On Friday 11 December 2009 from 4.30 to 6.30 p.m., Ambassador Nopadol Gunavibool was invited to join “Evening with Sunburst Youth Camp” to mark the closing of the Sunburst Youth Camp (SYC) 2009 at the SEAMEO Regional Language Centre. The Guest-of-Honour for the evening was Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of National Development. Capt. Sutheepong Kaewthup, Acting Defence and Naval Attache of the Royal Thai Embassy and Mrs. Nattriya Kaewthup, also attended, together with the Ambassador of Myanmar and representatives of Embassies and High Commission of the participating countries.

SYC is a gathering of youths from each of the ASEAN member countries, as well as from China, India and a “guest country”, which, for this year is Bhutan. It has been run for 12 years since 1995. A delegation of 8 youth, aged between 14 to 17, are invited from each country, while Singapore is represented by 51 youths from the various junior colleges and polytechnics. The 147 youths spent 6 days together, having a unique experience of learning and interaction, and through the programme, get to know Singapore and the diverse culture of the region. SYC aims to create goodwill and foster friendships amongst the youths of the region through their shared experience. SYC is sponsored by Singapore Endowment Programme Ltd. (STEP), which was represented by Mr. Willie W. Chan, at the closing ceremony. STEP is a charitable organization set up in 1997 by Singapore Technologies Pte. Ltd. To commemorate its 30th anniversary. Its aim is to provide opportunities for the youth from Singapore, ASEAN, Asia and other partner countries to share experiences, establish friendships, learn together and network among themselves as future torch bearers and leaders of Asia.

An Evening with SYC aims at an enjoyable time in sharing in the colorful and diverse performances presented by the youth. The performances reflect the cultural heritage of their respective countries and the vibrant energy of the youths. There would also be a time of interaction with the youths at the closing dinner after the performance.

The Thai youth group, led by Ms. Tepkanya Promkatkaew, Academic Staff of the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology, participated actively in a wide-range of activities that are educational and team-building. This year, Thailand showcased the theme of Loy Krathong at their exhibition booth and performed a lively northeastern folk dance called “Hunting for Red Ants’ Eggs”.