JUGAS Public Lecture by
Ambassador Ong Keng Yong

As one of celebration events of   45th anniversary of JUGAS (Japanese University Graduates Association of Singapore), Public Lecture “Strengthening the ASEAN-Japan Partnership in Building the ASEAN Community”  by Ambassador Ong Keng Yong was held on 23 July, 2015 at Singapore Polytechnic Auditorium, co-organized by Japan Creative Centre, Embassy of Japan in Singapore.

Ambassador-at-Large Mr. Ong Keng Yong,and Executive Deputy Chairman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, has an extensive diplomatic career and also served as Secretary-General of ASEAN from 2003 to 2007.

The lecture was full of expert’s insights yet infused with friendly humorous touch, which really entertained the audience from academic experts to working professionals.  In his lecture, he has recognized Japan’s various contributions for the development of ASEAN member states, especially the infrastructural investments and the youth exchange programs.

As ASEAN will establish Economic Community this year, Ambassador Mr. Ong has emphasized the people-to-people connectivity in multiple fields. He has also suggested that the ASEAN-Japan partnership in the 21st century should expand to new dimensions of common challenges such as security cooperation, natural disaster management and climate change as to promote peace and prosperity in the region.

At the reception after the lecture, a local professional participant commented in his fluent Japanese, “The lecture was candid, informative and enlightening which enables us to better understand the ASEAN-Japan partnership. It was indeed a great opportunity to think over Japan-ASEAN close ties, as we will be celebrating Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations (SJ50) next year.

Q&A Session moderated by Mr. Tan Choon Shian	Presentation of Token of Appreciation
Question & Answer session at the lecture	Ambassador-at-Large Mr. Ong Keng Yong, Ambassador Mr. Haruhisa Takeuchi, Embassy of Japan in Singapore,President of JUGAS Mr.Tan Kay Guan, Principal & CEO of Singapore Polytechnic Mr.Tan Choon Shian