A student from the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program of Saint Louis University’s (SLU) School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) proudly represented the Philippines in the recently concluded ASEAN Global Youth Summit 2025.
Althea P. Tuvera joined 30 fellow delegates from across Southeast Asia for an enriching program held in Singapore and Malaysia on 24-26 June 2025. The summit blended academic exposure, cultural immersion, and youth advocacy, empowering young leaders to think critically and act sustainably for their communities.
The program kicked off in Singapore, where delegates visited the prestigious National University of Singapore (NUS), currently ranked 8th globally. There, they were given an in-depth orientation on the university’s application processes for both undergraduate and graduate courses, along with scholarship opportunities for ASEAN students and special programs offered exclusively to Filipinos. A campus tour followed, showcasing the university’s cutting edge facilities and vibrant student life.
Beyond the university walls, the delegates explored Singapore’s local culture, stopping by Bugis Street to sample authentic Singaporean cuisine and shop for local goods. They also made quick stops at the iconic Merlion Park, admired the architectural wonder of Marina Bay Sands, and capped off their Singapore experience with an exhilarating visit to Universal Studios.
After the Singapore leg, the delegates traveled to Malaysia for the main conference. One highlight was an exchange class at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), the country’s second-highest ranked university. Professor Hanna Ambas Khan from the School of Business and Economics delivered a lecture on business ethics, tackling key principles, real-life dilemmas, and ethical decision-making. Althea’s active participation in discussions earned her three tokens of recognition from the professor, a testament to her engagement and eagerness to learn.
The delegates were then challenged to create a Group Project Proposal responding to a surprise Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) scenario.
Tuvera’s team tackled the pressing issue of plastic waste in coastal villages, linking their solution to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Drawing from her social work studies, Althea applied the ecological systems theory, analyzing the problem through micro, mezzo, and macro perspectives while considering the relationship between people and their environment. The group’s winning idea, “Seastain”, short for sea sustainability, proposed a community-driven circular economy. Their plan involved a plastic collection and buyback scheme, an eco-product line featuring upcycled souvenirs and household items, hands-on eco-tourism workshops for visitors, and local school partnerships for sustainability education. Among all project groups, theirs was awarded “Best Youth Inspiration Idea Project.”
Proving her commitment to her advocacy, Althea also stood out in the “Youth Speak Up” competition. Delivering a heartfelt three-minute speech about youth social impact, she shared her experiences as a volunteer for the Philippines’ Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and as a global volunteer in Indonesia. Her speech emphasized the vital role of young people in building a better society. Out of 30 delegates, only four were chosen for the “Best Inspiration Speak Up” award and Tuvera proudly secured fourth place. This made her the only delegate to receive two gold recognitions during the entire summit.
The summit ended on a meaningful note as Althea and her peers volunteered at a small school in Malaysia, where they taught local children basic reading skills and songs. This heartfelt activity highlighted the delegates’ commitment to creating positive change wherever they go.
Before heading home, the delegates took a guided cultural tour around Malaysia, visiting landmarks such as the vibrant Batu Caves, the renowned Royal Selangor pewter factory, the bustling streets of Chinatown, and the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.
Reflecting on her experience, Althea shared, “I really love this program because we not only explored many places in Singapore and Malaysia but also learned so much about their history through guided tours. I also had the opportunity to meet inspiring youth and learn about their advocacies and what they are fighting for. My experiences here will forever shape me into a better person and professional.”
Tuvera’s success at the ASEAN Global Youth Summit 2025 serves as an inspiration for Filipino youth everywhere. It is a reminder that dedication, collaboration, and a genuine desire to make a difference can open doors to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Through these initiatives, Louisian youth leaders continue to uphold SLU’s vision of forming socially engaged, globally competent citizens dedicated to sustainable development and positive social change, reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. (Article and Photos by OGRAA)
