Inspirational learning journey
> Ambitious young talent Charis Chan experiences the significance of sustainability in Africa
TON TUESDAY HE J.C. Jacobsen Foundation in collaboration with the Carlsberg Bequest in Denmark recently granted a full scholarship to an undergraduate student Charis Chan Wei Yenn with an inspirational learning experience of a three-week Young Global Pioneers (YGP) JOURNEY in Tanzania from July 31 to Aug 20.
An avenue to pledge her commitment towards addressing climate change and the concept of circular economy, the JOURNEY was an enriching one as Chan experienced the significance of sustainability in Africa.
2016 marked the 2nd edition of the JOURNEY by YGP where 20 young talents from 11 countries were either handpicked or underwent extensive application processes. Chan stood out amongst other applicants in Malaysia and represented the Foundation on her quest to become the next generation of responsible and global minded leaders through activities, lectures and adventures in Tanzania as well as engage in dialogues on global trends and challenges. The scholarship covered all activities in Tanzania including flights, on-ground transfers, accommodation, meals, insurance and pocket money for visa application, vaccinations and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Chan said: “The JOURNEY was not only an eye-opening but also a life-changing experience for me! The people of Tanzania have a simple, sustainable yet wonderful living. I, in particular, was very inspired when interacting with kids of SOS Children’s Village in Zanzibar and truly enjoyed learning the sustainable living of the local communities of different tribes. This gave me a deeper understanding of the various societal roles and how this diversity is vital in a circular economy.”
“It was definitely a bucket list experience across the continent – when we visited the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, I spent a day spotting lions, elephants, hippos and zebras and soaked in the enchanted realm of coral reefs and mangroves. I have not only learned about the biodiversity of coral reefs and mangroves but have gained a better appreciation for the tremendous efforts on wildlife conservation that I saw in place at the conservation,” Chan commented when committing to spread the importance of climate change going forward.
“We are pleased to sponsor Charis Chan, a humble but ambitious young talent to experience the JOURNEY. Our Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Carlsberg Malaysia, is committed to provide equal opportunity for education and support the quality of education of Malaysian students, especially those from a nonprivileged background”, Pearl Lai, Executive Director of J.C. Jacobsen Foundation shared.
“We encourage knowledge building of young Malaysian talents in understanding and championing causes around humanitarian aid, environmental conservation and sustainable ecosystem. The JOURNEY is a platform that meets the mission of the Foundation. It supports the legacy of our founder J.C. Jacobsen on his visions for a sustainable world.”
Organised by YGP, the learning architecture of JOURNEY is developed by Prof Subramanian Rangan, Prof of Strategy, INSEAD, in partnership with companies, universities, SOS Children’s Village, Save the Children, WWF and other affiliated organisations.
“Today, we change tomorrow. YGP is all about facilitating global insights and engagement, enhancing intercultural skills and creating worldwide youth networks and friendships. We believe that intercultural understanding paves the way for mutual respect. This type of crossborder interaction and networking will ignite responsible and conscious future leaders, ready to take on the social, environmental and economic challenges of tomorrow,” said Dr Birgitte Hagemann Snabe, Founder and CEO of YGP.
Chan will continue to engage in
the YGP Talent Network and take part in the peer-to-peer investigation and reflection that will be organised by YGP. For more information, please visit https:// www.facebook.com/ YoungGlobalPioneers/