PINGYAO, (Shanxi, China), Aug 19 (Bernama) — A new generation of leaders is emerging to strengthen ties between China and ASEAN, driven by the efforts of students from Beijing’s prestigious Tsinghua University.
The Tsinghua University Student Association of China and ASEAN (THUCA) has become a cornerstone for young professionals to cultivate cooperation and mutual understanding between the two regions.
According to THUCA President Calvin Loi from Macau, the association has grown rapidly, with approximately 600 members now actively participating, and a dedicated core group of about 60 individuals spearheading its initiatives.
“Founded just two years ago by a group of students, mostly from Malaysia, THUCA aims to equip future leaders with a deep understanding of regional dynamics,” he told Bernama.
Loi also highlighted that Malaysian students form the largest group among ASEAN nationals at Tsinghua University, followed by Indonesians.
To reflect this demographic, the leadership team has adopted a dual presidency model, with one representative from China and one from ASEAN.
“This structure acknowledges that ASEAN students make up 60 to 65 per cent of the membership, while Chinese students constitute 40 per cent,” he said.
The association is already making its mark with Loi leading a delegation to the ASEAN-China Week (ACW) 2024, highlighting the growing influence of the next generation in strengthening China-ASEAN ties.
