5.4.13

MISS CAMPUS SUMMIT 2013



 Konichiwa! Japan was a combination of work and play, and this post is dedicated to the “work” side of our amazing trip! This was my second visit to the beautiful country of Japan, and this was Elizabeth’s first time, so it was very exciting for the both of us. Basically this all started with me being Miss UPH (Universitas Pelita Harapan) Scholar 2010 way back in the day when I was invited to be on a Japanese television show that came to our university about the documentation of Miss campuses in Asia. We never knew this, but programs like Miss Campus in Japanese universities are a pretty huge deal! The girls in Japan who become Miss Campus in their universities go on to have modeling contracts, television appearances and become somewhat local celebrities in their hometowns, which is completely different to what we see here in Indonesia!

            Anyways, about a year later in late 2011, I was invited to Japan to attend the Miss Campus Summit. To my knowledge and understanding at that time, this was a meeting between various Miss Campuses around Asia that would come together, represent their countries and share their knowledge concerning their homeland and universities. I was SO excited as at that time I had never been to Japan and it was an all expenses paid 4 day trip to gain cultural experience and meet other wonderful girls, what could a girl ask for more? So, I went and it was incredible!

            I was invited again this year in February to attend the Miss Campus Summit and meeting, this time held in Tokyo. Of course, Elizabeth didn’t want to miss another chance of going to Japan, so she came along. This was an 8-day trip so we were super excited. Plus it was so nice to get away from our university work and thesis for a whole week!

            This time around, I was told that we would be conforming a Miss Campus Organization and that seven miss campuses would be a part of this organization; myself, Miss Campus Vietnam (Quyen), Miss Campus Singapore (Louisa), and four Miss Campuses from Japan (Hiroko, Shiori, Yoko, and Mariko). Basically the aim of the organization is for Asian countries to develop deeper relationships of peace and friendship, contribute in maintaining international peace through cultural exchanges between students of different countries. No matter your nationality, religion, ethnicity, economic status, this organization embraces each other’s differences and comes together with mutual respect for one another. I am incredibly humbled and proud to be part of this great organization!

The first day we had a meeting within the Miss Campus Organization in which we talked about our hopes, plans, and ideas of what we wanted to do with the organization. The meeting was followed by a press conference and brief interviews with the Japanese press. The next day was the actual summit where 20 Japanese Miss Campuses from various cities throughout Japan competed for the title Miss Campus Japan. We got to wear our traditional garments that day, so I wore my beautiful kebaya :) There were seven judges, including us, the International Miss Campuses. The girls had to give a presentation about their hometowns and basically convince us why we should visit, which for us seeing their beautiful presentations made us love Japan even more! Afterwards, Louisa, Quyen, and I also gave individual presentations about our countries and universities. In the end, Naomi from Niigata won that night, congrats! Afterwards there was a small dinner party and we got to mingle with the other judges, including the minister of tourism of Japan, and the other girls, which was very exciting.

On our last day in Japan, we had quite a busy morning! We arrived at the House of Representatives, Tokyo to meet and chat with the minister of foreign affairs Japan. We also met and talked with the Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party, Mr. Shigeru Ishiba. Among other things, we discussed peace within Asian countries as well as women’s role in society. It was very enlightening and a great experience overall!

xx



13 comments:

  1. All beautiful ladies! I would
    totally fail with the presentation
    part :c I love the traditional
    kebaya!

    xx

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  2. Amazing phots !

    Now i'm following you come to my blog and follow me too :)

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  3. How amazing sister..

    I Adore you both dear!! XOXOXO
    happy weekend

    I follow you now, would you like to follow each other?

    http://www.intantyapranandini.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you sooo much!
      We're following you now dear!

      xx

      Delete
  4. amazing!
    keep the good work ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wow amazing!
    you look very pretty dear :D

    PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM
    PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM
    PUTRIVALENTINALIM.BLOGSPOT.COM

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  6. adorable and inspiring
    you guys look pretty in kebaya!

    claireteressa.blogspot.com

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  7. oh wow this is so so so so so cool!! being in an experience like this must be very exciting. also those pictures on the last post were so great! <3 i want japan T.T hahaha x

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  8. Thank your so much for your sweet comment, i always like to read it :)
    You look so beautiful!!
    Come back and check my new post at;
    http://peaceinmyshoes.blogspot.com.es

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  9. you girls looks so gorgeous :) nice blog <33

    xx,
    www.mai-vhee.blogspot.com

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  10. Looks like you had an amazing time! Beautiful photos.

    Lindsey. x
    www.elegant-chaos.blogspot.com

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  11. Wow!! You have a lovely blog!! What do you think about following each other on GFC or Bloglovin? Please let me know if you're interested and I'll follow back. Hope to hear from you soon.

    xoxo
    Louisa
    http://lapassionvoutee.blogspot.com/

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  12. wooow, such an amazing experience! everyone looks pretty & stunning, including your kebaya ;) super awesomee!

    x
    sartob

    ReplyDelete