The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP)

The Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP) is an annual diplomatic and cultural exchange program sponsored by the Cabinet Office of Japan in cooperation with the member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The program brings together more than 300 youth from ASEAN countries and Japan, providing them with the unique opportunity to live together on board the Japanese cruise ship “MS Nippon Maru” for over 50 days.

 

SSEAYP started in January 1974 by virtue of a Memorandum of Agreement signed by Japan and the five ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam joined in 1985. Vietnam participated in the program in 1996, while Laos and Myanmar participated in 1998, and Cambodia in 2000.

The aim of SSEAYP is to foster friendship, and to promote goodwill and greater understanding among young people from Japan and ASEAN countries. It also seeks to broaden their international outlook.

 

 

A series of activities are lined up for the selected participants. The program during the voyage includes discussions on relevant social and youth issues, cultural introductions, sports, recreation and club activities. While activities at each country port-of-call include interaction with the local youth, courtesy calls on dignitaries and institutional visits, as well as community service and a homestay experience.