On the morning of April 19, 2016, Dr. Xu Bu, Chinese Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and ASEAN Permanent Representatives visited Yenching Academy. Professor Yuan Ming, Dean of Yenching Academy and John Holden, Associate Dean of Yenching Academy greeted the Group at Jingyuan Courtyard 3.
The year of 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations, and the ASEAN Permanent Representatives visit China in commemoration of this anniversary. Dean Yuan Ming expressed a warm welcome to the delegation and Associate Dean John Holden gave a brief introduction on the Academy, the first cohort of Yenching Scholars and the coming scholars of year 2017 to the Permanent Representatives.
After learning about the scholarship and the program, H.E. Tan Hung Seng, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Singapore to ASEAN humorously raised the question “Do you accept any mature students? Can I also apply?” Associate Dean Holden then explained that the Academy is flexible on age limitation, and there are many other requirements for the candidates to be accepted. Permanent Representative Tan said this was an extraordinary program for young people to learn from and communicate with other young minds from all over the world, and he would like to know more about the Academy and the scholars in depth in the future.
During the meeting, other representatives also showed great interest in the China Studies Program offered by Yenching Academy. H.E. Norng Sakal, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Cambodia to ASEAN pointed out that young scholars from ASEAN countries should take their responsibilities and contribute to strengthening the friendship between China and ASEAN countries. They should also serve as the bridge among cultures and promote mutual understanding and cooperation in various social levels.
H.E. Min Lwin, Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to ASEAN was more interested in the general picture of ASEAN students studying at Peking University. He asked Dean Yuan Ming about the admission rate of ASEAN students and their academic performance. Dean Yuan responded that there were three Yenching Scholars from Singapore and Vietnam for the first cohort, and this autumn, more brilliant students from ASEAN countries would join the Yenching Academy. Although some ASEAN students studying at Peking University might have difficulties in language fluency, they could still be assured that all the academic resources and facilities of Peking University were open to them and would help them understand China better.
Following the meeting, Ambassadors and Representatives met and engaged in conversations with Yenching Scholars on the experience of studying and living in Yenching Academy, and the relationship between China and ASEAN countries.
