The 2^nd Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) took place in Manila, the Philippines, from November 17^th - 21^st, 1997, uniting twenty-four outstanding student delegates from Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. These talented young individuals gather at the regional forum Hitachi has committed to, driven by our commitment to identifying and cultivating the next generation of leaders in Asia. The event provided a platform for them to collaborate, exchange ideas, and develop the skills necessary to help shape Asia’s future.

HYLI 1997 Student Delegates’ Learning Journey

This year's program cantered around the theme "Asia’s Growing Role in the lobal Village: How Will Asia Fit?. About 800 guests attended the forum, featuring distinguished speakers from the region. The student delegates were divided into three groups, with each group focusing on the following sub-themes which are of great significance to Asia:

• Asia’s role in a global economy
• Asia’s cultural developments in the international arena
• Asia’s social responsibilities as an international player

The event commenced with a Welcome Address. The day then proceeded with Plenary Session Presentations that prompted engaging and insightful discussions. Together, student delegates aspired for the Vision for Asia to be:

“We envision the Asia of the next millennium to be a region of mutual respect and understanding, that through a collective effort, would improve the quality of life of all Asians. Thus, Asia would exemplify the viability of sustainable development – the appreciation of diversity of cultures, ecological integrity, social cohesion, and economic growth.”

To advance Asia toward this vision, the student delegates proposed recommendations across various areas:

Economic recommendations
The student delegates envisioned an Asian grouping that will strengthen the competitive industries of its member countries through standardized economic policies, enabling the region to attain a stronger position in the global village Key economic fundamentals include:

• Strong control mechanisms
• Reduction of current account deficits
• Approach balanced budgets
• Shift of different target industries
• Official Development Assistance (ODA)

Cultural recommendations
While it is inevitable that certain state policies may impact the evolution of culture, the student delegates viewed this as undesirable. They recommended that the state act as a facilitator in the following areas:

• Provide support to non-mainstream groups
• Educate on diverse cultures
• Offer incentives for the private sector to support cultural activities
• Endorse equal awareness of both Asian and Western cultures
• Promote media literacy among the masses

Social responsibility recommendations
The emergence of Asia has heightened its crucial role in undertaking certain social responsibilities as an international player. In its course of development, Asia has embraced the concept of sustainable development.

• Conserving the region's resources and protecting the environment are essential aspects of this development.
• The degradation of Asia's environment has far-reaching implications, not only for the region but for the entire world.

Urban poverty in fast-developing Asia is also a primary concern, alongside issues such as crime, inadequate housing, the denial of human rights, and insufficient health care.

• If left unaddressed, these problems will worsen and hinder further development.
• The potential fragmentation of values highlights the urgent need to tackle these challenges.

Community work

After three days of hard work, the twenty-four student delegates had the chance to relax and unwind at the Makiling Laguna BSP campsite. There, they interacted with local youths from the National Youth Council through team-building activities, campfire games, and cultural performances and songs. They also participated in a tree-planting session that helped them understand the importance of environmental conservation.