs after this, please invest in a big storage and good quality camera/phone. It is a lifetime memory.
